by Evangeline Uriyu

Created on: October 07, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2009

Periodontitis disease in a dog is very serious. It can not only lead to pain and tooth loss, but to heart, kidney, liver and brain disease.

Periodontitis is inflammation of some or all of the tooth's support structures including gingival or gums, outer layer of the teeth, periodontal ligament, and the jaw bone. When compared to gingivitis, periodontitis indicates bone loss. Once this happens, the teeth are no longer anchored and can shift as well as fall out.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria. At the beginning a protein film forms on the clean tooth. This protein layer attracts aerobic gram positive bacteria. Soon more bacteria stick forming plaque. Within days the plaque thickens and hardens, underlying bacteria run out of oxygen and anaerobic motile rods and spirochetes begin to populate the sub gingival (under the gums) area. Endotoxins released by the anaerobic bacteria cause tissue destruction and bone loss.

Microscopic lesions have been found affecting dog's livers, kidneys, and brains in some animals with periodontal disease. Without the interception of antibiotics and dental care, these organs can fail eventually. Dogs and cats from six months of age can be affected.

Risk Factors Include:

*A diet of soft foods

*Toy breeds with overcrowded teeth

*Poor nutrition especially in puppy mill dogs

*Dogs who groom themselves often get hair deep into the root canal

*Certain illnesses and diseases

*Lack of dental homecare including teeth brushing and providing dental chews

Signs:

Grade 1:

Inflammation at the gum-line. Redness will be noticed where the gum meets the tooth. It will often appear as a thin red line.

Grade 2:

Inflammation, swelling, and some bleeding if probed.

Grade 3:

Inflammation, swelling, bleeding, some pus, and some bone loss.

Grade 4:

All of the above plus loose teeth and severe bone loss.

How to prevent Periodontitis

With regular tooth brushing using dog toothpaste and a soft tooth brush, owners can virtually prevent dental disease in their dogs. The doggie toothpastes come in flavors like liver, chicken, salmon and mint. C.E.T. makes excellent dental products for dogs. Choose a toothbrush that is soft and fits comfortably in the dog's mouth. There are also small finger toothbrushes that fit right onto the end of the owner's finger; some dogs tolerate those much better. Daily brushing is preferred, but even two or three times per week is better than none at all. Do not use human toothpaste on your dog.

There are dental chews for dogs

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