Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis in Dogs

Preventing Canine Tooth Decay, Gum Infections and Dog Breath

Sep 11, 2008

Good dental health is a vital element of oral care for dogs. Brushing a dog's teeth is a key way to avoid tooth decay, gum infection, tooth loss and infection in dogs.

A dog's teeth, gums and mouth can be a persistent source of discomfort, pain and infection if an owner ignores the importance of proper dental care for dogs. Infections and disease involving the teeth and gums can spread throughout the body, leading to serious illness, mouth pain, a dog's refusal to eat and even death.

How Plaque and Tartar Forms on a Dog's Teeth

When the dog eats, food particles become trapped in between the teeth and along the gumline. Bacteria is then attracted to the area, and this combines with the food particles to form plaque. The bacteria and food particles also create an odor, resulting in "dog breath." If left on the teeth long term, the bacteria will damage the dog's gums, causing serious gum inflammation and infection, a condition called gingivitis.

Within a period of twelve hours, the plaque that's formed on the teeth and along the dog's gum line mixes with components in the dog's saliva to form a hard residue called tartar. This tartar then creates a rough surface on the dog's teeth and along the gums, which encourages bacteria growth and additional plaque and tartar formation. The dog will then experience tooth decay, tooth loss, gum inflammation and gum infection.

Unfortunately, tartar can only be removed from a dog's teeth using special instruments. In order to remove the tartar, the dental cleaning must be performed at a veterinarian's office under general anesthesia.

Tartar, plaque and bacteria wreak havoc in the dog's mouth and throughout the entire body. The bacteria, tartar and plaque causes a bad mouth odor, also known as "dog breath." Infection can spread up into the gums, damaging the teeth, the tissue and the bone. Abscesses and deep pockets of infection can spread from the gums up into the face, cheeks and lips, destroying skin, muscle and even bone. Decay can rot the dog's teeth, causing tooth loss, extreme pain and infection, which can enter the blood stream via the live center of the tooth. Nearby structures, like the salivary glands can also become infected.

In severe and advanced cases of periodontal disease in dogs, infection and bacteria can enter the bloodstream via the damaged gums and teeth, and major organ damage can result.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis in Dogs

There are several distinct symptoms that can suggest the presence of periodontal disease or gingivitis in dogs:

Treatment for Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease in Dogs

A three-pronged approach is required to treat periodontal disease and gingivitis in dogs. Firstly, the dog must undergo a dental cleaning procedure at the veterinarian's office to remove the build-up of tartar that's accumulated on the dog's teeth. Any damaged teeth must be tended to, abscesses must be drained and dead tissue must be removed to allow for healing.

Once the mouth has been tended to surgically, the veterinarian will prescribe pain medication, antibiotic medication and anti-inflammatory medication to allow for a comfortable healing process, during which time the dog must be provided with soft foods to allow the gums to heal. Notably, advanced periodontal disease is not reversible, but the condition can be managed by treating infections and other problems on a more chronic basis.

The third element involves prevention with the implementation of an oral health routine for the dog. This involves a gradual introduction of toothpaste and handling the mouth, with a graduation to a soft finger brush and then a traditional pet toothbrush.

The copyright of the article Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis in Dogs in Pet Diseases is owned by Mia Carter. Permission to republish Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis in Dogs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.