Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats

Periodontal disease is the most common oral condition in pets. It is estimated to affect approximately 80% of dogs and 60% of cats over the age of five. Although it is very common, it often goes unnoticed by pet owners until more serious problems develop.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease causes inflammation and destruction of the tissues that surround and support the tooth, including the gums, alveolar bone, and tooth root.
In the early stages, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) occurs and is reversible. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, leading to the loss of the tissues that support the tooth.

How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?

The primary cause of periodontal disease is dental plaque, a layer of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth.
After eating, a thin film composed of saliva proteins forms on the teeth. Bacteria from the oral cavity attach to this film and form dental plaque. If plaque is not removed through chewing or brushing, it gradually calcifies due to calcium and phosphorus salts present in saliva and turns into tartar (dental calculus).
Dental calculus promotes bacterial growth beneath the gums and leads to inflammation and destruction of the periodontal tissues.

Risk Factors

The development of periodontal disease is influenced by several factors, including:

• accumulation of plaque on the teeth
• a diet consisting mainly of soft foods
• the animal’s age
• abnormalities in tooth development
• retained deciduous teeth
• the presence of foreign bodies in the gums
• certain systemic diseases (such as diabetes mellitus)

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

The most common symptoms that pet owners may notice include:

• severe bad breath
• redness or swelling of the gums
• bleeding gums
• tartar buildup on the teeth
• excessive drooling
• difficulty chewing
• reduced appetite
• loose teeth or tooth loss

In many cases, animals continue to eat despite the presence of pain, which is why regular veterinary examinations of the oral cavity (every six months) are particularly important.

Effects on Overall Health

Periodontal disease does not affect only the mouth. Bacteria present in infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs in the body.
Possible complications include problems involving the heart, kidneys, liver, and respiratory system. For this reason, early treatment is especially important.

Treatment

Treatment for periodontal disease is performed by a veterinarian and depends on the stage of the disease.

Dental Cleaning (Scaling)
Dental cleaning is performed using a specialized ultrasonic device and is carried out under general anesthesia in order to completely remove tartar from all tooth surfaces, including beneath the gums.

Tooth Polishing
After scaling, the teeth are polished to remove residual debris and smooth the tooth surface.

Medication
In more advanced cases, antibiotics or oral antiseptic solutions may be prescribed.

Tooth Extraction
In cases of severe periodontitis, when the tooth has sustained extensive damage, extraction may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention is the most effective way to protect pets’ oral health. Basic preventive measures include:

• regular brushing of the teeth with toothpaste specifically designed for pets
• specialized diets that help reduce tartar buildup
• chewable dental products that aid in the mechanical cleaning of teeth
• regular veterinary dental examinations