Stages of Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Pet Education.com notes on its website that periodontal disease is a condition connected with the inflammation and loss of the structures that support the teeth. In dogs, untreated periodontal disease has four grades, or stages. Each stage results in a progressively worse prognosis for the animal. Pet Education.com notes that older dogs and dogs that primarily eat soft foods are at greater risk for developing periodontal disease.

  1. Grade I

    • The first stage of periodontal disease in a dog is categorized as Grade I, or early gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of tartar, or hardened plaque, on a dog's teeth. Symptoms of early gingivitis may include a small amount of plaque and some redness of the gums. Early gingivitis is reversible and treated with a dental cleaning that consists of removing plaque and polishing the teeth. A fluoride application may also be used, according to Pet Education.com.

    Grade II

    • Advanced gingivitis is the second stage of periodontal disease in dogs, and is characterized by plaque beneath the animal's gum line, as well as redness and swelling of the gums. As with Grade I, Grade II periodontal disease is reversible. Treatment is similar to that for early gingivitis in that the plaque is removed from the teeth. In advanced gingivitis, plaque below and above the gum line must be removed. Following the cleaning and polishing of the teeth, fluoride may be applied to the dog's teeth. After a thorough dental cleaning of a dog's teeth, its owner will be instructed on how to brush his pet's teeth at home in order to prevent recurrence of gingivitis.

    Grade III

    • A dog with early periodontitis will likely experience redness, bleeding and swelling of the gums. In addition, Pet Education.com notes that the animal's gums may be receded. This is a condition also known as hyperplasia. Early periodontitis also results in the loss of up to 30 percent of the bone that supports the teeth. Grade III periodontal disease is irreversible. X-rays must be taken to determine a course of treatment. Treatment for early periodontitis may include removing calculus and smoothing the roots of the teeth, as well as removing diseased connective tissue in the dog's mouth.

    Grade IV

    • Established periodontitis is the most serious form of periodontal disease in dogs. More calculus is present beneath the gum line than in Grade III, and a dog with Grade IV periodontal disease will have bleeding and receded gums as well as loose or missing teeth. At Grade IV, a dog has experienced more than a 30 percent loss of bone that supports the teeth. Just like with early periodontitis, established periodontitis is irreversible. Treatments such as gingivectomy, a procedure where excess gum tissue is removed, might be necessary. When a tooth, or teeth, cannot be saved, extractions must be performed. Following treatment of advanced periodontal disease, a dog may be placed on pain medication, antibiotics and a soft diet to promote healing. After a dog's mouth is healed, a toothbrushing routine can be introduced in order to maintain the health of the remaining teeth.