Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in veterinary medicine, and many pet owners are surprised to learn that, by age 3, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease. Despite the condition’s prevalence in pets, periodontal disease often goes unnoticed until advanced. Our team at Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital responds to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about periodontal disease in pets, including the cause, the signs, and a dental care routine’s importance.
Question: What is periodontal disease in pets?
Answer: Periodontal disease is a serious dental condition that affects the structures surrounding the teeth, including the gums, bones, and supporting ligaments. The condition is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film composed of food particles, saliva, and bacteria. Plaque, if not regularly removed, hardens into tartar (i.e., calculus), which further irritates the gums and can lead to inflammation and ultimately bone and tooth loss. Additional conditions that dental disease can cause include:
- Kidney, heart, and liver problems
- Tooth root infections
- Under-eye swelling
Q: What are the stages of periodontal disease in pets?
A: Periodontal disease is progressive. Dogs’ and cats’ periodontal disease is typically categorized in four stages:
- Stage 1 — Stage 1 consists of gingivitis with no bone or tooth attachment loss. Signs may not be apparent, or your pet may have red, inflamed gums, and bad breath.
- Stage 2 — In stage 2, a pet has lost 25% or less of a tooth’s attachment to supporting structures. Mild bone loss may be visible on dental X-rays. At this stage, your pet’s gum tissue may be receding from their teeth.
- Stage 3 — Moderate disease occurs during stage 3, with some tooth root exposure and loss of 25% to 50% of a tooth’s support. On X-rays, moderate to severe bone loss is present. If your pet’s periodontal disease has advanced to this stage, they may have some loose teeth.
- Stage 4 — In Stage 4, more than 50% of a tooth’s attachments have been lost, as shown on X-rays. When performing an oral examination on a pet with stage 4 periodontal disease, our veterinary team usually finds exposed tooth roots and that some teeth are missing.
Q: Are certain pets susceptible to periodontal disease?
A: Pets with persistent deciduous teeth, bite malocclusions, and enamel defects, are susceptible to periodontal disease. A pet’s periodontal disease risk increases based on the following factors:
- Age — Older pets typically have severe dental disease because of their teeth’s lifetime of wear and tear, which is often also affected by other health issues.
- Breed — Brachycephalic (i.e., flat-faced) breeds, such as bulldogs, are prone to periodontal problems.
- Size — Small pets are more likely to have dental disease because of overcrowded teeth. They also have more delicate jawbones and shallower tooth roots, which can increase their periodontal disease risk.
- Lifestyle — Pets who chew aggressively often suffer enamel damage, and their teeth can crack or fracture if their chew toys are overly hard.
- Overall health — Some health conditions can cause gingivitis, stomatitis, or increased periodontal disease susceptibility.
Q: What are the signs of periodontal disease in pets?
A: About 60% of the tooth and its surrounding structures are hidden by gum tissue, so dental disease can be difficult to spot unless issues above the gumline are visible. Pets’ dental disease signs include:
- Bad breath
- Brown, grey, and yellow tartar buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, receding, or bleeding gums
- Excessive, ropey, or bloody saliva
- Loose, worn, broken, or missing teeth
- Refusal to eat hard food and treats
- Reluctance to play with chew toys
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Dropping food while eating
- Lump on the muzzle below the eye
Pets often hide disease signs until the condition has advanced and is causing significant pain. Therefore, periodic assessments of your pet’s health by a veterinarian are essential for detecting early-stage disease.
Q: How Can I prevent periodontal disease in my pet?
A: Fortunately, periodontal disease can be prevented. Ways you can safeguard your pet’s oral health include:
- Professional veterinary dental cleanings — Regular professional dental cleanings assess your pet’s oral health, address complications, and thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth, including below the gumline. Most pets need professional dental cleanings at least once a year.
- Toothbrushing — Daily toothbrushing is recommended to remove plaque from your pet’s teeth between professional dental cleanings. Use pet-friendly toothpaste and a small toothbrush or finger brush.
- Water additives — These products can help maintain good oral health and freshen your pet’s breath.
- Dental chews — Dental treats and chews that contain enzymes that help loosen tartar and prevent plaque are great to supplement toothbrushing.
Prioritize your pet’s dental health and protect them from periodontal disease’s damaging effects. If you have questions or need to schedule your pet’s dental exam, contact our Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital team.
