Periodontal disease is the progressive medical condition that is caused by periodontitis. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures surrounding the teeth, namely the gums, periodontal ligament, and the bone that holds the teeth in place.
Periodontal disease progresses through several stages of severity.
Stage 1 Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease in pets is categorized as early gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar on the tooth. Symptoms of early gingivitis may include a small amount of plaque and some redness of the gums. Early gingivitis is reversible and treated with a dental cleaning that consists of removing plaque and polishing the teeth. A fluoride application may also be used. This is the best stage to address oral health in pets as no permanent changes have occurred. This is also the only stage where a simple “teeth cleaning” is sufficient to keep the mouth healthy.
Stage 2 Periodontal Disease: Advanced Gingivitis / Early Periodontitis
Advanced gingivitis /early periodontitis is the second stage of periodontal disease in dogs, and is characterized by plaque beneath the animal’s gum line, as well as redness and swelling of the gums. Pockets are starting to form under the gum line, trapping food and bacteria.
Once this stage progresses to periodontitis and begins to damage the tissues surrounding the teeth, it is irreversible and professional treatment is usually needed every 6 months. Treatment is similar to that for early gingivitis in that the plaque is removed from the teeth. In addition, plaque and debris below the gum line must be removed. Following the cleaning and polishing of the teeth, antibiotic treatment of any larger pockets is performed and a sealant is generally applied under the gum line to prevent progression. In the earlier At the early stage there is usually not yet any loss of supporting bone around the teeth, but as stage 2 advances, up to 25% of the bone around the tooth roots can be lost due to the chronic inflammation of the tissues.
Stage 3 Periodontal Disease: Established Periodontitis
Established periodontitis is the most serious form of periodontal disease. More calculus is present beneath the gum line than in Grade 2 and the pet will have significant redness and swelling, receded gums as well as loose or missing teeth. At Grade 3, a pet has experienced more than a 30 percent loss of bone that supports the teeth. This stage of disease is irreversible. Advanced gum treatment is necessary stop infection and save the teeth. Treatments include deep treatment of pockets, antibiotic deposit into pockets, and dental sealant. Any teeth that have lost over 50% of their bone support as visible on the x-rays usually need to be extracted. X-rays will also reveal any infections or abscess formation around the roots. Pets with this stage of gum disease will require long term diligent home care and regular professional treatment.
The most significant health risk in periodontal disease is the long-term discomfort to the pet and the chronic stress to the immune system caused by ongoing shedding of bacteria into the blood stream, which is most debilitating in older pets and those with chronic conditions such as heart and kidney disease.
