A condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth is referred to as periodontitis. Learn more about this disease in dogs and how to prevent it.
Periodontitis in Dogs
In veterinary terminology, a condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth in dogs is called periodontitis or (obsolete) periodontitis. It is a consequence of prolonged gum inflammation. However, unlike inflammation, periodontitis loosens and destroys the tissues and bony structures of the tooth-supporting apparatus.
Cause: How Does Periodontitis Develop?
Periodontitis is often a result of bacterial dental plaques and tartar. The bacteria primarily destroy the gum pockets responsible for tooth support. The inflammation can also spread to the tooth, leading to painful abscess formation. In severe cases, inflammation-related loss of jawbone can occur.
A straightforward way to prevent dental problems and gum inflammation is through the right dog food. Unnecessary additives like sugar and grains can promote plaque formation on the teeth. That’s why at iHugDogs, we use only high-quality meat combined with carefully selected fruits and vegetables.
However, other factors can also play a crucial role in the development of periodontitis in dogs. For instance, underlying diseases can induce oral problems, leading to periodontitis.
Symptoms: How to Recognize Periodontitis in Dogs?
The symptoms are very similar to those of gum inflammation. Unpleasant breath from the mouth is one of the most common reasons why pet owners of dogs with periodontitis visit a veterinary clinic. Other symptoms may include:
- strong bad breath
- visible dental plaque
- tartar
- loose teeth
- reddish, inflamed gums
- refusal to eat
- avoidance of hard chew treats and toys
- susceptibility to infections
Overall, periodontitis also affects the general health of your dog, as chronic inflammation burdens your pet’s immune system. Moreover, dangerous plaque bacteria can enter the body and organs.
3 Types of Periodontitis in Dogs
There are three different types of periodontitis in dogs:
- Chronic Periodontitis: This is the most common form of the disease. The progression is usually slow, and the tooth-supporting apparatus is gradually damaged. The main cause is often significant tartar.
- Aggressive Periodontitis: With this form, the disease progresses rapidly, resulting in bone loss in a short time. Severe pain and a significant impact on the dogs’ well-being accompany the disease. The cause lies in a combination of specific germs and a weakened immune system.
- Necrotizing Periodontitis: In this case, the gums progressively die off, accompanied by light deposits in the oral cavity and gum bleeding. This form of the disease is also very painful and affects the overall well-being of our four-legged friends. A specific cause is not definitively proven, but similar to the aggressive form, it is suspected to involve specific germs in combination with immune system disorders.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Since periodontal diseases are hidden under the gumline, they are challenging to detect with the naked eye. This is also one of the reasons why the disease often goes unnoticed for a long time. Special tools from veterinarians are necessary to diagnose periodontal disease. For this reason, you should promptly visit a veterinary clinic if you suspect periodontitis. Diagnosis involves the use of a periodontal probe and X-rays to detect periodontal disease.
Treatment usually occurs under anesthesia. Initially, visible dental plaques and tartar are removed. Subsequently, cleaning of the invisible area below the gumline is performed. Finally, polishing and rinsing of the gum pockets are done. In advanced stages of the disease, tooth extraction may be unavoidable.
Effectively Preventing Periodontitis in Your Dog
Loose teeth and tooth loss in dogs are often attributed to the natural aging process. However, in many cases, the cause lies in inadequate dental hygiene, leading to serious diseases like periodontitis.
Daily tooth brushing is the most effective method to avoid plaque and tartar in your dog and promote a long, carefree dental health. Also, note that professional periodontal treatment is only permanently successful if pet owners are willing to continue regular teeth cleaning at home. There are no medications for preventing the disease. However, you can have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned regularly by your veterinarian, for example, as part of an annual check-up.
