Periodontitis in Dogs – Causes, Prevention and Treatment

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Dogs have teeth just like us—big, white, shiny teeth that they use and abuse even more than we humans abuse our own. How many humans do you know who play fetch or chew on bones? Yet, without human intervention, dogs would go their entire lives without seeing a dentist or even a toothbrush.

Dogs are living longer than ever before, thanks to improvements in diet, veterinary care, and our growing understanding of our four-legged family members. As a result, dogs are now developing or having medical conditions discovered that would have never been considered thirty years ago. The most common issue today? Dental care.

Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the structures that support the teeth, including the gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. If gingivitis is bad, periodontitis is disastrous.

Bacteria are attracted to the pellicle that forms on a clean tooth. These bacteria, including actinomyces and streptococci, adhere to the tooth and cause plaque to thicken. As the plaque thickens, it cuts off the oxygen supply, and anaerobic bacteria, such as motile rods and spirochetes, begin to populate the subgingival areas. Anaerobic bacteria release endotoxins that cause destruction and bone loss.

The buildup of bacteria in the system can affect overall body function, leading to microscopic lesions in the liver, kidneys, and brain in some dogs suffering from periodontal disease.

There are four grades of gingivitis and periodontal disease:

<ul> <li>**Grade one**: Inflammation of the gums</li> <li>**Grade two**: Inflammation, edema, and gingival bleeding upon probing</li> <li>**Grade three**: Inflammation, edema, gingival bleeding upon probing, pustular discharge, and slight to moderate bone loss</li> <li>**Grade four**: Inflammation, edema, gingival bleeding upon probing, pustular discharge, and severe bone loss</li> </ul>

Some dogs can go their entire lives without any signs of gingivitis or plaque buildup, while others may start to develop brown spots as early as six months old. Toy breeds are especially prone to periodontal disease due to the overcrowding of their teeth, which allows bacteria to accumulate much faster. Dogs that groom themselves often get hair wedged between their teeth, which can eventually become embedded in the gingival sulcus, further promoting bacterial buildup. Poor nutrition and illness can also accelerate plaque formation, as the body may lack the resources to fight off the disease.

As much as 60% of periodontal disease is located below the gum line, meaning that owners often don’t realize how unhealthy their dog’s teeth and gums are until the vet points out problem areas. Radiography is used to demonstrate bone density loss and changes in the sharpness of teeth in grades three and four of periodontal disease, though earlier stages show no marked changes.

During a dental cleaning, the gums are probed for “pockets”. The normal space between the gum and tooth is only about 2mm, and anything deeper indicates the beginning of periodontal disease. Each tooth is probed during the cleaning, and any pockets are marked on a chart to monitor them in the future.

Treatment for grade one and two periodontal disease includes professional cleaning, hand scaling, polishing, irrigation, and an application of fluoride.

For grade three disease, treatments also include closed root planning and subgingival curettage of pockets, along with the application of perioceutic gel to the affected areas.

For grade four dental issues, treatments vary depending on the severity of bone loss and the amount of healthy tissue remaining. In many cases, owners may opt to have diseased teeth removed, as the cost of required surgery and follow-up care can be prohibitive.

The most effective treatment, however, is prevention. We brush our teeth once, twice, and sometimes even three times a day—so why not take a few minutes to brush your dog’s teeth? There are also doggy dental chews, toys, toothpaste, and treats available to help control plaque buildup and prevent periodontal disease. Start brushing a dog’s teeth when they are young, using a specially designed soft toothbrush that fits over your index finger. Begin with easy-to-reach areas, and as the dog gets used to the feel of the toothbrush and enjoys the taste of the beef, chicken, or malt-flavored toothpaste, gradually move to the more difficult-to-reach areas. Small, soft-bristled toothbrushes and dog-friendly toothpaste are available at your vet or your local pet store.

Routine professional dental cleanings are also an excellent way to prevent future problems as your dog ages. A grade one or two dental cleaning typically costs anywhere from $200 to $350, depending on your vet. While this may seem like a lot of money, a grade three or four cleaning can easily cost thousands of dollars, with the added expense of time-consuming post-surgical care on your part. In the long run, investing in preventive care will save you money and help ensure that your dog lives a long, healthy life.

Today, a dog’s teeth need to last them 18 to 20 years. Keep them clean and shiny, and your dog will reward you with fresh breath and a happy smile for all those many years!

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