Gum disease in dogs, also known as periodontal disease, is a significant and incredibly common health concern. By the time they're three, most dogs will be affected by gum disease. Although there are usually no symptoms at first, periodontal disease can destroy the teeth, gums and, in some severe cases, the jaw of your dog as it progresses.
Although periodontal disease is common in dogs, it can be treated and often prevented altogether.
What is gum disease or periodontal disease in dogs?
This type of disease affects the tissues in the mouth that surround and support teeth, known as periodontal tissues. For dogs, the culprit of periodontal disease is bacteria.
After a dog eats, bacteria start eating any food particles left in their mouth and form a sticky, grayish-white film called plaque. Bacteria in plaque are immediately recognised by your dog's immune system as foreign invaders, and once that happens, their body sends white blood cells to eliminate the invasion. However, if the plaque is left undisturbed, it becomes calcified and hardens into tartar, also known as calculus. The bacteria involved in plaque and tartar formation release toxins that can lead to:
- Inflamed or red gums (gingivitis)
- Gum loss or receding gums, which leads to exposure of the more sensitive tooth root
- Loss of bone around the teeth
- Tooth loss
Does periodontal disease have any serious complications?
Yes, periodontal disease can have very serious consequences for dogs. One complication of severe periodontal disease is jaw fracture. Over time, inflammation caused by the bacteria can eat away at the jaw bone, weakening it and leading to pathologic fractures (meaning a fracture caused by disease rather than injury). This is especially common in small and toy dog breeds.
Another complication is the formation of an oronasal fistula, an irregular opening between the mouth and the nasal cavity caused by tissue erosion. Also the result of inflammation, this periodontal disease complication can lead to chronic nasal discharge and infections.
More commonly, bacteria in the mouth can enter your dog's bloodstream and travel to their kidneys, heart and liver. This can cause other health problems such as kidney disease
What are the signs of periodontal disease in dogs?
Some early signs of gum disease in dogs may include bad breath, tartar (mineralised plaque) on the teeth and a line of red inflammation along the gumline. Unfortunately, the first signs of periodontal disease in dogs are rarely observed by pet parents. By the time the signs are noticeable, gum disease has typically advanced and is painful for the pet.
As the disease progresses, your dog can experience a number of effects including:
- Bleeding or red gums
- Bloody saliva
- Loose teeth
- Lumps in the mouth or under the eyes
- Receding gums
- Nasal discharge or sneezing
Additionally, your dog may have difficulty picking up food, drop food from their mouth or start to chew on one side. They may also become shy and indicate that they don't want to be touched on the head.
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How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
Through an oral exam, a veterinarian will be able to see many of the signs of periodontal disease, such as red gums, plaque and tartar buildup and tooth loss or mobility. However, if your vet suspects periodontal disease may be in play, they'll recommend your dog undergo an X-ray and professional cleaning under general anaesthesia. X-rays allow your vet to see the extent of any damage to the tooth roots and fully assess their oral health. This way, when the cleaning is done, your vet can be sure to remove the teeth that are damaged beyond repair.
It's a good idea to have a vet examine your dog for periodontal disease regularly, at least once or twice a year, as early treatment may be able to preserve your pet's teeth and avoid unnecessary pain for your dog. If your vet recommends dental care, follow their recommendations, even if your dog is acting normally.
Is periodontal disease in dogs preventable?
You can safeguard your dog against gum disease by following a few vet-recommended strategies.
For starters, dogs – just like humans – can benefit from having their teeth brushed daily. Brushing helps reduce plaque and bacteria buildup. It's easy to train most dogs to embrace having their teeth brushed. Some pets even grow to love it, as long as it's a gentle process. Starting brushing as early as possible, when your dog is a puppy, is the easiest way to get them, and you, used to it as part of a normal daily routine.
Offer your dog tooth-friendly chew toys to play with. Thin, bendy chew strips and soft rubber chews are good choices. Avoid hard chew toys like antlers, hooves, or bleached bones, as these can easily crack teeth. When in doubt, ask your vet if a toy or chew is a safe choice.
There are some dry dog foods formulated specifically to help prevent plaque and tartar build-up. These kibbles are larger than normal to ensure your dog has to chew them rather than just swallow them whole. They also have specially-aligned fibres which scrape the teeth clean. Only ever switch to these foods with your vet’s agreement, as you will want to make sure your dog doesn’t already have a painful mouth or gum disease.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Periodontal disease in dogs is treated the same way gum disease is treated in humans – with a complete cleaning and removal of all the plaque and tartar from the teeth.
The safest and most effective way to clean above and below the gumline is with your dog under anaesthesia. This also allows the vet to completely examine the mouth, remove any loose, broken or infected teeth, and take dental X-rays. If they note an infection in your dog's gums, they may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.
How does nutrition affect the likelihood of gum disease in dogs?
Good oral and gum health starts with a healthy body and immune system. As such, feeding your canine companion a high-quality dog food that's complete and balanced may help deter the common culprits of periodontal disease. As we mentioned, some foods are specifically formulated to help clean teeth.
Even though dental diseases are common in dogs, they don't have to be a problem for your pet. By being proactive and working with a veterinarian who can help you manage your dog's oral health, you can ensure your canine friend keeps their sparkling smile well into their golden years.
Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA and Dr. Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS.
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