Dental health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of pet care. Periodontal disease can progress silently, causing discomfort and serious health issues for your furry friend. Let’s explore the stages of periodontal disease, how to identify them, and the steps you can take to maintain your pet’s oral health.
Early Periodontal Disease (Gingivitis)
The gums of a healthy pet should be coral pink, and bad breath shouldn’t be an issue. If your pet has gingivitis, you might notice:
- Bad breath
- Brownish deposits (plaque or tartar) on the back of the teeth
- A thin red line along the gums
These are common signs of early periodontal disease, which can appear in pets as young as 2-3 years old if their teeth are not properly cared for.
To address gingivitis:
- Start a routine dental care program immediately.
- Use dental sprays or gels designed for pets to reduce plaque buildup and prevent reoccurrence.
- Introduce regular brushing with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste from our dental care range.
If left untreated, the plaque can settle below the gum line, leading to painful gum infections and eventual tooth loss.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
Neglected dental care can lead to moderate periodontal disease, especially in pets that frequently consume soft food. At this stage:
- 1/3 to ½ of the tooth root attachment may deteriorate.
- The bone supporting the tooth may be significantly damaged.
- Chewing becomes painful, further worsening oral health due to lack of natural cleaning from chewing motions.
Symptoms of moderate periodontal disease include severe bad breath and visibly unattractive teeth and gums.
Treatment at this stage involves:
- A thorough dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian, focusing on cleaning beneath the gums.
- Application of antibiotic gels, such as the vet-prescribed products that form a protective layer and release antibiotics gradually over two weeks, helping the gums heal.
With consistent treatment, your pet’s oral health can improve significantly, potentially restoring much of the gum-to-tooth attachment.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
In the advanced stage of periodontal disease, significant damage has occurred, and full recovery of oral health is unlikely. Characteristics of this stage include:
- Loose teeth that are painful and may fall out.
- Severe damage to gums and supporting bone structure.
- Chronic pain and difficulty eating.
At this stage, treatment focuses on reducing pain and preventing further damage:
- Your vet may extract loose or severely damaged teeth to protect your pet’s mouth.
- Pain management and dental hygiene can help improve quality of life.
Preventing advanced periodontal disease is far easier than treating it. Routine dental care is the key to protecting your pet’s oral health.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease
Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how you can keep your pet’s teeth healthy:
- Brush regularly: Use pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes from our toothbrushes collection.
- Provide dental chews: Dental chews are an easy way to reduce tartar buildup while entertaining your pet. Explore options in our dental care section.
- Schedule regular vet checkups: Professional cleanings and early detection of issues can save your pet from discomfort and pain.
- Use dental sprays or gels: These can help maintain clean teeth between brushings, such as products from our dental sprays collection.
Summary
Periodontal disease is a serious but preventable issue. By staying vigilant and incorporating regular dental care, you can keep your pet’s mouth healthy and free from discomfort. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—start a dental care routine today with trusted products from CanadaVet’s dental care range.
