Periodontitis in dogs
A disease of the periodontium in dogs is referred to in technical terms as periodontitis or (formerly) periodontal disease. It is the consequence of a persistent →gum inflammation. However, unlike a simple inflammation, periodontitis loosens and destroys the tissue and bony structures of the periodontium.
Cause: What causes periodontitis?
Periodontitis is often a result of bacterial dental plaque and →tartar. The bacteria destroy mainly the periodontal pockets, which are responsible for holding the teeth in place. The inflammation can also spread to the tooth and lead to a painful abscess. In severe cases, inflammation-related loss of jaw bone may occur.
A very simple way to prevent dental problems and gum inflammation is the →right dog food. Unnecessary additives such as sugar and grains can promote the formation of deposits on the teeth. That’s why at Pets Deli we use only high-quality meat combined with select fruits and vegetables.
Our dog food: healthy, honest, delicious.
However, other factors can also play a decisive role in the development of periodontitis in dogs. For example, other underlying diseases can cause conditions in the mouth area and lead to periodontitis.
Symptoms: How can you recognize periodontitis in dogs?
The symptoms are very similar to those of gum inflammation. An unpleasant odor from the mouth is one of the most common reasons why owners of dogs with periodontitis visit a veterinary clinic. Other possible symptoms include:
strong →bad breath
visible dental plaque
tartar
loose teeth
reddish, inflamed gums
refusal to eat
refusal of hard chew snacks and toys
susceptibility to infections
Overall, periodontitis also affects the general health of your dog, as the chronic inflammation burdens your four-legged friend's immune system. In addition, dangerous plaque bacteria can enter the body and organs.
Tartar and poor oral hygiene are a common cause of periodontitis in dogs.
3 types of periodontitis in dogs
There are 3 different types of periodontitis in dogs:
Chronic periodontitis: This is the most common form of the disease. The progression is usually slow and the periodontium is gradually damaged. The cause is usually severe tartar.
Aggressive periodontitis: In this form, the disease progresses rapidly and bone loss occurs within a short time. Severe pain and a significant impairment of the dog's general condition accompany the disease. The cause lies in a combination of specific germs and a weakened immune system.
Necrotizing periodontitis: In this case, the gum tissue dies off more and more, accompanied by pale deposits in the mouth and gum bleeding. This form of the disease is also very painful and affects the general well-being of our four-legged friends. A specific cause has not been clearly proven, but it is suspected, similar to the aggressive form, that specific germs in combination with an immune disorder.
Diagnosis and treatment
Because periodontal diseases are hidden below the gum line, they can hardly be detected with the naked eye. This is also one of the reasons why the disease often goes undetected for so long. To identify periodontitis, special tools from veterinarians are necessary. For this reason, you should promptly visit a veterinary clinic. There, with the help of a periodontal probe and X-rays, a periodontal disease is diagnosed.
The treatment is usually carried out under anesthesia. First, visible dental plaque and tartar are removed. Then, cleaning of the non-visible area below the gum line is performed. Finally, a polishing and rinsing of the periodontal pockets is carried out. In very advanced stages of the disease, tooth extraction may be unavoidable.
As a rule, treatment is performed under anesthesia. Intensive cleaning of the teeth and gums is necessary for every form of periodontitis.
Effectively preventing periodontitis in your dog
Loose teeth and tooth loss are often attributed to the natural aging process in dogs. In many cases, however, the cause is poor →dental hygiene. This leads to serious diseases such as periodontitis.
Daily →brushing of the teeth is the most effective method to prevent plaque and tartar in your dog and help them enjoy long-lasting, carefree dental health. Also note that a professional periodontal treatment is only permanently successful if pet owners are also willing to continue regular dental cleaning at home. There are no medications to prevent the disease. However, you can have the teeth of your dog professionally cleaned regularly by your veterinarian—for example, as part of an →annual routine check-up.
