Peridontal Disease and Your Pet

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental problems of dogs and cats. In fact, more than 85% of dogs and cats older than 4 years of age have some form of periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria that is found in dental plaque. Bacteria can be present even on healthy-looking teeth. Gingivitis, another term often mentioned in connection with periodontal disease, refers to inflammation of the gum tissue. It is a common, visual sign of underlying periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease first occurs when plaque and tartar begin to build up on your pet’s teeth. In the beginning, the plaque might only appear as a film, discoloration, or staining on the teeth. Without regular dental checkups, cleaning, and home care, however, this plaque can build up and harden into tartar, which is the visible “gunk” you can sometimes see encrusted on your pet’s teeth and along the gumline. Tartar can damage the bone in your pet’s teeth as well as the bony socket that holds each tooth in place. It can dig into the gums at the base of your pet’s teeth and cause irritation. Other signs of possible dental problems include drooling, bad breath, red or bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, difficulty eating, and lethargy.

Periodontal disease is a very serious condition. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss, causing infection and pain along the way. It can also lead to disease in other parts of your pet’s body when the bacteria causing the infection enter his bloodstream and damage organs, such as the kidneys, liver, or heart. It can also complicate other underlying diseases, such as diabetes.

Periodontal disease seems to be a particular problem in smaller breeds of dogs. In older cats, it is a frequent cause of weight loss.

How Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease in My Pet?

The same way it is prevented in humans: with regular dental checkups and proper daily home care. Your pet should have an annual dental examination and cleaning performed by a veterinarian. In between your pet’s examinations, you should follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding home dental care for your pet, including daily tooth cleanings and special dental care diets and treats. In addition to “tooth-friendly” treats and diets that your veterinarian can provide, you can also peruse your local pet or grocery store for chew toys that are designed to help remove plaque and tartar from pets’ teeth and help maintain healthy gums.

When Should I Start Worrying About My Pet’s Teeth?

Just as in children, proper dental care should begin early, when your pet is a puppy or kitten. From the time your pet is young, you should begin getting him gradually accustomed to having his mouth opened, his teeth touched, and his gums massaged. Ask your veterinarian for advice on exactly how and when to begin this process, but generally you can start by touching one tooth a day and gradually increasing the number over a period of days, weeks, or even months. From there, start brushing your pet’s teeth with a special pet toothbrush. (Be sure to use pet toothpaste only. Human toothpaste can be upsetting to pets’ stomachs.) If your pet seems afraid of the toothbrush, try using a small piece of gauze wrapped around your finger to start.

If your pet becomes agitated or will otherwise not allow you to touch his mouth or teeth, do not risk being bitten. Contact your veterinarian for advice. You may simply need to schedule your pet for more frequent dental exams and cleanings.