When a Dog’s Gums Grow Over the Teeth

If your dog’s gums seem to be growing over the teeth, arrange a veterinary dental examination. Do not assume the teeth are shrinking or that harder food will wear the tissue away. Photograph the change if it is easy and safe, then let the clinician examine the mouth.

VCA’s gingival-hyperplasia guidance describes excess gum tissue that can cover teeth and create pockets for debris. A similar-looking area can have another cause, so appearance alone may not settle the diagnosis.

Describe what has changed

Note when you first noticed the tissue, whether one area or much of the gumline is involved, and whether the dog drops food, chews differently, bleeds or resists mouth handling. Do not force a detailed inspection if the dog is uncomfortable.

Take earlier clear photographs if you already have them. An older picture can help show change without repeatedly manipulating the mouth today. Record ordinary eating rather than offering a hard chew as a test.

Include the full medication list

Some medicines can be associated with gum enlargement; VCA discusses cyclosporine among them. Give the veterinarian product names, doses as prescribed, start dates and recent changes. This history helps assessment, but it is not a reason to stop a medicine without speaking to the prescriber.

Bring supplements and dental products too. A product marketed for gum health does not establish what the growing tissue is. Explain what has actually been used rather than adding several new products before the visit.

Ask whether tissue sampling is needed

A biopsy may be recommended to distinguish hyperplasia from other conditions, including oral cancer. Ask what the clinician suspects, what information the sample would provide and how the result would change treatment.

Our dental X-ray guide concerns structures below the visible surface. Imaging and a tissue sample answer different questions; one should not be assumed to replace the other.

Get feeding and home-care instructions for the actual treatment

If a procedure is planned, ask which food texture, toys, chews and brushing routine are allowed afterward, and when the team will reassess healing. Use the post-dental feeding guide as a list of questions, not a timetable borrowed from a different procedure.

Follow up even if eating improves. VCA notes that gum overgrowth can recur in predisposed dogs. Ask which changes to photograph and when to return. Neither a change in protein flavor nor a crunchy treat can diagnose or remove excess gum tissue.

Written by PARTNER Editorial Team for general education. Contact your veterinary team for advice about your pet’s individual health and feeding needs.