Canine periodontal disease is a progressive, infectious disease that can wreak havoc with your dog’s health.
Thanks to advances in technology, dogs, like humans, are living longer and healthier lives. A longer life, however, makes it especially important to take good care of your dog’s teeth and gums. Unfortunately, some 85% of dogs over the age of four have at least one form of periodontal (or gum) disease. Is your dog one of them?
The Cause and Effect of Gum Disease
- The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene.
- Over time, bacteria, saliva and food particles form plaque, a sticky substance that covers the teeth. From there, it only takes two days for plaque to harden into tartar if it’s not removed by brushing.
- Untreated tartar build-up can lead to periodontal disease, causing gum recession, damage to the bone/jawbone, and deep pockets of infection.
- Periodontal disease also is a catalyst for a host of serious health disorders including respiratory infections, liver disorders, kidney damage and heart disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Tartar buildup: Check your dog’s teeth regularly for brown tartar deposits near the gumline. In the absence of brushing, tartar can accumulate on the surface of the tooth and above the gum line. The continuous build-up of tartar creates a haven for bacteria, which eventually can trigger more serious gum disease.
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums: These can be signs of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by food and bacteria trapped in the crevices of your dog’s teeth and gums. The primary symptom of gingivitis is bleeding; in some cases, your dog may have pain or difficulty chewing. At this stage, a professional dental cleaning can reverse gingivitis and return your pet’s oral health back to normal.
- Bad breath: Too many dog owners assume that “dog breath” is a natural fact of life. It’s not, and simply means that your dog is hosting a plethora of bacteria and plaque in her mouth that needs to be removed. Bad breath and/ or inflamed gums can be symptoms of periodontal disease. If your dog’s breath is making you take cover, see your vet right away.
- Other signs of gum disease: Loss of appetite or a reluctance to chew, discolored or loose teeth, facial swelling, excessive drooling, receding gums, mouth pawing or behavioral changes (lethargy or aggression).
How to Prevent Gum Disease
A program of consistent oral care can make your dog’s smile shine brightly throughout her lifetime.
- Daily brushing: Brush her teeth once a day to remove bacteria and plaque before it has a chance to harden. It only takes two days for plaque to harden into tartar so daily brushing is critical to help control buildup and prevent periodontal disease. Be sure to use toothpaste that is formulated for dogs – human toothpaste can make her sick.
- Diet: Hard, crunchy food, rather than soft food, removes tartar build-up more effectively. Chewing raw marrow bones, or specifically formulated dental chews also help remove plaque and will help keep her teeth clean.
- Regular checkups: Make sure to bring your dog for an annual well-visit so your vet can give her a thorough oral exam and check for cracks, chips, loose teeth, gum ulcers, and infections. Just like you, your dog may need an occasional professional cleaning (dental scaling and polishing) to remove built-up deposits and ensure proper gum health.
- Other signs of gum disease: Loss of appetite or a reluctance to chew, discolored or loose teeth, facial swelling, excessive drooling, receding gums, mouth pawing or behavioral changes (lethargy or aggression).
Be Proactive
Gum disease does not have to be a fact of life for your dog and, in most cases, can be avoided completely with proactive oral care. Daily brushing, proper diet and professional checkups and/or cleanings will help keep her healthy and ensure that her teeth last a lifetime.
