Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the most common problems that pets face today. PD is a painful inflammatory disease that affects more than just a pet’s teeth – it also threatens surrounding tissues and can even reach into the jaw bone, leading to major tooth loss. PD is a huge concern with pets; it is also linked to renal, hepatic and cardiac disorders (Albuquerque et al., 2012, ¶1-2).
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The Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in Dogs
Those of us who had dogs as children may have experienced watching them grow old while they may have developed health issues that most likely included periodontal disease. In fact, by the time domestic dogs reach the age of 2, PD is found in approximately 80% of them, which makes it the most prevalent disease in dogs. Other studies have shown between 44% and 63.6% of dogs are affected by PD (Davis et al., 2013, ¶1).
What Causes Periodontal Disease in Pets?
The cause of periodontal disease and which animals become affected depend on the bacterial plaque that forms in the periodontium, which is the specialized tissues that both surround and support the teeth. A build-up and long-term presence of the bacteria is what will cause periodontal disease (PD). This inflammatory disease affects the gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and cementum.
Does My Dog Have PD?
To the average person, PD means bad breath and dirty teeth. Maybe your pet seemed to become grumpy as time went on. According to the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), “Many painful dental conditions develop gradually, and are more common in middle-aged and older pets. As a result, behavior that the owner interprets as ‘acting grumpy’ may be the result of dental pain.”
How Can PD be Prevented?
To achieve optimum health and quality of life, routine dental care is needed. If dental care is not provided, not only does it put the animal at a substantial risk of developing pain as a result of a mouth full of disease, but it can also contribute to other local or systemic diseases (Holmstrom et al., 2013, ¶1) as well, reaching beyond the mouth. Once periodontitis is reached, the destruction of tissues is irreversible.
Periodontal disease may begin between the ages of 2 months to 2 years, predominantly in cats and small-breed dogs. The breed, diet, and home dental care will determine the severity of periodontal disease. A small breed dog will develop PD as early as 9 months of age with no dental care. Fortunately, in a large breed dog, it may not start until later. Therefore, since animals develop periodontal disease early in adulthood, it is crucial they receive dental care early in life.
