Although canine periodontal disease is frequent, it is treatable and occasionally even completely preventable.
What does canine periodontal disease entail?
The periodontal tissues, which protect and sustain the teeth in the oral cavity, are impacted by this kind of disease. Bacteria are the cause of periodontal disease in dogs.
Following a meal, bacteria begin to consume any food particles still in the dog's mouth and produce plaque, a sticky, white-grayish film. Your dog's system of immunity recognizes plaque bacteria as foreign attackers right away, and as a result, their body sends white blood cells to destroy the invasion. When bacteria and food particles build up along the edge of the gums and are not removed during routine teeth brushing, they can develop into plaque and harden into calculus, or tartar, as we know it today.
SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE:
- Pay attention to your pet's breath as you approach them. While some sort of breath smell is typical for canines and felines, an especially potent scent that lingers over time may be a sign of gum disease. The accumulation of bacteria in the mouth frequently results in this odor.
- In dogs and cats, healthy gums should be a light to medium pink color and appear firm. Examine the gums of your pet in further detail. You may have gum disease if you notice that they are red, swollen, or irritated. The gums may even seem to be receding in some people's circumstances, revealing more of the teeth.
- Gum disease may be indicated if you see signs of bleeding, especially if it happens while your pet chews on something hard or brushes their teeth. This bleeding frequently happens as a result of gum inflammation and infection.
- Check your pet's teeth by opening their lips. Look for brownish-yellow plaque or tartar on the teeth or along the gum line. When plaque is not routinely removed from the teeth, tartar, a hardened deposit, gathers. By irritating and infecting the gums, its accumulation can promote gum disease.
- Gum disease can make it painful and uncomfortable for your pet to consume food. Watch for any modifications in their eating patterns, such as a diminished desire, unwillingness to eat, or trouble chewing. If they exhibit signs of discomfort while they eat, gum disease can be the blame.
- Pets who are uncomfortable in their mouths may paw at it in an effort to get well. Gum disease may be present if you see your dog or cat regularly pawing at their mouths or displaying irritation there.
- In advanced stages of gum disease, the gum tissue and underlying structures can deteriorate, leading to loss or missing teeth. Inspect your pet's mouth for any teeth that appear loose or have fallen out. This can be a clear indication of gum disease that requires attention.
CAUSES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE:
Plaque, which forms when bacteria in your dog's mouth combine with other minerals and become hard in two to three days, can form over time. The teeth subsequently develop calculus, which becomes harder to remove with a scraper.
The immune system will start to combat this bacterial buildup, leading to reactions like swollen gums and more overt symptoms of gum disease.
Environmental factors like grooming practices (does your dog frequently lick himself?), dirty toys, the alignment of the teeth (puppies with crowded teeth are more susceptible to gum disease), and oral hygiene can also play a role in whether your dog will develop periodontal disease.
TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE IN PETS:
The price of dental operations, such as teeth cleanings, can vary significantly based on your veterinarian's degree of care, your pet's demands, and other elements. Before being put under anesthesia, your pet will need to have blood testing done to make sure she is healthy enough for the medicine, which might pose issues for dogs with organ illnesses.
- A full set of radiographs for the teeth
- IV fluids and an IV catheter
- Blood tests are done before surgery
- Warm air circulation to keep the patient warm when under anesthesia
- Oxygen inhaled anesthetic and endotracheal intubation
- Anesthesia surveillance
- Gingival area scaling, polishing, and lavage
- If any extractions are required, local anesthesia with novocaine will be used.
- During and after the surgery, pain medication
How can I prevent my dog from getting periodontal disease?
Fortunately, we can avoid periodontal disease in our dogs, and if it does develop, it can be treated and reversed if caught early.
Don't disregard or put off taking care of your dog's dental health. They need routine dental visits to maintain good oral hygiene and recognize any problems, just like their people. At least once a year, your dog should visit the vet to have her oral health examined.
Additionally, you'll have the chance to ask any questions you may have regarding at-home care and learn how frequently your pet needs to have their teeth professionally cleaned (problematic pets may require more frequent cleanings).
Between checkups, brush your dog's teeth every day to stop bacteria and plaque from establishing a footing (use toothpaste designed specifically for canines to avoid any difficult circumstances).
Dog food, chew toys, and dental chews are further options for treating dental disease and preventing the growth of tartar. Fair warning, though: don't use them in place of brushing; rather, consider them an addition to routine oral care). Make an appointment right once if you detect sore or irritated gums, missing teeth, or even a change in appetite.
