Dental Care
Dental Care for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dental care is one of the most important, and most frequently overlooked, aspects of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health.
A clean, healthy mouth is not simply about fresh breath or attractive teeth. Dental disease can cause pain, inflammation, infection, tooth loss and significant welfare problems. It can also become increasingly difficult to manage once disease has progressed.
The good news is that much of the plaque that contributes to dental disease can be managed through consistent preventive care at home, combined with regular veterinary dental examinations.
For Cavalier owners, dental care should be considered part of the normal routine alongside feeding, exercise, grooming, ear care, nail trimming and annual health checks.
The RSPCA reports that approximately 80% of dogs over three years of age in Australia show some degree of dental disease, highlighting just how important preventative dental care is.
Important: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. If your Cavalier has painful, bleeding or inflamed gums, significant tartar, difficulty eating, loose or broken teeth, facial swelling or persistent bad breath, consult your veterinarian.
Why Is Dental Care Important for Cavaliers?
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems affecting companion animals. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) describes oral and dental disease as among the most common medical conditions encountered in companion animals and highlights the pain and welfare consequences of untreated disease.
Dental disease begins with plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky layer containing bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque isn't regularly removed, it can mineralise into tartar (calculus).
Over time, this can contribute to:
Gingivitis
Periodontal disease
Gum recession
Damage to tissues supporting the teeth
Bone loss
Loose teeth
Tooth loss
Oral pain
Infection
Importantly, significant dental disease can exist below the gumline, where owners cannot see it simply by looking at their dog's teeth.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is disease affecting the structures that support the teeth, including the gums and tissues and bone surrounding them. It is one of the most important dental conditions in dogs.
The progression generally begins with plaque accumulation. As inflammation develops around the gums, the supporting structures of the teeth can eventually be damaged. Advanced periodontal disease can be painful and may result in tooth loss and other complications. This is why prevention is so important.
Dental care should not begin when your dog's teeth are already covered in tartar.
It should begin before significant disease develops.
Does Bad Breath Mean My Cavalier Has Dental Disease?
Persistent bad breath should not simply be dismissed as "normal dog breath".
An unpleasant odour can be a sign of dental disease, particularly when accompanied by:
Tartar
Red gums
Bleeding gums
Drooling
Difficulty chewing
Reluctance to eat
Pawing at the mouth
Loose teeth
The RSPCA advises that suspected dental disease should be assessed by a veterinarian rather than simply treated with products intended to freshen breath. Fresh breath is nice. Healthy gums are more important.
What Should Healthy Teeth and Gums Look Like?
Every dog's mouth is slightly different, but healthy gums are generally:
Pink
Moist
Free from significant swelling
Free from persistent bleeding
Teeth should not be covered in thick layers of tartar. However, do not rely on appearance alone. A dog can have significant disease below the gumline that is not obvious during a casual inspection. That is why veterinary dental examinations remain an important part of preventative care.
How Often Should You Brush Your Cavalier's Teeth?
Ideally, every day.
Daily toothbrushing is considered the most effective form of home dental care because it physically removes plaque before it has an opportunity to accumulate and mineralise.
The RSPCA recommends regular, consistent dental care and identifies daily brushing as the most effective home-care approach. If daily brushing is not immediately achievable, don't give up. Even establishing a routine of several brushing sessions each week is preferable to doing nothing, while working towards daily care. The most important thing is to establish a sustainable routine.
When Should You Start Brushing a Cavalier's Teeth?
As early as possible. Puppies should be introduced to mouth and facial handling gradually, even before they are ready for a full toothbrushing routine. This is about creating familiarity.
Start by teaching your puppy that: Hands near my face = good things happen.
Then progress gradually to:
Touching the face
Lifting the lip
Touching the gums
Touching individual teeth
Introducing a toothbrush
Introducing dog toothpaste
Brushing a few teeth
Gradually increasing the number of teeth brushed
WSAVA's toothbrushing guidance recommends beginning the training process from an early age, with formal brushing commonly introduced once the adult teeth have erupted or following professional dental cleaning.
How to Brush Your Cavalier's Teeth
Don't expect your Cavalier to immediately cooperate with a toothbrush.
Make it a training process.
Step 1: Get Your Cavalier Comfortable
Choose a quiet time when your dog is relaxed.
Gently stroke the side of their face.
Reward calm behaviour.
Step 2: Lift the Lip
Gently lift your Cavalier's upper lip.
Don't force the mouth open.
Simply allow your dog to become comfortable with you looking at their teeth.
Reward.
Step 3: Touch the Teeth
Use a clean finger to gently touch an easily accessible tooth.
Reward.
Repeat over several sessions.
Step 4: Introduce the Toothbrush
Allow your dog to see and smell the toothbrush.
Reward curiosity.
You can gently touch the toothbrush against the outside of a tooth without brushing.
Reward.
Step 5: Introduce Dog Toothpaste
Use toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs.
Never use human toothpaste unless your veterinarian specifically directs otherwise.
Some human toothpaste contains ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, including xylitol in some formulations.
Let your dog taste a small amount of the dog-specific toothpaste.
Step 6: Brush a Few Teeth
Start with the outside surfaces of a few teeth.
Use gentle movements.
You don't need to brush the entire mouth during the first session.
Step 7: Gradually Increase
Over time, work towards brushing all accessible tooth surfaces.
The aim is to establish a calm, predictable routine.
Which Toothbrush Should I Use?
There are several options designed for dogs.
These may include:
Small-headed dog toothbrushes
Soft-bristled pet toothbrushes
Finger brushes
Other veterinary-recommended dental brushes
The most important factors are that the brush is appropriate for your dog's mouth and that you can use it comfortably without causing discomfort. A toothbrush that is too large can make the experience unnecessarily difficult.
Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate toothbrush for your Cavalier.
Can I Use a Human Toothbrush?
A suitably sized, soft-bristled human toothbrush may sometimes be used, and the RSPCA notes this as an option.
However, many owners find a small dog-specific toothbrush easier to manoeuvre around the mouth.
Whatever you choose, never use human toothpaste without veterinary advice.
Don't Forget the Back Teeth
Plaque can accumulate on teeth throughout the mouth.
When your Cavalier becomes comfortable with brushing, work towards reaching the teeth towards the back of the mouth as well as the front teeth.
The RSPCA recommends gently brushing each tooth, including the teeth towards the back of the mouth.
Don't force your dog's mouth open to reach areas they are not comfortable with.
Gradual training is more important than completing a perfect dental clean on day one.
What If My Cavalier Hates Toothbrushing?
Don't turn toothbrushing into a battle.
If your Cavalier becomes frightened, struggles or tries to escape, go back to an easier step.
You may need to spend several days, or even weeks, teaching your dog to tolerate each stage.
Remember:
Progress is progress.
Brushing one or two teeth calmly is more valuable than forcing an entire mouth clean while your dog is terrified.
Use rewards throughout the process.
If your Cavalier remains extremely resistant, ask your veterinarian for advice about alternative home-care options.
What If My Cavalier Is Already an Adult?
It is never too late to begin.
An adult Cavalier may take longer to accept toothbrushing, particularly if they have never had their mouth handled regularly.
Start slowly.
Try this progression:
Week 1: Touch face and lips.
Week 2: Touch teeth with your finger.
Week 3: Introduce the toothbrush.
Week 4: Brush one or two teeth.
Then gradually increase the duration and coverage.
These timeframes are only an example. Some dogs will progress more quickly; others will need much longer.
What About Dental Chews?
Dental chews can be useful as part of a dental-care routine, but they should not automatically be considered a replacement for toothbrushing. Some dental products are specifically designed to help mechanically reduce plaque and tartar.
The RSPCA notes that dental chews and toys may help reduce plaque and tartar, although they do not prevent dental disease entirely.
When choosing a dental chew, consider:
Your dog's size
Age
Dental health
Chewing behaviour
Calorie content
Product safety
Whether the product has evidence supporting its dental claims
Your veterinarian can help you select an appropriate product.
Be Careful With Hard Chews
It is tempting to assume that the harder something is, the better it must be for cleaning teeth. That is not necessarily true. Very hard objects can fracture teeth. Avoid giving your Cavalier inappropriate items simply because they are marketed as "natural" or "good for teeth".
If you are unsure whether a chew is appropriate, ask your veterinarian.
What About Dental Toys?
Dental toys may provide some mechanical cleaning and can also provide enrichment.
However, no toy should be considered a substitute for:
Toothbrushing + veterinary dental assessment + appropriate professional treatment when required.
Choose toys that are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing style and inspect them regularly for damage.
Discard damaged toys.
What About Dental Diets?
Some veterinary dental diets are specifically formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar through their structure and other characteristics.
They can be useful for some dogs.
However, not every food labelled "dental" provides the same level of evidence or benefit.
Speak with your veterinarian before changing your Cavalier's diet specifically for dental purposes.
Dental diets should also be considered in the context of your dog's:
Age
Weight
Existing health conditions
Nutritional requirements
Other dietary needs
What About Dental Water Additives?
Some oral-care products can be added to drinking water or applied to the mouth.
These may have a role for some dogs, but they should be considered supplementary rather than automatically replacing brushing.
The RSPCA notes that veterinarians may recommend products such as chlorhexidine gels or rinses in particular circumstances.
Use veterinary-recommended products according to their instructions.
Look for Evidence When Choosing Dental Products
The pet-care market contains an enormous number of products marketed as "dental", "plaque-fighting" or "tartar control".
Marketing claims do not automatically mean a product has been demonstrated to provide meaningful dental benefits.
Ask:
Is there evidence supporting the product?
Is it appropriate for my dog's size?
Is it safe for my dog's teeth?
Is it appropriate for my dog's health?
Could my dog swallow large pieces?
Has my veterinarian recommended it?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is one useful source of information about products that have met its criteria for plaque and/or tartar control.
Your veterinarian can also help you choose appropriate dental products.
Veterinary Dental Checks Are Essential
Home dental care is extremely important.
But home care cannot replace veterinary dental examinations.
The RSPCA recommends at least annual veterinary health examinations, including dental assessment.
Your veterinarian can examine areas that are difficult for you to see at home and identify problems before they become advanced.
The appropriate frequency of dental checks may be greater for some dogs depending on age, existing dental disease and individual risk.
Why Professional Dental Cleaning Requires Anaesthesia
This is an important topic for dog owners.
You may see advertisements offering "anaesthesia-free" or "non-anaesthetic" dental cleaning.
It can sound appealing because it appears to avoid the risks associated with anaesthesia.
However, it does not provide the same comprehensive dental assessment and treatment.
A proper veterinary dental procedure allows the veterinary team to:
Examine the entire mouth
Assess each tooth
Examine below the gumline
Probe periodontal pockets
Remove plaque and calculus
Clean below the gumline
Polish the teeth
Perform dental radiographs when indicated
Identify damaged or diseased teeth
Extract teeth when necessary
Develop an appropriate treatment plan
The RSPCA states that a complete dental examination and cleaning requires general anaesthesia because it is not possible to adequately examine all surfaces, assess below the gumline or perform dental radiographs without it.
WSAVA similarly rejects non-anaesthetic dentistry as an appropriate substitute for veterinary dental treatment.
The goal is not simply to make the teeth look clean.
The goal is to diagnose and treat dental disease throughout the mouth.
Dental X-Rays Can Reveal Hidden Disease
Some dental problems cannot be identified simply by looking at the visible crown of a tooth.
Dental radiographs can help veterinarians assess:
Tooth roots
Bone loss
Root abnormalities
Teeth that appear normal externally but are diseased internally
Retained teeth
Other abnormalities
The RSPCA notes that dental X-rays may be recommended during professional dental procedures when indicated.
Signs Your Cavalier May Have Dental Disease
Watch for changes such as:
Persistent bad breath
Yellow or brown tartar
Red gums
Bleeding gums
Receding gums
Drooling
Difficulty chewing
Dropping food
Chewing on one side
Reluctance to eat
Reduced appetite
Pawing at the mouth
Facial swelling
Loose teeth
Broken teeth
Discoloured teeth
Whining when chewing
Becoming reluctant to have the face touched
Dogs do not always show obvious signs of oral pain.
A Cavalier may continue eating despite significant dental disease.
That is why "but she's still eating normally" is not a reliable reason to assume the mouth is healthy.
Dogs Can Hide Dental Pain
This is particularly important for owners to understand.
Dogs are often very good at adapting to chronic discomfort.
Your Cavalier may continue:
Eating
Playing
Going for walks
Greeting you
Acting normally
while still experiencing oral pain.
WSAVA identifies untreated dental disease as a significant animal welfare concern because oral conditions can cause pain and infection.
Don't wait for your dog to stop eating before taking dental problems seriously.
Puppies and Dental Care
Puppyhood is the ideal time to establish good dental habits.
Your puppy will eventually lose their deciduous (baby) teeth and develop their permanent adult teeth.
During this period, regularly and gently inspect the mouth.
Look for:
Baby teeth
Emerging adult teeth
Crowding
Teeth that appear to be retained
Broken teeth
Red or inflamed gums
Anything unusual
If you are concerned about how your puppy's teeth are developing, ask your veterinarian to examine them.
Retained Baby Teeth
Sometimes a deciduous tooth remains in place after the corresponding adult tooth begins to erupt.
This can create crowding and may contribute to dental problems.
If you notice an adult tooth growing alongside a baby tooth, don't simply assume the baby tooth will fall out.
Have your veterinarian assess it.
Teething and Dental Care
Puppies naturally experience a strong desire to chew during teething.
Provide safe, age-appropriate chewing opportunities.
Avoid extremely hard objects that could fracture developing or adult teeth.
Your puppy should learn that chewing appropriate toys is rewarding while inappropriate objects are not.
For more information, see the Cavalier Knowledge Centre guide to Teething.
Cavalier Dental Care and the Breed
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a relatively small breed, and dental care deserves particular attention in small dogs because their mouths can provide less space between teeth.
However, it is important not to make unsupported claims that every Cavalier will develop dental disease or that the breed is inevitably destined to have severe dental problems.
Instead, focus on what owners can control:
consistent home care + veterinary monitoring + early intervention.
Good dental care is one of the most practical ways an owner can positively influence their Cavalier's oral health.
Dental Care and Nutrition
Nutrition forms part of overall oral health, but food alone should not be relied upon to prevent periodontal disease.
A complete and balanced diet is essential for general health.
However, simply feeding dry food does not guarantee healthy teeth.
Likewise, feeding a "natural" or "premium" diet does not automatically provide adequate dental protection.
Mechanical plaque removal through toothbrushing remains one of the most effective home-care measures.
Should I Give My Cavalier Bones to Clean Their Teeth?
Be cautious. Bones are sometimes promoted as a natural way to clean dogs' teeth, but they can cause significant problems, including tooth fractures, gastrointestinal obstruction and other injuries.
They should not be considered a substitute for proper dental care.
If you are looking for a safe dental chew, discuss appropriate options with your veterinarian.
Dental Care for Senior Cavaliers
Dental care becomes increasingly important as your dog ages.
Senior Cavaliers may have accumulated years of plaque and tartar, and existing dental disease may become more advanced.
Continue:
Regular toothbrushing
Veterinary dental checks
Oral examinations at home
Appropriate dental products
Monitoring for changes in eating or behaviour
A senior dog who suddenly becomes reluctant to eat, chew or have their face touched should be assessed rather than having the change dismissed as "just getting old".
What Should I Do If My Cavalier Has Severe Tartar?
Don't attempt to scrape it off at home with metal instruments.
You could damage the teeth or gums and may miss disease underneath the gumline.
Instead, arrange a veterinary dental examination.
Your veterinarian can determine the extent of disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Professional dental cleaning allows the veterinary team to clean above and below the gumline and assess the teeth properly.
A Simple Daily Dental Routine
Dental care doesn't need to take long.
Morning or evening
1. Choose a consistent time.
Make dental care part of your Cavalier's routine.
2. Prepare the toothbrush.
Use an appropriate dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
3. Lift the lip gently.
Don't force the mouth open.
4. Brush the outer surfaces.
Use gentle movements.
5. Reach the back teeth.
Progress gradually as your dog becomes comfortable.
6. Reward.
Finish positively.
Goal:
Once every day.
The entire process can take only a couple of minutes once your Cavalier is comfortable with it. WSAVA's toothbrushing guidance specifically encourages making brushing a daily habit.
A Weekly Dental Check
In addition to daily brushing, take a few moments each week to look inside your Cavalier's mouth.
Check for:
☐ Red or swollen gums
☐ Bleeding
☐ Tartar
☐ Discoloured teeth
☐ Broken teeth
☐ Loose teeth
☐ Unusual odour
☐ Drooling
☐ Difficulty chewing
☐ Anything that looks different from normal
If something has changed, contact your veterinarian.
Common Dental-Care Mistakes
1. Waiting for bad breath
Bad breath can be a sign that dental disease is already present.
2. Brushing only occasionally
Daily brushing is the goal because plaque continually reforms.
3. Starting when the dog already has severe dental disease
It is much easier to establish good habits before problems develop.
4. Using human toothpaste
Use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Some human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.
5. Assuming dry food cleans teeth
Ordinary dry food should not be relied upon as a substitute for brushing.
6. Giving extremely hard chews
Hard objects can fracture teeth.
7. Scraping tartar off at home
Professional assessment is safer and more comprehensive.
8. Using "anaesthesia-free" dentistry as a substitute for veterinary dentistry
It cannot adequately assess or treat disease below the gumline.
9. Assuming your dog would stop eating if their mouth hurt
Dogs can continue eating despite significant dental pain.
10. Ignoring baby teeth in puppies
Retained deciduous teeth should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Dental Care Checklist
Every day
☐ Brush your Cavalier's teeth.
☐ Use dog-specific toothpaste.
☐ Reward cooperation.
Every week
☐ Inspect the teeth.
☐ Check the gums.
☐ Look for tartar.
☐ Check for broken or loose teeth.
☐ Notice any change in breath.
☐ Observe eating and chewing behaviour.
At least annually
☐ Have your veterinarian examine your Cavalier's teeth and gums as part of their health check.
☐ Discuss your dog's individual dental-care needs.
☐ Ask whether a professional dental procedure is appropriate.
Whenever you notice a change
☐ Don't wait for the problem to become severe.
☐ Contact your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Cavalier's teeth?
Ideally, every day. Daily brushing is the most effective form of home dental care because it physically removes plaque before it can accumulate and mineralise.
When should I start brushing my Cavalier puppy's teeth?
Begin handling the face and mouth from puppyhood. Gradually introduce touching the teeth and then the toothbrush. WSAVA recommends training from an early age, with brushing commonly introduced once adult teeth have erupted.
Can I use human toothpaste?
No, use toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs. Some human toothpastes contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.
What is the best way to prevent dental disease?
Daily toothbrushing, regular veterinary dental examinations and appropriate professional treatment when required form the foundation of good dental care.
Does dry food clean my Cavalier's teeth?
Ordinary dry food should not be relied upon as a substitute for toothbrushing. Some specially formulated dental diets may provide dental benefits, but these are different from simply feeding standard kibble.
Are dental chews effective?
Some dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar, but they do not replace toothbrushing or veterinary dental care. Your veterinarian can help you select an appropriate product.
What if my Cavalier refuses to have their teeth brushed?
Slow the process down. Begin with handling the face and lifting the lips, then gradually introduce touching the teeth and using a toothbrush. If your dog remains extremely resistant, ask your veterinarian about alternative dental-care options.
Does bad breath always mean my Cavalier has dental disease?
Not necessarily, but persistent unpleasant breath should not be ignored. It can be an indication of dental or other health problems and warrants veterinary assessment if it persists.
Does my Cavalier need professional dental cleaning?
Not every dog requires professional cleaning at the same frequency. Your veterinarian should assess your dog's mouth and recommend whether and when professional dental treatment is appropriate.
Why does professional dental cleaning require anaesthesia?
Anaesthesia allows the veterinary team to thoroughly examine and clean the mouth, including areas below the gumline, take dental radiographs when indicated and treat diseased teeth safely.
Is anaesthesia-free dental cleaning safe?
It is not an equivalent substitute for veterinary dental treatment. It cannot adequately assess or treat disease beneath the gumline, and WSAVA does not support non-anaesthetic dentistry as an appropriate approach to veterinary dental care.
Can dental disease cause pain even if my Cavalier is still eating?
Yes. Dogs can continue eating and behaving relatively normally despite significant oral disease. Changes in chewing, appetite or behaviour should therefore be investigated rather than waiting for your dog to stop eating.
References
RSPCA Australia. (2024). Importance of dental health. RSPCA Australia. RSPCA Australia — Importance of Dental Health
RSPCA Australia. (2019). How should I take care of my cat or dog's teeth? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Dental Care
RSPCA Australia. (2024). Why is anaesthesia important for dog and cat dentistry? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Anaesthesia and Dentistry
RSPCA Australia. (n.d.). Why does my dog's breath smell? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Bad Breath in Dogs
RSPCA Australia. (n.d.). Can you give me some advice on caring for my dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Caring for Dogs
World Small Animal Veterinary Association. (2023). Global Dental Guidelines. WSAVA — Global Dental Guidelines
World Small Animal Veterinary Association. (2022). Introducing toothbrushing — Client handout. WSAVA — Toothbrushing Toolkit
World Small Animal Veterinary Association. (2020). WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines. WSAVA — Global Dental Guidelines PDF
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Pet dental care. American Veterinary Medical Association — Pet Dental Care
Disclaimer
This article is provided by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (Queensland) for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment.