Dental care plays an important role in your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Without proper care, pets are susceptible to periodontal disease (gum disease), an infection of the mouth. Unfortunately, by three years of age, most cats and dogs have some evidence of the disease.
Periodontal disease develops when bacteria in the mouth form plaque on the surface of the teeth. The plaque then hardens into a substance called tartar which can spread under the gum line. Eventually, this leads to inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. As the disease progresses, pets can develop severe periodontitis which causes symptoms including the destruction of tissue and loose teeth.
Periodontal disease can be extremely painful and make eating and chewing difficult. There is also a risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth and damaging your pet’s heart, kidneys, and other organs.
For these reasons, it’s very important to schedule regular dental checkups with your veterinarian and practice good oral hygiene at home to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy throughout their lifetime.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial overgrowth in the mouth. It is a preventable disease that develops as a result of poor dental hygiene. A low-quality diet can also contribute to periodontal disease. High levels of sugars and carbohydrates in processed foods provide nutrition for oral bacteria and encourage bacterial overgrowth in the mouth.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Symptoms of periodontal disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Take your pet to your veterinarian for a checkup if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Red, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Discolored teeth
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty eating
Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease
Your veterinarian will look at your pet’s medical history and perform a physical examination. This will include a thorough examination of your pet’s mouth, teeth, and gums to check for signs of periodontal disease. General anesthesia may be required to sedate your pet during the examination.
Additional tests such as blood work, urinalysis, and dental X-rays may also be performed to provide your veterinarian with a more complete picture of your pet’s dental and overall health.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Treatment of periodontal disease usually involves cleaning, scaling, and polishing the teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Ultrasonic dental equipment and other specialized tools can be used to clean below the gum line.
If your pet has severe periodontal disease, your veterinarian may recommend surgical techniques to reconstruct bone and tissue. Tooth extractions may also be necessary for pets with advanced periodontal disease.
Prevention of Periodontal Disease
Fortunately, periodontal disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene at home. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly using a toothbrush and toothpaste that are designed for pets. You can also provide chew toys and dental treats to help control plaque and tartar buildup. Ask your veterinarian if you need advice about taking care of your pet’s teeth and gums.
