Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease and Dental Health

Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease in dogs and cats.  Indeed, it is the most overlooked disease.

Sometimes pets suffer with severe periodontal disease before anything is done about it.

Unfortunately, if left untreated, periodontal disease only gets worse, until eventually it undermines the general health of your pet.  The mouth is said to be the most biologically active area of the body, a diseased mouth can affect various organs of the body and the nervous system.  Investigators believe that certain diseases of feline old age, such as diseases of the kidneys and possibly some diseases of the heart and liver, can be attributed to untreated oral disease.  Human medicine has taught us that healthy mouths can help us live longer healthier lives.  There’s no reason to believe the same isn’t also true for animals.

Owners, however, shouldn’t think of mouth care as something to pay attention to only in their pet’s later years.  Studies show that most pets over the age of 2 years show signs of oral disease to some degree.

Dog Breath?

Since cats and dogs are not noted for their cooperation when it comes to mouth inspections, owners can easily miss the early stages of oral

disease in their feline companions.  There are, however, several signs that should alert you to the need for a thorough and detailed veterinary examination of your pet’s mouth.  Bad breath is certainly one “red flag.”  Other indications are when your pet rejects hard, crunchy food; avoids certain parts of its mouth when eating; paws at its mouth; or begins to drool. 

At Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic we perform veterinary dental checkups as part of your pet’s wellness program which also includes routine physical checkups and booster “shots.” Upon examination, our veterinarian may notice periodontal disease in your pet’s mouth and recommend an ATP (Assessment, Treatment, Plan) Dentistry in the near future.  Although periodontal disease is very common, the good news is that if it is treated early enough – with home care and professional prophylactic cleaning and treatments – the signs of periodontal disease can be reversed.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease involves the tissue and structures that support the teeth – the gum (gingiva) and the bone (alveolar bone).  The disease ranges in severity from inflammation of the gum (gingivitis) to ulceration of the gum and resulting loss of supporting bone structure (periodontitis).  Advanced periodontitis leads to the loosening and eventual loss of teeth.  Treatment of periodontal disease is the most important aspect of veterinary dentistry.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, is relatively easy to spot.  It appears as a red line of inflammation where the gum meets the tooth.  This inflammation of the gingival (gum) tissue is caused by deposits of plaque that build up on the surface of the tooth beneath the gum tissue.  Plaque, a combination of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, is constantly forming and hardening on the surface of the tooth.  The high concentration of bacteria (80 percent) in plaque makes it an effective pathological (disease-causing) agent.

As plaque deposits build up, they harden into calculus (tartar) and enlarge the pocket (sulcus) between the tooth and the gum.  This enlarged sulcus traps debris and creates a fertile environment for bacterial growth.  Saliva, which normally washes out the sulcus, can no longer do its job effectively and clear out the sulcus.  Multiplying bacteria invade the gingival tissue and the gums become swollen and are liable to bleed when probed.  Fortunately, at this early stage, the teeth have not lost their supporting bone structure.  So if gingivitis is detected early and treated promptly, its effects are reversible.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis, the advanced stage of periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria, their waste products, and other toxins cause the gums to ulcerate.  Over time, an increasing buildup of calculus causes ever deepening pockets to form around the teeth.  Eventually, the alveolar bone begins to erode.  Finally, erosion of the gingival and alveolar bone advances to such degree that the teeth no longer have anything to support them.  The teeth then become loose and fall out on their own.  Unfortunately, periodontitis is not reversible.  But if treated early enough, it can be controlled.

What can you do?

Plaque forms every 6 to 8 hours.  To effectively remove plaque, you need to brush your pet’s teeth daily.  While brushing takes discipline, it doesn’t take a lot of time – no more than 15 – 30 seconds.  Admittedly, most cats do not clamor to have their teeth brushed, but most will tolerate it if you set up a routine, stick to it, treat brushing like a game, and always remember to reward your pet afterward.

What can Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic do?

As your pet’s dentist, we examine your pet’s gums and teeth at least once a year – more often if needed. 

To catch problems early, it is essential that the owner and our staff work as a team.  An observant owner may notice subtle changes in a pet’s mouth or behavior that he or she can bring to our attention during a routine checkup.  Alerted to potential trouble spots, our veterinarian can discuss possible treatments necessary for your pet’s oral health.

Prevention is the key to helping pets maintain good oral health.  The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends that pet owners follow the following three important steps:

 This material is provided by Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic for client informational purposes only.
 

Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic  ^_°  965 Sanford Road, Westport, MA 02790  ^_°  (508) 636-8382