Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Development

• Food particles and bacteria collect along dogs' gum lines, forming plaque. Minerals in dogs' saliva combine with plaque to form tartar (calculus). Tartar irritates the gums and causes inflammation called gingivitis. If tartar remains, it separates gums from teeth, forming "pockets," and encourages additional bacterial growth. At this point the condition is called periodontal disease. It's very painful and leads to loose teeth, abscesses, bone loss or infection, according to Pet Education.

Factors

• Numerous factors play a role in formation of plaque, tartar and periodontal disease. It's more common in older dogs and dogs that eat canned foods. Small breed and brachycephalic (broad, short-headed) dogs are at greater risk because their teeth are often crowded. Hair accumulation and impaction around teeth can increase tartar development. Dogs that breathe open-mouthed tend to have more plaque due to oral cavity dehydration. The more acidic the dog's saliva, the quicker the formation of plaque.

Signs

• Dogs exhibit multiple signs as periodontal disease progresses. These include purulent pus around a tooth or teeth; persistent bad breath; gums that bleed easily; sensitivity around the mouth and/or pawing at the mouth; red, inflamed, enlarged or receding gums; loose or missing teeth; loss of appetite; stomach or intestinal upsets; difficulty chewing or eating; drooling; irritability or depression.

Diagnosis

• Veterinarians use a number of criteria to assess the oral health of dogs and assign a grade. These include the amount and distribution of plaque and tartar, the health of gums, radiologic appearance and the depth of pockets between the dog's tooth and gum. Pocket depth is measured using a calibrated probe. Grade I signifies early gingivitis with mild amount of plaque while Grade IV is established periodontitis with large amounts of tartar below the dog's gum line.

Treatment

• Addressing Grade I or II dental disease involves cleaning and polishing teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Grades III and IV require additional treatment options. Root planing involves removal of residual tartar and diseased parts of teeth. Subgingival curettage removes diseased tissue. During periodontal debridement, irritants to the tooth and root such as bacteria are removed. Gingivectomy removes excess tissue from around the tooth. Periodontal surgery involves opening a flap of tissue over the root to reach deeper structures. Veterinarians also insert artificial materials inside pockets to stimulate bone growth. Tooth extractions are another option.

Aftercare

• Dogs assessed Grades I and II are placed on regular brushing and home dental care programs, including special plaque-reducing foods. Dogs assessed Grades III and IV may receive pain, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and topical medications. Dogs recovering from flap surgeries must limit or eliminate chew toys and eat soft foods for about a week. They require home brushings and veterinary checkups to assess pocket depth every four to six weeks. Dogs recovering from other dental surgeries generally require dental examinations two to four times a year.