First Coast Pet

When your dog eats, particles of food can become lodged between his teeth and the gumline. Plaque will develop if bacteria is left to accumulate from food particles allowed to remain in the teeth. Plaque can be removed relatively easily. However, if you don’t take steps to do so, it can turn into tartar, which is far more difficult to remove.

Unlike plaque, tartar will irritate your pooch’s gums. If it is not removed, it will cause gingivitis, which will result in inflamed or bleeding gums, and bad breath. But, the problem can become much worse. Given enough time, the amount of tartar beneath the gums can grow, forming pockets that collect bacteria. This marks the onset of periodontal disease (PD) and can eventually cause your dog to lose his teeth or suffer infection as the bacteria enters his bloodstream.

Below, we’ll describe some of the leading causes of periodontal disease in canines. We’ll also explain how veterinarians treat the problem.

What Causes The Problem?

There are several factors that play a role in the development of PD. For example, how old your dog is can have a significant influence. Because periodontal disease takes time to develop, it is most prevalent in older canines, though it also occurs in younger dogs. Their food's texture also has a surprising impact. Harder foods are more effective for rubbing plaque off the teeth than soft, canned foods.

Smaller breeds are generally more vulnerable. Their teeth are usually positioned close together making it more difficult for the plaque to be rubbed off by harder foods or removed through brushing. Also, if owners neglect to brush their dogs' teeth, there is a greater likelihood of the formation of tartar.

Canines that suffer from periodontal disease will often paw at their gums, drool, or show a heightened sensitivity around their mouths. One of the most obvious signs of PD is also the most often overlooked: bad breath. Take your dog to your veterinarian if you notice him or her showing any of these signs.

Forms Of Treatment

Periodontal disease in canines is diagnosed in four grades from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. The treatment prescribed by a veterinarian will depend on the grade. Grades 1 and 2 will normally be treated by a thorough dental cleaning whereby any existing tartar will be removed with scalers. The last two grades call for more intensive treatments. A veterinarian might perform root planing, subgingival curettage, and even extraction of one or more teeth.

Owners should consider their dog’s oral health a priority. A minor issue such as bad breath might signal the onset of gingivitis. If it is not fixed within a reasonable amount of time, it will develop into periodontal disease. However, with a regular routine of brushing and periodic dental exams, owners can help keep their canines’ teeth problems at bay.

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