You may be surprised to know that dental disease is a significant problem for pets, affecting the majority of cats and dogs by the time they are 2 years of age. Left untreated, this condition can negatively impact your four-legged friend’s oral health and overall well-being. Our WesVet Animal Hospital team wants you to be well-informed about your pet’s health care, and we offer important information about periodontal disease.

Pet periodontal disease basics

After eating kibble, canned food, table scraps, or treats, food particles remain in your pet’s mouth and attract bacteria that adhere to the tooth surface, creating sticky plaque. If not removed, precipitates from your pet’s saliva harden the plaque into tartar, which irritates the oral tissues. Periodontal bacteria cause a progressive infection that damages the gums, bone, and other supporting tooth structures. 

Pet periodontal disease effects

So, why is periodontal disease a concern for your pet? The condition can significantly impact your four-legged friend’s oral health and overall well-being. Potential consequences include:

  • Inflamed gums — The bacteria irritate your pet’s gums, leading to red, swollen, and sometimes bloody gums.
  • Loose teeth — As the supporting structures are damaged, the tooth loosens, and your pet will likely lose the tooth once most of the support is lost.
  • Chronic pain — Inflamed gums and loose teeth can be painful, which affects your pet’s quality of life.
  • Tooth root abscesses — Periodontal bacteria can invade the tooth root, causing a painful tooth root abscess.
  • Systemic health effects — Periodontal bacteria can enter your pet’s bloodstream, potentially leading to systemic infections that affect their heart, kidneys, and liver. In addition, periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Pet periodontal disease risk factors

All pets are susceptible to periodontal disease, but your furry pal’s risk is increased by certain factors, such as:

  • Age — Older pets are at increased risk because plaque and tartar have had longer to accumulate.
  • Small breeds — Small-breed dogs are prone to teeth overcrowding and misalignments, putting them at increased risk.
  • Brachycephalic breeds — Brachycephalic pets, such as pugs, French bulldogs, and Persian cats, often have misalignments that make them more susceptible to periodontal disease.

Pet periodontal disease signs

Most pets don’t exhibit periodontal disease signs until the condition has advanced and is causing significant problems. Potential warning signs include:

  • Bad breath — Typically, the first periodontal disease sign that pet owners notice is bad breath, which many dismiss as normal.
  • Drooling — Irritation from periodontal disease can result in excessive drooling.
  • Sneezing or nasal discharge — In some cases, periodontal bacteria can tunnel into the nasal cavity, causing sneezing or nasal discharge.
  • Ocular discharge — Periodontal bacteria can also affect your pet’s eyes, leading to ocular discharge.
  • Discolored teeth — Yellow or brown accumulations on your pet’s teeth indicate they have periodontal disease.
  • Swollen or bleeding gums — If the gums appear red or swollen, your pet should be evaluated for periodontal disease. In addition, you may find blood on their chew toys or food if their gums are bleeding.
  • Changes in eating behavior — If your pet is reluctant to eat, drops their food, or chews only on one side of their mouth, they may have periodontal disease.
  • Facial swelling — Periodontal disease can lead to facial swelling.
  • Behavioral changes — Some pets, especially cats, may hide more and avoid interactions.

Pet periodontal disease diagnosis

Diagnosing periodontal disease isn’t as straightforward as you may think, because a large part of the tooth resides under the gum line and can’t be easily evaluated. The only way to effectively diagnose periodontal disease is through a professional veterinary dental evaluation, which involves placing your pet under anesthesia and X-raying their oral structures.  

Pet periodontal disease treatment

Addressing periodontal disease involves a professional veterinary dental cleaning, which our team performs after we thoroughly evaluate your pet’s oral health. These procedures allow us to clean under your pet’s gum line, where periodontal disease causes the most problems. Other treatments, such as tooth extractions, may also be necessary, depending on the disease’s advancement.

Pet periodontal disease prevention

Fortunately, pet periodontal disease can easily be prevented by taking the following steps:

  • Scheduling regular veterinary examinations — Your pet should be evaluated by a veterinarian at least once a year to detect conditions such as periodontal disease.
  • Brushing your pet’s teeth — Daily toothbrushing is also important to remove the plaque and tartar that accumulate between professional dental cleanings. 
  • Providing dental treats — Chewing Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved dental chews and treats help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Contact our WesVet Animal Hospital team today to schedule your pet’s professional veterinary dental assessment and cleaning.