Hey there, pet parents! Let's talk about something that affects almost every single dog at some point in their life: Dental Disease. You might not think about it much, but your dog's oral health is incredibly important for their overall health and happiness. A healthy mouth is a happy dog! Let's sink our teeth into this important topic.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in dogs. It's a progressive inflammation and infection of the gums and the structures that support the teeth. It all starts with plaque.
Just like in people, plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If that plaque isn't removed, it hardens into tartar (or calculus). Tartar is the hard, brown stuff you can see on your dog's teeth.
The real problem starts when the plaque and tartar spread below the gumline. This causes inflammation of the gums, which is called gingivitis. This is Stage 1 of periodontal disease. If left untreated, the inflammation progresses and starts to destroy the supporting structures of the tooth (the periodontal ligament and the bone). This is periodontitis, and it's irreversible.
The Stages of Periodontal Disease
Vets stage dental disease on a scale from 0 to 4.
- •Stage 0: Normal, healthy mouth.
- •Stage 1 (Gingivitis): The gums are red and puffy, but there is no loss of attachment yet. This stage is completely reversible with a professional cleaning.
- •Stage 2: There is minor loss of attachment (less than 25%). The gums are bleeding and there are small pockets forming between the tooth and the gum.
- •Stage 3: There is moderate attachment loss (25-50%). The teeth are becoming loose.
- •Stage 4: There is severe attachment loss (over 50%). The teeth are very loose, there is pus and infection, and the tooth roots may be exposed. These teeth are unsalvageable and must be extracted.
Spotting the Signs of Dental Disease
Dogs are masters at hiding pain, so the signs can be subtle.
- •Bad Breath (Halitosis): This is the #1 sign that owners notice. Your dog's breath shouldn't be terrible!
- •Plaque and Tartar: You can see the yellow or brown buildup on the teeth.
- •Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums: A sign of gingivitis.
- •Difficulty Chewing: Your dog might drop food, chew on one side of their mouth, or be reluctant to eat hard food.
- •Pawing at the Mouth: A sign of oral pain.
- •Loose or Missing Teeth.
- •Facial Swelling: This can be a sign of a tooth root abscess.
Why Dental Health is So Important
Dental disease isn't just about bad breath. It's a painful condition. And the bacteria from a diseased mouth can get into the bloodstream and travel to other organs, like the heart, kidneys, and liver, causing serious systemic health problems.
Treatment: The Professional Dental Cleaning
The only way to treat and prevent periodontal disease is with a comprehensive anesthetic dental cleaning, often called a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment).
This is not the same as an "anesthesia-free" cleaning, which is purely cosmetic and does not address the disease below the gumline. A proper dental cleaning requires general anesthesia. Here's what it involves:
- •Anesthesia: General anesthesia is necessary to keep your dog safe and still, and to allow the vet to clean below the gumline and take X-rays. All dogs should have pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure they are healthy enough for anesthesia.
- 1Dental X-rays: This is one of the most important parts! About 60% of the tooth is below the gumline, so X-rays are the only way to see what's going on with the roots and the bone.
- 2Scaling: The vet or technician will use an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments to remove all the plaque and tartar from the teeth, both above and below the gumline.
- 3Polishing: The teeth are polished to smooth the surface, which helps to prevent new plaque from sticking.
- 4Probing and Charting: Each tooth is examined and probed to check for pockets and other abnormalities.
- 5Extractions: If any teeth are found to be diseased and unsalvageable, they will be surgically extracted. Dogs do great with extractions and are much happier without the source of chronic pain and infection.
Prevention: The Key to a Healthy Mouth
- •At-Home Brushing: This is the gold standard. Brushing your dog's teeth daily with a dog-specific toothpaste is the best thing you can do to prevent plaque buildup.
- •Dental Diets, Chews, and Water Additives: There are many products on the market that are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar. Look for products that have the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval.
- •Regular Professional Cleanings: Just like people, most dogs will need regular dental cleanings. Your vet can tell you how often your dog needs one.
By being proactive about your dog's oral health, you can prevent pain, save teeth, and help your dog live a longer, healthier life.
Sources & Further Reading:
- •American Veterinary Dental College - Periodontal Disease
- 1VCA Animal Hospitals - Dental Disease in Dogs