Dog - Periodontal Disease

You consulted us because you were worried about your dog's bad breath (halitosis) and we told you it is due to periodontal disease.  We hope this handout will help.  Please contact us if you have any queries.

What is periodontal disease?

The periodontum is the structure surrounding the tooth.  This includes the gum, the bone surrounding the socket (alveolar bone) and the periodontal ligament.  These structures can become diseased and unable to support the tooth which itself may be healthy.  This is periodontal disease.

Is periodontal disease common?

It is the most common oral disease - over 85% of dogs over three years old suffer from periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues around the tooth) to some degree.  More teeth are lost as a result of periodontal disease than for any other reason.  Sadly most of these teeth are perfectly healthy.  The condition can be prevented if treated in time.

What causes periodontal disease?

The dog's mouth is naturally heavily contaminated.  Bacteria abound, coming from food, grooming and the dog's basic habit of sniffing, licking and chewing faeces, rotting bones and other unpleasant objects.  Some of the bacteria stick to the surfaces of the teeth to form an initially invisible layer called plaque.  This in time thickens, becomes mineralised and forms a hard yellowish/brown layer known as calculus or tartar.  The bacteria responsible for the plaque also invade the gums causing inflammation.  This is gingivitis and can be seen as reddening and swelling of the gums.

As the plaque increases the gums recede and the bacteria change in nature, becoming mainly anaerobic, these are bacteria that can survive with little or no oxygen.  This allows them to burrow deeply into the tooth socket causing infection which, when severe, can be seen as pus exuding from the junction between the gum and the tooth resulting in the ultimate loss of the tooth.

Is the condition painful?

Pain assessment in pets is difficult.  Please see separate handout on Pain assessment and control.  Following treatment for periodontitis dogs often seem to shed years, from which we assume that once the pain and discomfort has been reduced the dog is happy once more.

Does periodontal disease cause any other problems?

Yes, the bacteria that invade the socket of the tooth are absorbed into the bloodstream and can set up infection in many organs, particularly the heart.  Bacterial endocarditis is a serious heart condition which often improves dramatically following effective dental treatment.

What is the treatment?

Dental treatment involves the removal of all dental plaque and causative bacteria together with any calculus, not only on the visible crown but also from below the gums where the tartar and bacteria are actively invading the socket.  General anaesthesia is essential and obviously with some patients this involves some risks.