Periodontal disease is the most common inflammatory disease in pets, affecting almost 90% by 2 years of age, yet many pet owners don’t realize their four-legged friend is affected. Our Caldwell Animal Hospital team wants to educate pet owners about periodontal disease, because maintaining oral health is critical to preserving their pet’s overall wellbeing. Read our educational blog on this serious topic.

What is periodontal disease in pets?

Periodontal disease is a serious infection caused by bacterial accumulation in your pet’s mouth after they eat. The bacteria form plaques that, if not removed, harden into tartar, which irritates the gums. The bacteria move under the gumline and damage the tissues and bone supporting the pet’s teeth. Periodontal disease occurs in four stages:

  • Gingivitis — Periodontal disease’s first stage is gingivitis, which occurs when the plaque bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums, causing pain and inflammation. No attachment loss occurs in pets with gingivitis, and the damage is reversible if treated appropriately at this stage. 
  • Early periodontal disease — Early periodontal disease is defined by up to 25% attachment loss. Supporting structures recede from the infection, causing periodontal pockets that trap more food and bacteria, leading to further inflammation and tissue loss.
  • Moderate periodontal disease — When attachment loss is 25% to 50%, moderate periodontal disease is present. 
  • Severe periodontal disease — Severe periodontal disease, which means more than 50% attachment loss has occurred, is characterized by extensive plaque and calculus accumulation, severe inflammation, deep pocketing, and severe bone and gum loss. 

Are certain pets at increased periodontal disease risk?

All pets are susceptible to periodontal disease, but your pet’s risk is increased by certain characteristics, including:

  • Age — Older pets are at increased periodontal disease risk for several reasons, including plaque and tartar accumulation over many years, a weakened immune system, decreased salivary flow, and chronic health conditions.
  • Size — Toy-breed dogs have small jaws and mouths that can lead to dental crowding and plaque and tartar can accumulate more easily. In addition, cats’ and toy-breed dogs’ teeth are supported by more delicate bony structures that can be quickly compromised when periodontal disease is present.
  • Muzzle length — Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, shih tzus, and Persian cats, have short muzzles that can lead to dental overcrowding, and their tendency to mouth breath can also dry out oral tissues.
  • Genetics — Some breeds, such as greyhounds, schnauzers, Maltese terriers, and Abysinninan and Somali cats, have genetic factors that increase their periodontal risk. 

What are periodontal disease signs in pets?

Pets are good at hiding discomfort and pain, so bad breath is typically the first periodontal sign pet owners notice. You may think “doggy” breath is normal for your pet, but stinky breath is a red flag to schedule an appointment with our Caldwell Animal Hospital team, so we can evaluate your four-legged friend for periodontal disease. As periodontal disease advances, other signs you may notice include:

  • Drooling — Oral irritation can lead to excessive drooling. 
  • Changes in eating habits — Pets with periodontal disease are often reluctant to eat, avoid hard kibble, drop food while eating, or chew on only one side of their mouth.
  • Red, swollen gums — Healthy pet gums are pink and glossy. Red, swollen gums are a good indication of periodontal disease.
  • Bleeding gums — Severe irritation can lead to gingival bleeding, especially while your pet is eating or chewing on a toy. If you notice blood in your pet’s food or on their toys, seek veterinary care.
  • Mouth pawing — Some pets may paw at their mouth if periodontal disease causes excessive discomfort or pain.
  • Behavioral changes  — Pets in dental pain may change their behaviors with increased irritability, hiding, and reluctance to play.

What are periodontal disease consequences for pets?

Stinky breath, while not pleasant, is the least concerning periodontal disease consequence. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to numerous serious issues, including:

  • Loose or missing teeth — As the supporting structures are damaged, attachment loss results in loose, eventually missing teeth, which can make eating difficult for your pet.
  • Tooth root abscess — Periodontal bacteria can proliferate at the tooth root, leading to an abscess. In some cases, these abscesses rupture through the pet’s face, causing a draining hole.
  • Nasal or ocular involvement — The periodontal bacteria sometimes tunnel into the nasal cavity or toward the eye, resulting in complications such as respiratory or eye infections. 
  • Fractured jaw — In cats and toy-breed dogs, bone infection can lead to fragility and jaw bone fractures.
  • Tumors — Chronic periodontal irritation can increase your pet’s oral tumor risk.
  • Organ involvement — Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream, damaging organs such as the kidneys, heart, and liver.

How can periodontal disease in pets be prevented?

Fortunately, periodontal disease in pets can be easily prevented. Steps include:

  • Scheduling a professional veterinary dental evaluation and cleaning
  • Brushing your pet’s teeth daily using veterinary-approved tooth-paste
  • Providing Veterinary Oral Health Council approved dental treats.

Contact our Caldwell Animal Hospital team today to schedule your pet’s professional veterinary dental evaluation and cleaning, so we can keep your furry pal’s mouth as healthy as possible.