Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease in dogs and cats caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone supporting the teeth.
In its later stages, periodontitis may cause an infection that spreads to other body parts, such as the heart and kidneys. It cannot be cured but can be treated with scaling, root planing, and antibiotics. Heartworm prevention can work with an optimal dosage of Heartgard for dogs.
A Severe Form Of Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when plaque (a film of bacteria) builds up around your pet's teeth. Plaque irritates the gum tissue causing it to swell up and become inflamed. This causes bleeding on the surface of tooth roots underneath the gums, creating an environment where bacteria thrive.
A temporary fix for the pain and discomfort caused can be Meloxidyl for dogs. But when periodontitis is left untreated, over time, it can cause permanent damage to your pet's gums, bones, and supporting structures that help keep their teeth in place.
A Chronic Inflammatory Disease
You might be wondering if canines get the same kind of periodontal disease that humans do. The answer is yes, but it's a much rarer condition in dogs. It's also known as chronic periodontitis (CP).
Dogs with CP have difficulty eating; some may have trouble moving their jaws because the inflammation has destroyed so much muscle tissue. The acute case of inflammation can be managed by administering Galliprant. Left untreated, this can lead to other health problems like malnutrition, heart disease, respiratory problems, and even kidney failure.
In The Early Stages
The bacteria in your mouth are capable of causing damage to the jaw bone. They produce enzymes that can attack and destroy surrounding tissues. There are no preliminary symptoms of this disease, especially in pets. A good step in preventing such damage is to provide joint supplements for dogs.
The disease progresses after some time, and the gums start to recede from the tooth. Once this happens, corrosion of the jawbone starts as well. Bacteria enter through deep pockets in between teeth or within periodontal ligament tissues, where they multiply and destroy surrounding tissues, including bone tissue.
Since there is no pain associated with this condition initially, most pet parents won’t even know about it until it becomes evident that their pet’s teeth are becoming loose or falling out entirely. Older dogs are more susceptible to this condition and need to be taken special care of.
The Advanced Stages
At the advanced stage of periodontal disease, the gums start to recede from the tooth. The gum tissues start to detach from the teeth in a process known as pocketing. The inflamed gums can pull away from your teeth, leading to pockets where bacteria can collect and cause tooth loss if left untreated.
This can also be caused by other conditions like trauma or damage from grinding their teeth at night (bruxism). The bone around the teeth is exposed in this case, and it can lead to severe pain and infection if not treated immediately. Meloxicam for dogs helps control the discomfort from this condition.
Once the cementum and dentin are exposed, corrosion of the jaw bone starts. This is also known as bone resorption, which is when the body replaces healthy tissue with dead or dying tissue that can't do its job.
If your dog has periodontitis, there is a chance that its jawbone can be destroyed. This is called osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis (AVN). AVN occurs when the blood supply to the jaw bone is interrupted.
Bone loss is a serious problem for pets with periodontitis. Once the gum tissue has been lost, it can never be replaced. This means that bone loss is irreversible. The bone around your teeth is exposed when there's no gum tissue protecting it, leaving you vulnerable to tooth sensitivity and pain. Dogs who suffer from this disease can be fed milk bone dog treats as these are easier to chew.
Treatment For CP
Treatment for periodontitis can be as follows:
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Scaling, root planing, and antibiotics. This is the most common form of treatment. It involves removing plaque and tartar from your dog's teeth and treating them with medication to prevent further infections.
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Other treatments include surgery, laser therapy, and bone grafting. These procedures are often used when scaling does not work or if there is a risk of losing too much bone tissue during this process due to an advanced stage of the disease (as mentioned above). Your vet might use a sedative for dogs to be able to operate calmly.
If you notice your pet having periodontitis as their gums become detached from their teeth, you should see a vet who specializes in treating gum disease immediately. In the meantime, you can get a slow-feeder dog bowl to allow your fluff to eat peacefully.
It Is Important To Begin Dental Care In Puppies
You might want to ask about dental care when you take your pet to the vet for its yearly check-up. The vet can tell you how often your pet will need to visit the office and what kind of cleaning options are available. If you want to do some research on dental hygiene at home, there are a few things to keep in mind:
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It is easier to prevent than treat. You can begin early with a puppy or kitten so they don't lose their teeth early on. Greenies for dogs and Himalayan dog chew are popular for maintaining oral health in pups.
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Use dog toothpaste if your pet is small or human toothpaste if large (ensure it is not flavored). Also, ensure it has fluoride, which helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel.
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Use a finger brush or regular toothbrush if possible; otherwise, use gauze wrapped around your finger (it should be wet). Brush gently in circles from top-to-bottom and side to side until all surfaces have been cleaned thoroughly. You can also get Vet Oral Health Council-approved Whimzees, treats shaped like brushes, to get your pup used to the tool.
Conclusion
Dental care is one of the best ways to keep your dog or cat healthy for years to come. In dogs, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and serious infections that may spread throughout the body.
In cats, this disease can cause serious health problems such as heart and kidney failure. With proper dental care, however, you can reduce or even eliminate your pet's risk of getting diseases later on in life.