About Periodontal Disease

Many pet owners don’t realize that oral disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in pets. In fact, statistics show that 85 percent of all dogs have some sort of tooth and gum disease by the time they are just three-years-old.¹

Just like in humans, dogs are susceptible to plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to gingivitis and even periodontitis, a chronic form of the disease that can be painful.

Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis, is an inflammation and/or infection of the gums and bone around dog’s teeth. Over time, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to inflammation of the gums around the dog’s teeth—gingivitis. 

Periodontitis is a potentially irreversible infection that if left untreated, can result in the destruction of gum and bone and other tissues around the dog’s teeth. In most severe cases, periodontitis can ultimately lead to loss of teeth, fracture of the jawbones, and other serious consequences that can dramatically impact a dog’s quality of life and overall health.

Whenever it is possible, preventing disease is preferable to treating it and in the case of periodontitis, this is especially true. It is a progressive infectious disease that can lead to unhealthy and painful conditions for dogs that may require difficult and costly treatments.

The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented with a good dental care program including:

·       Daily home oral care

·       Regular visits to your veterinarian, which include an oral exam

·       Veterinary dental cleaning as advised

Dental diets, oral gels or rinses, and chew toys may also help as aids in prevention.

Veterinarians also have a tool available to aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis—the Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin—that gives patients an additional layer of prevention against canine periodontitis. The vaccine was introduced to veterinarians in 2006 and is the first and only vaccine of its kind.

Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy is essential to their health.

[1] Beard G, Emily P, Mulligan T, Williams C.  American Animal Hospital Association, Veterinary Dentistry, Course 1, 1989.

Remember that February is National Pet Dental Month.  All dental cleanings and supplies are 10% off. Make an appointment or stop in for more information.

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