Periodontal disease in pets, commonly referred to as dental disease, is a condition that affects the teeth and surrounding structures. If left untreated, periodontal disease can progress and cause systemic illness, infecting vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. 

Discover how periodontal disease develops and the preventive measures you should take to protect your pet from this condition’s harmful effects. Our Red Oak Animal Hospital team shares essential information about periodontal disease’s development, signs, and prevention.

How does periodontal disease develop in pets?

Periodontal disease occurs when oral bacteria combine with saliva and food particles, creating a sticky biofilm (i.e., plaque) on your pet’s teeth. Within a few days, plaque mineralizes and hardens into tartar, which forms a rough surface ideal for additional plaque accumulation.

While tartar is unsightly and difficult to remove from the teeth without special dental instruments, oral bacteria and plaque are the real problems. Bacteria trigger gum inflammation (i.e., gingivitis) that can lead to periodontitis, a gum disease that is more severe than periodontal disease. Periodontitis causes oral inflammation to extend beyond the gums and affects the teeth’s supporting structures, including the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone, eventually causing tooth mobility and loss. In severe cases, the infection can spread to other parts of your pet’s body, affecting their overall health.

What periodontal disease signs could my pet exhibit?

Pets may exhibit various periodontal disease signs. Remember that pets do not always show obvious dental issue signs, especially if the disease is in the early stages, so regular oral exams are important for catching problems. However, your pet may have periodontal disease if they exhibit these periodontal disease signs:

  • Bad breath — Foul breath odor is one of the first periodontal disease signs you’ll notice in your furry pal, and the stench won’t dissipate until oral bacteria, plaque, and tartar have been professionally cleaned from above and below your pet’s gumline.
  • Gingivitis — Inflamed or swollen gums can indicate periodontitis. Irritation first appears along the gumline as bacteria attack the gingival tissue.
  • Bleeding gums — If you notice blood on your pet’s toys or in their water bowl, your furry pal may have gum disease. Bleeding can occur during brushing or chewing on hard objects, including food or treats.
  • Plaque and tartar accumulation — Inspect your pet’s teeth for yellow, brown, or grey plaque or tartar accumulation. Buildup typically occurs near the gumline and spreads.
  • Excessive salivation — Excessive drooling, especially if the behavior is new behavior or the saliva is blood-tinged, can indicate your pet has oral pain or disease.
  • Loose or missing teeth — Periodontal disease can lead to tooth mobility and, in advanced cases, tooth loss. If your pet has loose or missing teeth, they likely have severe dental problems.
  • Eating habit changes — Pets with dental issues may experience pain while eating, so they may be reluctant to eat, chew on one side of the mouth, or drop food while eating.
  • Pawing at the mouth — If your pet frequently paws at their mouth or face, they are likely experiencing dental discomfort.
  • Behavior changes — Pets in pain may exhibit changes in behavior, becoming irritable, withdrawn, or reluctant to be touched around the mouth.

How can I prevent periodontal disease in my pet?

Good oral hygiene practices and regular veterinary care are essential for maintaining your pet’s dental health. Take the following preventive measures:

  • Schedule regular oral exams — Professional veterinary dental exams allow for early dental issue detection, and our Red Oak Animal Hospital team can recommend appropriate preventive measures or treatment to restore your pet’s oral health.
  • Schedule professional dental cleanings — Professional dental cleanings performed while your pet is under general anesthesia remove plaque and tartar that cannot be addressed through at-home care. Most pets generally require annual dental cleanings to maintain good oral health, but some need more frequent professional dental cleanings.
  • Adhere to a regular toothbrushing schedule — Ideally, you should brush your pet’s teeth daily to prevent plaque and tartar accumulation, as plaque can begin forming within hours after a meal. Sticking to that schedule can be challenging, though, so aim to brush your pet’s teeth at least two or three times per week to keep your furry pal’s teeth clean.
  • Administer appropriate dental care products — Provide dental chews, treats, food and water additives, and oral sprays and rinses that promote oral health. These items can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup by encouraging chewing, promoting saliva production, and enzymatically battling oral bacteria. When choosing dental care products, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance. This seal indicates that the product has demonstrated its plaque- and tartar-fighting abilities, thereby slowing dental disease development.
  • Avoid hard objects — Be cautious about giving your pet extremely hard objects or bones, as these can lead to tooth fractures.
  • Monitor oral health — Regularly check your pet’s mouth for dental issue signs, such as bad breath, red or swollen gums, or tartar accumulation, and schedule a veterinary visit if you notice abnormalities.
  • Start early — Begin oral care practices when your pet is young to accustom them to the routine and to prevent periodontal disease from developing.

Maintaining good oral hygiene practices can significantly reduce your pet’s periodontal disease risk. Schedule your pet’s oral exam and professional dental cleaning with our Red Oak Animal Hospital team.