The most common warning sign of periodontal disease is “dog breath.” Bad breath results from the activity of the bacteria that cause the formation of plaque, and ultimately, dental calculus (tartar).

Responsible and caring dog owners should be aware of the early warning signs of periodontal disease. If the condition is spotted and treated while in its early stages, its progression can be stopped before permanent damage and serious complications occur.

Warning signs your pet may have oral or dental issues include the following:

• bad breath
• inflamed gums that bleed easily
• gums that appear red or receding
• unusual sensitivity around the mouth
• pawing at the mouth
• missing or loose teeth
• reluctance or difficulty eating
• poor appetite
• depression
• pus leaking from around affected teeth
• drooling
• stomach upsets

If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary advice right away.

How does your vet diagnose canine periodontal disease?

In addition to the symptoms outlined above, your vet will use a number of criteria to assess your dog’s oral health before assigning a Grade to your pet’s condition. Your dog will be examined to determine the health of his gums, along with the amount and distribution of plaque and tartar. If necessary, a more extensive exam under anesthesia may be required.

The depth and extent of “pockets” between the tooth and the gum will be measured using a calibrated probe. Pocket depth in excess of 3 mm could indicate problems below the gumline.

Finally, X-rays may be taken. Radiographs will allow your vet to see the extent of any damage that has occurred below the gumline.

Once your vet has completed his visual assessment of your pet’s condition, a Grade will be assigned. Then, a suitable course of treatment will be determined.

The treatment options for canine periodontal disease

The treatment given to your pet will depend on the periodontitis Grade that has been assigned. Your vet may elect to prescribe antibiotics for your pet several days prior to his dental procedure. Throughout the procedure, your pet will be under anesthesia.

Grade I and II treatment

Dogs with Grade I or Grade II gingivitis will be treated via a routine “prophy,” or professional prophylaxis. This procedure is similar to a scale and polish that you may have regularly at your own dentist.

Any buildup of plaque and tartar is removed from your pet’s teeth using ultrasonic or handheld scaling devices. Polishing is then carried out to remove any tiny scratches from the tooth surface. Even minor abnormalities can leave the tooth predisposed to the formation of plaque and tartar, whereas a shiny, smooth surface makes it much more difficult for plaque to accumulate. A thorough examination of every tooth and the whole oral cavity of your dog’s mouth is carried out to check for any signs of disease.

A gentle lavage is performed to remove any lingering plaque and debris that may be left in the “pockets” or below the gumline.

Plaque prevention gel, fluoride, and/or veterinary dental sealant may then be applied to provide protection for the gingival sulcus.

Grade III and Grade IV treatment

Your dog’s teeth will be scaled to remove plaque and tartar. Then, depending on the severity of your pet’s condition, your vet will opt for one or a combination of the following treatment options:

Root planing

Root planing involves the removal of residual tartar, as well as diseased dentin and cementum, and smoothing of the tooth root surface.

Subgingival curettage

This advanced procedure involves the removal of any diseased connective tissue and epithelium.

All of these procedures are highly specialized and are usually carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy is carried out if the dog has excess gum tissue that creates an extra-large, bacteria-friendly pseudo pocket between the gum and the tooth. Removing this excess tissue can be effective in preventing future periodontal disease.

Periodontal surgery and therapeutics

Where bone and root damage has taken place, a flap of the gum over the tooth root is opened up, allowing access to these deep structures. Removal of diseased structures and other procedures may be needed and should be performed by a veterinary dentist.

Tooth extraction

Where a tooth cannot be saved or reparative procedures are impractical, tooth extraction may be carried out.

Small breeds and brachycephalic dogs

Small breeds and brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, such as pugs and Pekingese, are at a greater risk of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease.

In brachycephalic breeds, the teeth are often crowded together. This can allow large amounts of plaque to accumulate, due to the hindrance of the normal cleansing mechanisms within the mouth.

In addition, flat-faced dogs are inclined to open-mouth breath, leaving them prone to dehydration of the oral cavity and thus more tenacious plaque.

Preventative measures for avoiding canine periodontal disease

In order to avoid the suffering and health problems that can be caused by periodontal disease, be sure to have your pet’s teeth and oral health checked by your vet as part of your dog’s annual health check and vaccination regimen. If your dog has been diagnosed with and received treatment for severe periodontal disease, you may need to have him checked every few months.

How canine periodontal disease is addressed

1. Be sure to monitor your dog and seek veterinary advice immediately if you spot any of the classic symptoms of the condition.
2. If your dog is a small breed or brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog, be sure to pay closer attention to his oral health.
3. Veterinary diagnosis of periodontal disease is reached via clinical examination and X-rays.
4. Grades I and II are reversible. Grades III and IV will require more extensive treatment and frequent checkups.
5. Your dog will be required to undergo a general anesthetic during his treatment.
6. Home care.