Periodontal Disease – The Silent Epidemic Affecting Our Pets

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the structures that support the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligaments, and jawbone. It begins with plaque, a film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, creating an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. Left untreated, periodontal disease is progressive, meaning it only gets worse over time. The earlier it is identified, the better the outcome for your pet.

The Four Stages of Periodontal Disease

Stage 0: A Healthy Mouth

Clinically normal with no evidence of gingivitis or periodontitis.
Maintain daily homecare and bi-annual check-ups recommended

Stage 1: Gingivitis

This is the earliest stage and is the only stage that is fully reversible.

• What happens?
  Plaque and tartar begin to accumulate.
  The gums become inflamed and red.
  There is no permanent damage to the structures supporting the teeth. Gingivitis only without attachment loss.

• Signs you may notice:
  Mild bad breath
  Redness along the gum line
  Slight gum sensitivity
  The good news is that with a professional dental clean and improved home care, gingivitis can often be reversed.

• Treatment:
  Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthetic
  Daily homecare

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis

At this stage, infection begins to affect the tissues supporting the tooth.

• What happens?
  Early bone and ligament damage develops.
  Less than 25% of the tooth’s supporting structures are affected. You want to see the attachment line where the dotted lines are.

• Signs you may notice:
  Noticeably bad breath
  More obvious gum inflammation
  Tartar build-up around the teeth
  Mild discomfort when chewing
  While some damage has now occurred, treatment can slow or stop progression and preserve many affected teeth.

• Treatment:
  Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthetic, which may involve sub-gingival scaling if pockets exist.
  Daily homecare

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

Disease has now become well established.

• What happens?
  Between 25% and 50% of supporting bone and ligament attachment is lost.
  Infection extends deeper below the gum line.

• Signs you may notice:
  Significant bad breath
  Receding gums
  Difficulty chewing hard food
  Dropping food from the mouth
  Increased drooling
  Visible tartar accumulation
  At this stage, advanced dental treatment is often required, and some teeth may need extraction.

• Treatment:
  Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthetic, which may involve sub-gingival scaling if pockets exist.
  Extraction(s) indicated.
  Daily homecare

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

This is severe, painful dental disease.

• What happens?
  More than 50% of the supporting structures are destroyed.
  Teeth become loose or may fall out.
  Infection and inflammation can be extensive.

• Signs you may notice:
  Very strong bad breath
  Loose or missing teeth
  Bleeding gums
  Facial swelling
  Reluctance to eat
  Preference for soft food
  Weight loss
  Pain when the face or mouth is touched
  Many pets suffering from advanced periodontal disease have likely been living with chronic pain for quite some time.

• Treatment:
  Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthetic, which may involve sub-gingival scaling if pockets exist.
  Extraction(s) indicated. Further extraction (s) likely due to poor prognosis.
  Daily homecare is essential.