Periodontal disease, or disease affecting the teeth and surrounding tissues, is one of the most commonly diagnosed health issues in dogs and cats. Even young pets can have significant periodontal disease and early action in addition to lifelong care can help keep the teeth and gums of our animals healthy and pain free.

Periodontal disease begins with inflammation of the gum tissue, or gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria in plaque, which is a film made of bacteria and saliva. Plaque is what makes our teeth feel fuzzy after a night of sleep before we brush our teeth. Plaque can be removed if brushed within 24 hours; otherwise it attaches to the tooth. Eventually, plaque becomes mineralized by its contact with saliva and turns into calculus or tartar.

Over time, the kind of bacteria in plaque changes from a healthy to an unhealthy population and works its way under the gum tissue. The unhealthy bacteria make toxins and other damaging products, which damage the tissues themselves and cause the animal’s immune system to cause more inflammation and damage. 

As periodontal disease progresses, inflammation of the deeper, tooth-supporting structures like bone occurs and irreversible damage can happen. As a result, affected teeth require advanced dental care or extraction to prevent infection and preserve comfort. Without intervention, secondary effects like loose teeth, jaw fractures, bone infections, or oronasal fistula formation (an abnormal connection between the oral and nasal cavities due to bone loss typically around the upper canine or fang teeth) can occur. 

The relationship between periodontal disease and diseases in the rest of the body has not been clearly shown. However, there are studies that suggest that periodontal disease may be linked with liver and chronic kidney disease, heart changes, and difficulty managing diabetes.