Periodontal Disease in Dogs: Signs, Prevention & Treatment
Even a well-cared-for dog may experience dental disease. In fact, by two years of age, 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease, with small and toy breed dogs at a higher risk.1
Triggered by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, it can lead to bad breath, pain, and tooth loss. In advanced stages, it may even cause an infection that spreads to other parts of the body.
The good news is that severity of dental disease can be decreased with the right care and attention. Here we look into the causes, signs, and stages of periodontal disease in dogs and explain some of the treatments that are available.
What is dental disease?
Dental disease is a progressive condition that affects the teeth and gums.It begins with plaque, a soft film of food and bacteria that naturally covers the surface of your dog’s teeth. If plaque isn’t removed it hardens into a yellowish-brown material called tartar.
Tartar and plaque can form below the gum line and act as a nesting ground for bacteria. As the bacteria multiply, they cause the gums to become inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis.
Over time, the infection and inflammation can spread and damage the surrounding gum tissue and bones; this severe condition is referred to as periodontitis or periodontal disease.
As well as causing tooth loss, periodontal disease in dogs can sometimes lead to severe infections
elsewhere in the body.
What are the signs of dental disease?
Since dental disease is progressive, the signs vary depending on the stage of the inflammation and infection. Typical signs include:• Bad breath
• Inflamed or swollen gums
• Pain
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty chewing
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Inactivity
• Less interaction with the family
How can I tell if my dog has dental disease?
Gently raise your dog’s muzzle and lift their lip; compare their teeth to the chart below.
Stage 0 - Clinically Normal
Healthy dog gums and teeth.
Stage 1 - Gingivitis Only
They may have bad breath, some tartar on their teeth, and reddening of the gums.
Stage 2 - Early Periodontitis
They may have bad breath, some tartar on their teeth, and reddening of the gums.
Stage 3 - Moderate Periodontitis
Very bad breath, a larger build-up of tartar especially on molars, very discoloured teeth and red gums. Your dog may favour chewing on one side.
Stage 4 - Advanced Periodontitis
Your dog may be showing signs of pain, including being head shy or dropping kibbles while chewing. They may have severe bad breath.
Are some dogs more prone to dental disease?
All dogs develop dental disease if plaque isn’t removed from their teeth. However, there are several factors that increase a dog’s chances of developing the condition:
- Size
- Breed
- Age
- Crowding of teeth
Small dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, are more likely to develop dental disease because the number of teeth in their short snouts provides more places for food to become lodged. Dogs with bite abnormalities and retained teeth are similarly susceptible. Your vet can offer you tailored advice for your dog.
How do I prevent my dog from getting dental disease?
Plaque hardens into tartar after 24 hours, and once tartar has formed on the teeth, it becomes difficult to remove. That’s why most dog dental cleaning treatments are designed to remove plaque before it has time to calcify.
Brushing
The best preventive treatment available. Unlike other methods, brushing can remove plaque from every tooth surface. To be effective you need to brush your dog’s teeth every day.
For help with brushing, see our article: 7 Dog Teeth Cleaning Tips Every Owner Should Read.
Chewing
Dental chews can aid oral health, especially if they have antibacterial properties. However, they’re ineffective at cleaning canine teeth and incisors so they should be used in combination with brushing. Chews can also cause broken teeth if they’re very hard.
Nutrition
A veterinarian may recommend a dental dog food if your dog is particularly susceptible to dental disease. Dental diets are designed with a special kibble shape and texture that creates a mechanical scrubbing action.
Veterinary Care
Your veterinarian is your dog's dentist, and your pet needs to visit them regularly to help maintain their oral health. If your dog has gingivitis or periodontal disease your veterinarian can help manage the pain and infection. Advanced dental disease needs to be managed prior to resuming home treatments, such as brushing.
References:
1Fernandes et al. 2012, Girard et al. 2009, Queck et al. 2018, Stella et al. 2018
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