Dental Disease in Dogs
Periodontal disease (PD) is an infection and inflammation of the gums, bone, and tissue that surround and support the teeth.
Tartar or calculus is plaque and minerals.
Plaque is a biofilm made of saliva, food particles and bacteria.
When tartar accumulates above and below the gums it results in tooth decay, gum disease, and other negative health problems.
Healthy Mouth
Dental Disease
Periodontal disease causes significant health and welfare problems.
Impacts of PD on oral health include:
Inflamed gums
Bleeding gums
Tooth loss
Pain
Bacteria gets into the bloodstream and can impact organ health resulting in:
Heart disease
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Respiratory disease
Diabetes mellitus
Cognitive disorder
Potential effects on reproduction include:
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Increased infant mortality
Smaller litters
What are the Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease?
Breed
Small, toy breeds, and Greyhounds are more likely to develop dental disease
Size
Smaller dogs tend to have more dental disease than larger dogs.
Age
Older dogs are more likely to develop dental disease
Muzzle length
Short muzzled dogs such as Pugs and Bulldogs are at increased risk due to overcrowding of the teeth.
Signs of Periodontal Disease Include:
- bad breath
- discolored teeth (brown or yellow)
- inflamed or bleeding gums
- blood on chew items or in water bowl
- bloody saliva
- excessive drooling
- favoring one side of the mouth when chewing
- problems eating or reduced appetite
- pain or aggression when face or mouth is touched
- loose or missing teeth
- weight loss
Topic(s): Bare Bones Basics, Breeder Resource, Health, Preventative Care, Veterinary Care