Your dentist may have recommended you prevent gingivitis, an infection of the gums, or inflammation. According to vets, gingivitis in dogs is caused by the accumulation of plaque bacteria, which creates a biofilm across their teeth. Unremoved plaque “thickens and mineralizes, resulting in tartar” Plaque is attracted to tartar, also known as calculus. In this initial stage of gum disease in dogs, toxins invade the gingiva tissue at and below the gumline.
What is periodontal disease?
The bacteria in Plaque cause periodontal disease. Without routine cleaning, dental Plaque collects and becomes tartar, which adheres securely to the teeth. When tartar and bacteria become trapped beneath the gum line, where pet owners cannot see them, a vicious cycle of damage and illness to the tooth and supporting tissue commences.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Early indicators of gum disease in dogs include bad breath, tartar on the teeth, and a red line of inflammation along the gum line. Unfortunately, pet parents rarely recognize the initial signs of periodontal disease in their canine companions. When symptoms of gum disease occur in a pet, the disease is typically advanced and severe.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
During an oral examination, a veterinarian can discover indicators of periodontal disease, including red gums, Plaque and tartar buildup, tooth loss or mobility, and so on. Consider that your veterinarian suspects periodontal disease to be present. For a comprehensive evaluation of your dog’s oral health, they may prescribe a dental cleaning and X-rays performed under general anesthesia.
It’s a good idea to get your dog’s teeth evaluated by a veterinarian once or twice a year for periodontal disease, as early treatment may save your dog’s teeth. Even if your dog’s behavior is typical, you should comply if your veterinarian from places like BurbankPet.com prescribes dental treatment.
Is periodontal disease preventable in dogs?
Following a few techniques given by your veterinarian will protect your dog from periodontal disease. As with people, brushing a dog’s teeth twice a day can be beneficial. Plaque and bacteria can be eliminated with brushing. The majority of dogs may be taught to love having their teeth brushed. As long as it is done gently, some pets even love it.
Your dog will enjoy playing with teeth-friendly chew toys. Thin, flexible chew strips and chews made of soft rubber are both excellent alternatives. Antlers, hoofs, bleached bones, and tennis balls are undesirable dog chew toys. Consult your dog dentist if you are unsure whether a toy is safe.
What Is the Treatment for Periodontal Disease?
Like human gum disease, periodontal disease in dogs is treated by removing all Plaque and tartar from the teeth and performing a thorough cleaning. Anesthesia is the safest and least traumatic way to clean your dog’s teeth above and below the gumline.
This also allows the veterinarian to completely inspect the mouth, extract loose, damaged, or infected teeth, and obtain dental X-rays. If your veterinarian discovers an infection in your dog’s gums, he or she may prescribe antibiotics, surgery and painkillers.
Conclusion
There is only one method to be proactive regarding the early detection of periodontal diseases: having your pet’s teeth properly cleaned and x-rayed. Pets should have their teeth cleaned for the first time between the ages of 1 and 2. Feeding your dog a diet that lowers Plaque and tartar buildup decreases the likelihood of periodontal illnesses.
