Faust Animal HospitalPeriodontal disease is the most common infectious disease in the world. It affects 85% of pets over the age of three. Numerous factors contribute to the development of periodontal disease in pets. These include age, anatomy, conformation, and diet among others.
Periodontal disease affects the supporting structures of the tooth (perio= around; dontal= tooth). Severe periodontal disease leads to gingivitis, infection of the bone, and bone and tooth loss. Our goal with therapy is to prevent severe disease from ever occurring.
The following list shows some of the grades of dental disease.
Grade I: Animals with Grade I dental disease have little to no tartar formation but do have some plaque deposition on the teeth. They may have very minor inflammation at the junction of the teeth and gums.
Grade II: Animals with Grade II dental disease may have plaque and tartar in significant amounts on their teeth. They also have slight to moderate inflammation of the gums. Usually bad breath begins to develop at this stage. They may have tartar beginning to develop below the gum line. Grade II is the perfect time to scale the teeth.
Grade III: Pets with Grade III periodontal disease have significant tartar formation and large amounts of tartar below the gum line. They may have some loss of the bone that supports the teeth and usually have very bad breath. Antibiotics are necessary at this stage to control infection. Extraction of the teeth may be needed.
Grade IV: Grade IV periodontal disease will cause your pet significant discomfort. The teeth are infected and bone has been lost. Spontaneous tooth loss may occur at this stage. Extraction of teeth will probably be necessary to control the infection. Antibiotics will be prescribed to help treat the infection.
Treating dental disease requires the scaling and polishing of the surfaces of the teeth, just like our dentist does for us. In pets, this does require general anesthesia, so that they will hold still and so that the teeth can be cleaned below the gum line. Antibiotics may be needed to help treat infections that may develop. Antibiotics may be necessary for even minor cases, depending on your pet’s general health.
Keeping your pet’s teeth clean will help to prolong their life and keep them happy and healthy. Research proves that pets with clean teeth have fewer problems with diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Pets with clean teeth also have better breath (important for puppy and kitty kisses!)
If you have questions about your pet’s dental health, please do not hesitate to call.