Dental disease is one of the most common veterinary problems in companion animals. Gingivitis, which is a general term for inflammation and infection of the gums (which medically are called “gingiva”), is the first phase of dental, or periodontal, disease. “Periodontal” means surrounding or pertaining to the teeth. According to some authorities, approximately 80% of domestic dogs will develop some degree of dental disease by the time they are 3 or 4 years old. Gingivitis tends to worsen with age, primarily due to the build-up of bacteria from poor or inconsistent dental care. Most owners of pet dogs are not conscientious about keeping their dog’s teeth clean and well cared-for. Many veterinary clinics offer dental treatments for dogs (and for cats) that are quite similar to the cleanings that people get from their dental caretakers. Keeping your dog’s gums and teeth healthy and clean is important to prevent infections and other oral ailments.
Gingivitis usually starts from an accumulation of food particles in the crevices and other spaces between a dog’s teeth and its gums. This nesting of food provides a platform for overgrowth of the diverse bacterial population that is part of the normal flora inside of a dog’s mouth. Over time, without a proper diet and routine dental care, the host-parasite balance can become disrupted, causing the bacteria that normally live in small numbers inside of
Gingivitis is the first stage of a process that, if not addressed, will progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Owners should take their dogs’ dental care very seriously. Untreated dental disease can ultimately lead to life-threatening disease as a result of the proliferation of bacteria and the spread of bacteria throughout a dog’s blood stream. Dogs with gingivitis will have sore mouths. Their gums will hurt, and they may even bleed now and
Gingivitis in dogs is not especially difficult for a veterinarian to diagnose. It usually can be identified by a thorough oral examination, as long as the patient cooperates. In most cases, gingivitis is found during a routine annual wellness examination. If the patient is particularly resistant to having its mouth looked at, sedation may be necessary. It is very important to maintain good oral health in our companion dogs. Bacteria that proliferate in the mouth
In most cases, dogs with gingivitis will need to be placed under general anesthesia or be heavily sedated before they can have a complete dental examination and treatment. The goals of treating gingivitis are to remove any accumulations of plaque and calculus along the gum line, relieve the pain caused by inflammation and infection of the gums and prevent further progression of the disease. Gingivitis is a very uncomfortable condition. Dogs suffering from this disorder