By: Dr. Veja Tillman, DMV | Owner of Just 4 Pets Veterinary Wellness Center
Periodontal Disease in Small Animals
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the deep tissues that surround and support the teeth. Up to 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some level of periodontal disease by age 2. Other risk factors include obesity, toy breeds, immunosuppression (diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism), poor nutritional status, and malocclusion.
Periodontal disease causes systemic effects on other body organs, such as an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and heart disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress to tooth loss.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque bacteria accumulating on the tooth surface and eliciting a host response to the bacterial presence. Plaque is the soft layer or film on the tooth surface that forms from a combination of food particles, saliva proteins and minerals, and bacteria present within the mouth.
The accumulation of plaque, bacteria, and the response of the immune system are factors that lead to the development of periodontal disease.
Clinical Signs and Lesions of Periodontal Disease
Key clinical signs of periodontal disease include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Plaque and calculus (tartar) accumulation
- Red, swollen, and bleeding gums (gingivitis)
- Recession of the gum line
- Pocketing of the tissues around the tooth root
- Mobile teeth
- Tooth loss
Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease in Small Animals
An oral examination in an awake and sedated pet is one of the best ways to diagnose periodontal disease. When performing an oral examination, the veterinarian can gather information on:
- Occlusion abnormalities (overcrowding, malocclusion)
- Obvious signs of trauma to the teeth (fractures, discoloration, etc.)
- Evidence of calculus (tartar) on the teeth or inflammation
- Presence of all teeth, extra or missing teeth
- Evidence of foreign material or abnormal tissue growth in the mouth
Additional information collected during an oral exam (under anesthesia) includes probing the gumline for periodontal pockets, exposure of the base or root of the teeth, and assessing the degree of mobility of the teeth.
Intraoral radiographs are helpful in fully assessing the extent of disease and bone loss around the tooth root.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease in Small Animals
Treatment of periodontal disease includes:
- Professional dental cleaning
- Periodontal treatment
- Dental extraction
The treatment approach can be complicated and varies depending on the condition of the affected teeth.
Prevention of Periodontal Disease in Small Animals
Preventing periodontal disease follows the same principles as treatment:
- Treating gingivitis
- Plaque removal and control
Daily brushing (or wiping the teeth every two days for pets that may not tolerate brushing) can easily remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. However, tartar can only be removed by professional scaling and polishing of the teeth.
Products that slow plaque development or prevent plaque bacteria from adhering to the tooth surface may provide some benefit.
Correction and Treatment of Predisposing Factors
Several anatomical and systemic factors should be identified and addressed:
- Severe crowding of teeth (malocclusion)
- Metabolic conditions such as diabetes mellitus or renal failure should be diagnosed, treated, and controlled.
- Inappropriate behaviors such as cage biting, rock chewing, or using inappropriate toys (e.g., tennis balls) that damage the tissues should be identified and modified.
For more information and to discuss your pet’s oral health, contact your veterinary care team today to schedule a Complete Oral Health Assessment.
About Dr. Veja Tillman, DMV
Dr. Tillman is a 2002 graduate of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her veterinary practice and work experience focus on pet health and wellness. She is the owner of Just 4 Pets Wellness Center and can be reached at 239-270-5721.
