Despite dental disease (i.e., periodontal disease) being common in pets, you may be unaware that your furry pal has this condition until their signs become advanced. To learn how to prevent your pet from developing periodontal disease, read our Animal Clinic of Council Bluffs team’s guide to periodontal disease basics. 

What is periodontal disease in pets?

Periodontal disease affects the teeth and potentially their surrounding structures such as the tooth crown and root, gingiva (i.e., gums), hard and soft palates, tongue, and facial structures. Most pets’ dental disease emerges by affecting only the tooth but progresses to damaging the neighboring oral structures. 

What are periodontal disease signs in pets?

A dental problem’s first sign is typically plaque buildup on the teeth, which is characterized by a yellow-white biofilm on the tooth surface. Because your pet’s rough tongue acts like a toothbrush along the tooth’s inside (i.e., lingual) surface, plaque is often swept away from this area and is less prone to accumulation. Therefore, you are more likely to see problems on the tooth’s buccal (i.e., cheek) surface. Plaque builds up over time and, if you don’t brush away the substance, it will become dark, calcified tartar. As this thick, hard material accumulates, it can invade below the gumline, causing inflammation (i.e., gingivitis) and infection. Eventually, this inflammation can even cause the ligaments that hold the tooth in place to become lax, resulting in loose teeth. Your pet likely has periodontal disease if they exhibit these signs:

  • Tooth discoloration that ranges from yellow to brown to grey
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Gum recession
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Foul breath
  • Swelling underneath the eye
  • Oral discomfort 

Which pets are at risk for periodontal disease?

Remarkably, 80 to 90 percent of all dogs and cats older than age 3 have some degree of oral disease. This is largely attributable to inadequate preventive dental care, but other factors can also play a role. Typically, the smaller the dog, the more quickly and severely dental disease will develop. While small and large dogs have the same number of teeth, small dogs’ teeth are often overcrowded because of their compact mouth size. Overcrowded teeth can contribute to dental disease development because they trap a lot of food debris. Cats also suffer from periodontal disease, but their signs most often include gingivitis and resorptive lesions, which are a type of tooth decay. Gingivitis presents similarly in dogs and cats as red, angry gums. This inflammation’s progression to the mouth’s other soft tissues is known as stomatitis. Resorptive lesions occur when an area of a tooth’s surface has broken, exposing sensitive structures. These lesions are typically very painful and may cause cats to experience inappetence. 

How is periodontal disease treated?

The first step in treating a pet’s periodontal disease is to have our Animal Clinic of Council Bluff team complete a comprehensive oral health assessment. Because most pets won’t tolerate a thorough oral examination while awake, we will administer general anesthesia. Once we know your pet cannot feel pain, our veterinary professional begins examining your pet’s teeth and oral structures, noting any problems. Next, all tooth surfaces are cleaned using hand and ultrasonic scaling tools, ensuring that the area beneath the gumline is thoroughly cleaned. All teeth are polished to smooth over surface imperfections. We’ll then address any issues such as periodontal pockets, tooth root exposure, loose or fractured teeth, abscesses, and masses. Treatments often involve local anesthetic administration, tooth extraction, suturing, and antibiotic gel application. Once treatments have been completed, your pet is gently awakened. Pets who receive dental treatments often go home with pain meds, antibiotics, and instructions for at-home care. 

What care can I provide my pet at home to help prevent dental disease?

Most periodontal disease cases are 100% preventable. With a combination of consistent dental care at home and routine professional dental cleanings with our veterinary team, you can help prevent plaque buildup before it becomes a problem. The most effective way to prevent dental disease is by brushing your pet’s teeth daily with a toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste. Adjunctive products, such as oral rinses and water additives, can also aid in reducing biofilms. Dental diets are a good option for pets because they offer larger kibble that cleans your pet’s teeth as they chew. With a little diligence at home and help from our veterinary team, you can help deter this disease from becoming a major health problem for your pet. 

At Animal Clinic of Council Bluffs, we are dedicated to defeating dental disease in our pet population. Contact our team to set up your pet’s oral checkup.