Bad breath, visible tartar, difficulty with or slow eating, pawing at their teeth or mouth, missing or losing teeth, excessive drooling, bleeding, swollen, or red gums, and weight loss are some of the most common symptoms of dental disease in dogs. Plaque and tartar buildup is a common condition to watch for, as plaque is a white substance made mostly of bacteria that forms on teeth and smells worse the longer it stays in the mouth. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum irritation. If teeth are not brushed, and plaque isn't removed within 1 to 2 days, it turns into tartar, a yellow or brown-colored substance that remains attached to the surfaces of the teeth and cannot be removed without being scraped off with a dental scaler or another hard object. Periodontal disease is another common issue, which occurs when plaque and tartar stay in the mouth, bacteria go below the gum line, harming the gum and bone that hold teeth. Oral infections and tooth fractures are also common dental problems in dogs.