Periodontal disease is the most common dental health condition our vets see. It’s not surprising, given that 90% of dog and cat adults already show disease symptoms by age 3. Pet dental disease can cause discomfort, tooth loss, infection, and even harm vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys if not treated. Important information about the periodontal disease will be covered in this article, including its causes, symptoms, prevention, and available treatments.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Dental health is crucial to an animal’s overall well-being. The following are some crucial details regarding pet periodontal disease that you should be aware of:
Causes and Symptoms
Plaque forms in a pet’s mouth when bacteria combine with other food particles and minerals and hardens in about three days. Calculus is difficult to remove from the teeth. Gum inflammation and other symptoms of the disease become noticeable as the immune system responds to the growing threat posed by the bacteria in the mouth.
There are some obvious symptoms of gum disease, such as:
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Swelling gums
- Sensitive gums
- Behavioral changes
- Facial swelling
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
Your pet may experience severe chronic pain from gum disease in its advanced stages, which they may instinctively hide to avoid appearing weak to potential predators.
Prevention
Training your pet to accept dental cleanings is the first step in preventing and treating periodontal disease. Brush your pet’s teeth every day with a soft toothbrush. Your veterinarian might also recommend dental hygiene chews. You can repair the effects of gingivitis if you practice this daily and follow your veterinary dentist‘s recommended schedule for in-office cleanings.
Treatment
Your pet’s annual wellness examination should include an oral examination. The veterinarian will determine the next step in your pet’s oral care with the help of a thorough examination of your pet’s mouth and describing any symptoms or problems you have noticed. For most pets, routine cleanings under general anesthesia are necessary to maintain their teeth’ health and address any periodontal disease-related issues. For more details about routine pet wellness exams, check here.
Pet periodontics includes both diagnosing and treating gum disease. The treatment plan will depend on the condition’s severity. If infection, bone loss, or pain has compromised the teeth to the point where they cannot be saved, your vet will likely recommend extraction.
Does it need surgery?
Your pet’s mouth can be restored to its best possible condition with the help of surgery, which can also help to heal the bone and clean out your pet’s gums. So, how does periodontal surgery look? Your pet’s periodontal treatment will depend greatly on the stage of periodontitis they are currently experiencing.
Gingivitis, early periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis are the four stages of periodontal disease. Tooth loss is possible during the most advanced stages. Visit websites like https://www.cumberlandanimalclinic.com/site/veterinary-services-smyrna/surgery to learn more about pet surgery.
Cost
Treatment options and their costs can vary greatly depending on your veterinarian’s ability to provide the level of care your pet needs and other factors. General anesthesia is required even for simple procedures like cleaning and polishing; therefore, costs may exceed expectations. Be sure to clarify whether or not the quoted price includes the cost of anesthesia and the office visit beforehand.
Conclusion
Dental care for humans and pets is equally important, but the latter needs your guidance. Many people assume that their furry friends’ bad breath is common, but it can point to a more serious problem. Regular dental checkups and diligent at-home dental care can maintain your pet’s oral health. It’s a daily commitment, but it’s essential for pets with periodontal disease or at risk for developing it.
