Gum disease in dogs is a chronic infection caused by bacteria in the mouth, which damages the gums, bone, and other tooth-supporting structures. Gum disease in dogs is extremely important because it has a significant impact on their overall health. Periodontal disease develops in dogs as a result of a bacterial infection brought on by poor oral hygiene or a lack of dental care.
It is usually discovered when the illness has progressed to the point where the symptoms are becoming distinguishable. Bad breath is among the most typical symptoms that dog owners overlook. If the odor of your dog’s breath begins to change, take it as an indication that an underlying disease is ready to manifest.
Bacteremia causes gum, tooth, and bone degradation, resulting in persistent pain and tooth and bone loss. Gum disease raises the risk of heart, kidney, and liver illness in dogs, but it can be avoided if proper oral hygiene is practiced throughout their lives. In elderly dogs with severe periodontal disease, symptoms are common. Gum disease causes the teeth’ supporting components to deteriorate and eventually fall out.
Gum disease can result in damaged gums, foul breath, lost teeth, bone loss, and persistent pain in your dog’s mouth. It’s critical to start your dog’s preventative dental treatment at a young age.
Gum disease is divided into four phases. Once plaque enters your dog’s mouth, it will steadily worsen until it becomes severe. If left untreated, plaque may cause minor inflammation that will progress to gingivitis. If left untreated, the problem will worsen and your dog may develop periodontal disease. Plaque causes bacteria to build up, which encourages the dog’s immune system to attack back, resulting in inflammation. Hardcore debris will continue to form as the inflammation progresses, resulting in receding gums.
The progression of gum disease is largely determined by the dog; some dogs develop the periodontal disease in their early years, while others develop it later in life. Dogs with underlying illnesses and a weakened immune system are more susceptible to infections because they have a decreased ability to combat microorganisms. Gingivitis is the only reversible stage of periodontal disease. This is because gingivitis is merely an inflammation, and no damage to the teeth’ supporting components has occurred at this point.
Diagnosis of Gum Disease in Dog
Periodontal probing, which involves searching for abnormal space between the teeth and gums and obtaining x-rays of the teeth and must be done under general anesthesia, is the only technique to effectively diagnose this illness. Inflamed gums and tartar buildup can be detected with a quick physical exam, but a complete oral examination requires general anesthesia.
Gum disease starts with a tooth and spreads to the gums and teeth around it. Gingivitis will most likely begin at this point, but the teeth will not yet be showing signs of recession. The teeth will begin to pull away from the gums as the disease progresses; at this point, a quarter of the teeth have already been infected. As long as the disease is not treated, it will continue to grow.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease in Dog
- Breath that is foul
- Unable to eat properly
- Gum that is bleeding
- Blood splatters on water or toys
- Odd yawning noises
- Mouth lumps
- Spitting blood
- Is averse to having their mouth touched.
- Frequent sneezing
- Chewing with only one side of the mouth
Management of Gum Disease in Dog
Preventing gum disease in dogs is the most effective strategy to combat it. They, too, require appropriate dental care and teeth cleaning, just like people. Brush their teeth twice a day, feed them nutritious foods, and give them chewy toys and dog treats. The greatest approach to maintaining your dog’s teeth healthy is to practice preventative dental hygiene.
Brush your dog’s teeth from the time he or she is a puppy, and have annual dental cleanings with your veterinarian. Follow-up sessions may be required to assess healing, depending on the treatment. Pain relievers and antibiotics will be required for several weeks if surgery or extractions are required.