Pets, like people, need regular dental care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Periodontal disease is a common problem with cats and dogs, with more than 90% of dogs older than 3 years suffering with some form of periodontitis, according to research published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Dental Guidelines. An estimated two-thirds of all pets, including cats, will develop the disease.
Dental disease results from ongoing inflammation caused by plaque formed by bacteria. Left untreated, periodontal disease will lead to other systemic diseases affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Our Bayview Animal Hospital team wants to help you keep your pet’s pearly whites healthy, so we are providing an overview of pet periodontal disease to help you understand this preventable problem.
Periodontal disease in cats and dogs
Periodontal disease (i.e., gum disease) is one of the most clinically diagnosed diseases affecting pets. Plaque develops into calculus (i.e., tartar), and the immune system reacts negatively to the buildup if the teeth are not cleaned professionally.
Gingivitis (i.e., gum inflammation) is another response to plaque buildup and signals the start of periodontal disease. Gingivitis occurs when the pockets between the teeth and the gum line come in contact with bacteria, which gradually get below the gum line, causing pain and tooth loss and damaging the supportive tooth structures.
Pet periodontal disease stages
Periodontal disease is diagnosed in the following four stages:
- Stage 1: Gingivitis — Plaque buildup results in gingivitis, which is seen as red, inflamed gums. Pets with gingivitis also often have unpleasant breath.
- Stage 2: Early periodontitis — This stage is characterized by damage to the surrounding tissues of the teeth, with less than 25% loss of bone structure. The affected pet’s gums will be redder and swollen, with occasional bleeding, and may be extra-sensitive, with mild to moderate pain.
- Stage 3: Established periodontitis — The disease at this stage has significantly progressed, with a resulting 25% to 50% loss of tooth support. This advancement may not be visible to the naked eye, so digital dental X-rays are required for a diagnosis.
- Stage 4: Severe periodontitis — At this advanced periodontal disease stage, more than 50% tooth structure loss exists and tooth extraction is often required. Signs include severe gum inflammation, bleeding from the gums, gum recession, and tooth loss. By this advanced disease stage, bacteria have likely also impacted major body organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Pet periodontal disease signs
Periodontal disease causes some obvious signs, including:
- Halitosis (i.e., bad breath)
- Bleeding along the gum line
- Poor grooming, especially in cats
- Pawing at the mouth
- Gum inflammation and redness
- Difficulty eating
- Discolored teeth
- Loose or damaged teeth
- Lack of appetite or weight loss
If you note any of these red flags, your pet needs a thorough veterinary examination and treatment plan.
Pet periodontal disease prevention
Periodontal disease in cats and dogs is a serious, yet commonly diagnosed disease, which may seem daunting, but there is good news—you can take action to prevent your pet’s dental disease.
- Annual checkups — Ensure your pet has regular wellness checkups with your veterinarian that include dental examinations to catch dental problems before they become serious. Our veterinary team recommends annual checkups, or twice yearly for senior pets.
- Regular professional cleanings —Regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia will remove unwanted plaque before calculus develops.
- At-home toothbrushing — Brush your pet’s teeth daily, or at least every other day, with a pet-designed quality toothbrush and pet-formulated toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, which is toxic to pets.
- Dental diet and treats — Certain pet foods and treats can help keep your pet’s teeth clean. Ask our team for recommendations.
Dental health in our pets is essential for their overall well-being, and regular dental care is one of the most important facets of overall health. Unfortunately, many pet owners do not realize their pet has a problem until the disease has advanced.
Therefore, ensure your pet stays in tip-top health by learning to recognize early periodontal disease signs and ensuring your pet receives regular dental care. Contact our Bayview Animal Hospital team for additional dental care tips and to set up your pet’s wellness and dental examination.
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