Why Are Your Dog's Gums Growing Over Their Teeth?

If your dog’s gums look puffy, lumpy, or like they’re slowly swallowing their teeth, you’re right to pay attention. What you’re likely seeing is gingival hyperplasia (AKA, gum overgrowth in dogs), a condition where gum tissue grows more than it should, sometimes covering part of the tooth. It’s not cancer, but it’s not something to ignore either.

The good news: it’s treatable. The less-good news: it tends to come back, and if left alone, it can set the stage for serious dental disease. Here’s what you need to know.

What is gingival hyperplasia in dogs?

Gingival hyperplasia, also called gum overgrowth, is when the gum tissue grows beyond its normal boundaries. In mild cases, the gums just look a little thick or puffy. In more advanced cases, the tissue can creep up over the teeth, making it hard to see where the tooth ends and the gum begins.

The real danger isn’t the overgrowth itself. It’s what hides underneath. Excess gum tissue creates what vets call pseudopockets: false gaps between the gum and the tooth. These pockets trap food and bacteria, which quietly sets the stage for periodontal disease, an infection that damages the structures supporting the teeth.

One important note: not every gum overgrowth is gingival hyperplasia. Some growths are tumors, including cancerous ones. That’s why a biopsy, where the vet sends a sample of the removed tissue to a lab, is a standard part of treatment, not an optional add-on.

What causes gum overgrowth in dogs?

There are a few different reasons gum tissue can overgrow, and sometimes more than one is happening at the same time.

Chronic inflammation

Long-term gum inflammation, often driven by plaque and tartar buildup, can trigger the gum tissue to overgrow as a response. Think of it as the body reacting to ongoing irritation by producing too much tissue in an attempt to protect itself.

Breed predisposition

Some dogs are simply more prone to this than others. Boxers and Bulldogs are among the most commonly affected breeds, but Great Danes, Collies, Dobermans, and Dalmatians also show up more often than average. If your dog is one of these breeds, it’s worth keeping a closer eye on their gum line from an early age.

Medication-induced gingival hyperplasia

Certain medications are known to cause gum overgrowth as a side effect. Cyclosporine (an immune-suppressing drug used for skin conditions) and amlodipine (a medication used for heart disease and high blood pressure) are the most common culprits. If your dog recently started one of these medications and you’re noticing gum changes, mention it to your vet right away.

What are the signs to watch for?

Most dogs don’t show obvious discomfort in the early stages, which is why gingival hyperplasia is often spotted at a routine dental checkup rather than at home. That said, here’s what to look for:

• Gums that look swollen, lumpy, or thicker than usual along the tooth line
• Gum tissue that seems to be creeping over part of the tooth surface
• Difficulty chewing or picking up food
• Bad breath that’s getting worse
• Visible redness or bleeding when brushing
• A lumpy or uneven texture along the gum line

Diagnosis and treatment: what to expect

Your vet will start with a physical exam and a dental exam under anesthesia, which is the only reliable way to see what’s actually happening below the gum line. They’ll measure the depth of the pseudopockets and take dental X-rays to check for any bone loss underneath.

Treatment almost always involves two things happening at the same time. First, a professional dental cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar that’s driving the inflammation. Second, a gingivectomy, which is the surgical removal of the excess gum tissue to restore a normal gum line and close off those bacterial pockets. The removed tissue is sent for a biopsy to confirm it’s benign and rule out anything more serious. If the overgrowth is being driven by a medication, your vet may also work with you to adjust or switch it where possible.

What a gingivectomy actually involves (and what it costs)

A gingivectomy is done under general anesthesia and is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning your dog goes home the same day. The vet carefully removes the overgrown tissue and reshapes the gum line so it sits properly around the teeth again.

Recovery takes about one to two weeks. There’ll be some swelling and mild discomfort for the first few days, and your dog will need soft food while things heal. Your vet will likely prescribe pain medication and possibly antibiotics.

Cost depends on how many teeth are affected, your location, and whether a specialist is involved. A rough range is $500 to $2,000 or more when you factor in anesthesia, the dental cleaning, the gingivectomy, the biopsy, and follow-up care. For dogs with severe or widespread overgrowth, the total can climb higher.

One thing worth knowing going in: the gums can grow back. Regrowth is common, especially if the underlying cause isn’t being managed. Some dogs need a repeat procedure every few years.

At-home dental care to slow recurrence

Once your dog has had a gingivectomy, what you do at home matters a lot for how quickly the gum tissue grows back.

Daily tooth brushing

This is the single most effective thing you can do. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for dogs and a dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste since it contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Aim for once daily. Even three to four times a week makes a meaningful difference.

If your dog isn’t used to having their mouth touched, start slow. A finger on the gum first, then a finger with a little toothpaste, then a brush. Most dogs come around with patience and consistency.

Dental chews, wipes, and water additives

These aren’t a replacement for brushing, but they help. Look for products that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal. That’s the closest thing to an independent quality standard in pet dental products. Your vet can point you toward options that are appropriate for your dog’s size and chew strength.

Regular professional cleanings

For dogs with a history of gingival hyperplasia, your vet may recommend professional cleanings more frequently than the standard once-a-year guideline, sometimes every six months. Keeping plaque and tartar under control is the best lever you have against the gums growing back.

What happens if gingival hyperplasia is left untreated?

Untreated gum overgrowth doesn’t just sit there. The pseudopockets it creates become reservoirs for bacteria, which leads to periodontal disease, infection that can damage the bone and tissue holding your dog’s teeth in place. Left long enough, that means tooth loss, pain, and systemic issues as oral bacteria enter the bloodstream. The prognosis for gingival hyperplasia that’s caught and treated early is good, but the longer it goes unaddressed, the harder the road back.

Does pet insurance cover gingival hyperplasia in dogs?

Yes, but coverage depends on what’s causing it. If the gingival hyperplasia is caused by another covered condition, like an autoimmune or hereditary disease, it can be covered under Lemonade Pet’s base accident and illness policy, as long as it isn’t pre-existing and develops after your 14-day illness waiting period.

If it’s caused by dental illness, like periodontal disease, you’ll need one of Lemonade Pet’s dental add-ons. Without one, the base policy won’t cover it.

Lemonade Pet offers two dental add-on options depending on your state:

Dental Illness add-on: Covers treatments, diagnostics, and medications related to dental illness, including gingivectomy and biopsy. Pre-existing dental conditions are not covered, and a deductible applies. To cover routine dental cleanings alongside this, pair it with Routine Vet Care Plus.

Dental Care add-on: The most comprehensive option. Covers dental illness treatment and routine cleanings, has no deductible, and covers pre-existing dental conditions. Coverage starts the day after your policy is purchased with no waiting period for dental conditions. Only available to add while your dog is between 0 and 3 years old.

Before we go

A gingivectomy, anesthesia, biopsy, and follow-up cleanings can add up, especially for breeds that may need this kind of care more than once. The good news is that with the right treatment and consistent home care, most dogs do really well. Stay on top of daily brushing, keep up with professional cleanings, and don’t skip the follow-up appointments.

And if you haven’t looked into dental coverage yet, now is a good time to do it before anything shows up at your dog’s next dental exam.