Periodontal Disease: The #1 Medical Problem of Today’s Pets

After being housebound for several days, consuming more junk food, and exercising less, it is time to get back to my regular routine. It is so easy to make excuses due to the cold and sleet. So often the same “mindset” occurs when it comes to caring for the teeth of pets. It is well known by most pet owners that bad breath is associated with dental disease. It is less known is that most expect their pets to stop eating with oral pain. In fact, lack of appetite is one of the last signs to be seen in oral infections. Once an owner flips their pet’s lip, it is often surprising the changes found in mouth: redness, odor, infection, and even tumors.

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE? WHAT PERCENTAGE OF PETS HAVE IT?

Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the teeth’s supporting structures: ligaments, gums, and jaw bones. This encompasses approximately 60% of the tooth below the gum line.  Left unchecked, it has an adverse effect on a pet’s quality of life.  About  70 to 80% of pets by the age of 3 develop signs of it. 

WHAT REALLY IS DOGGIE BREATH?

Halitosis is mainly the by-product of bacterial pockets trapped below the gum line. 

WHY DO PET DENTALS NEED TO BE PERFORMED UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA?

Dental radiographs & dental cleanings cannot safely or ethically be performed on awake animals. Up to 42% of cats and 27% of dogs will have significant periodontal disease revealed in dental radiographs; yet the teeth above the gum line will appear normal.  Anesthesia alleviates pain during dental cleanings, allows probing of the teeth, and intubation protects aspiration of debri and water into the lungs.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF PETS NEED AN ANNUAL, ANESTHETIC DENTAL Cleaning?

It is estimated to be 85%.

HOW DOES PERIODONTAL DISEASE DEVELOP?

 The lack of brushing or abrasive chewing leads to sticky plaque accumulation on a pet’s teeth. In 72 hours, bacterium encased in plaque evolves into hard tartar on the tooth surface (that cannot be removed by routine brushing). Tartar subsequently irritates the lining tissues around the teeth leading to inflammation, infection, and eventual destruction/detachment of the tooth from the gum tissue and jaw bone. 

IS THERE A CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR VETERINARY DENTAL PRODUCTS?

Ye,s the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC.org) assesses home dental products. Pet owners should look for the VOHC seal on veterinary products to ascertain efficacy and safety. Approved products include dental chews, prophy pastes, diets, water treatments, and gels. 

WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 TOOLS & TECHNIQUES FOR ORAL HOME CARE?

1. TOOTH BRUSHING: DAILY PREFERRED

2. ANTISEPTIC SOLUTIONS

3. CHEW-BASED TREATS & DIET

4. BARRIER SEALANTS

5. WATER ADDITIVES

NAME SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OF PERIODONTAL DENTAL DISEASE

1. The amount of tartar on the teeth is an accurate benchmark of periodontal disease. FALSE!  It is more important to evaluate the gum tissue both visually and also radiographically. 

2. Gum color is first sign of gum disease. FALSE! Actually gum bleeding is noted more commonly when slightly irritated. 

3. Oral exams are all that are needed to determine gum disease. FALSE! In fact, radiographs and probing depth of gum pockets while sedated are key criteria. 

4. Only loose teeth need to be extracted (removed). FALSE! The key criteria are radiographically, those with deep pockets or abscessed roots (even if tooth is attached) need to be extracted as they indicate potentially serious infection. 

LEFT UNTREATED, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE COMMON CONSEQUENCES OF DENTAL DISEASE?

Oral pus/pain, holes between the sinuses and the mouth, jaw bone fractures, heart valve disease, liver & kidney failure, and even untimely passing are sadly potential consequences to infected mouths.  

WHAT IS MOST COMMON COMMENT OF CLIENTS AT THE POST DENTAL RECHECK?

They comment their pets seem happier and more playful. 

Photo of Kepley, courtesy of Rick and Chris Vandenberg 

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP, canine & feline

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC