More than 85% of dogs have evidence of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammation of the supporting structures surrounding the teeth and is the main cause of early tooth loss.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease starts when bacteria form plaque on the teeth, which happens about every 24 hours. Within days, minerals in the saliva bond with plaque to form tartar, a hard substance that adheres to the teeth. The bacteria work their way under the gums and cause gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums.
Once under the gums, bacteria destroy the supporting tissue around the tooth, leading to tooth loss. Inflammation of the bone and tooth support structures is referred to as periodontitis.
The combination of gingivitis and periodontitis is known as periodontal disease. Bacteria associated with dental disease can travel in the bloodstream to infect the heart, kidneys and liver.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
- Bad breath
- Redness or bleeding along the gum line
- Drooling, which may be tinged with blood
- Difficulty chewing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Facial swelling, especially under the eyes
- Nasal discharge
- Gum recession
How is periodontal disease treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. If your dog has mild periodontal disease, consisting of gingivitis without any bone loss, a thorough dental cleaning that includes the area beneath the gums, followed by dental polishing, can help reverse the problem.
Your veterinarian may also recommend a dental sealant that helps prevent tartar from accumulating on teeth.
If there has been a loss of the supporting structures around the teeth, however, this cannot be reversed. Your veterinarian may need to apply antibiotics beneath the gums and perform dental procedures, which may include tooth extraction.
How can I prevent my dog from getting periodontal disease?
An important way to prevent dental disease is regular home dental care. Daily brushing can help remove plaque before it turns into tartar. You can use a child’s toothbrush or purchase a toothbrush for dogs or a finger brush. Human toothpastes should be avoided because they contain substances that pets shouldn’t swallow in large quantities. Pet toothpaste is available in flavors such as chicken and beef.
If your dog won’t permit brushing, there are mouth rinse solutions (mouthwash for pets) that target plaque bacteria and help promote healthier teeth and gums. There are several dental diets and treats that can also help keep plaque and tartar to a minimum. These diets tend to have larger kibbles to provide abrasive action against the tooth surface when chewed, or they may include ingredients to inhibit tartar formation.