Periodontal disease
in dogs & cats
Small signs.
Serious disease.
The most common dental disease in pets can destroy the tissues holding their teeth in place—even while they keep eating. 1, 2
They can still be hurting.
Young mouth.
Real risk.
Small and toy breeds are especially susceptible. Waiting for obvious symptoms can allow disease to progress.
With some form of periodontal disease. Estimates cited in WSAVA guidance; rates vary with the population and examination method. [1, 3]
Look at the gumline.
Bad breath, red gums, tartar, or loose teeth deserve an examination. A photo cannot reveal the full extent of disease.
A warning sign that can be easy to overlook.
Visible deposits are only part of the picture.
Loss of support can leave teeth unstable.
Dog photographs cropped from Stella, Bauer & Croney (2018), Figure 1, CC0. Different mouths, not before-and-after results or DVDP patients. Examples cannot be used to stage your pet’s disease. View original study ↗
The damage you
don’t see.
Plaque bacteria trigger inflammation. As periodontitis advances, the tooth loses its attachment to surrounding tissues.
Gingivitis: a chance to act early.
Inflamed gums, without attachment loss. With appropriate treatment and plaque control, gingivitis is reversible.
Tap a stage to explore. Simplified illustrations, not a diagnostic tool. AVDC stages apply to individual teeth; one pet may have several stages at once. Attachment loss is assessed through probing and dental radiographs. [4]
A small mouth.
A bigger health concern.
Pain & tooth loss
Inflammation and lost support can make mouths painful and teeth unstable. [2]
Local damage
Severe disease can lead to openings into the nose or, in some cases, a weakened jaw that fractures. [2]
Beyond the mouth
Studies link periodontal disease with changes in organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Association does not prove causation. [5]
Bacteria may transfer.
Disease is more complex.
Studies suggest some periodontal bacteria may pass between pets and people. This does not establish that periodontal disease itself is readily contagious. Plaque, the immune response, and individual susceptibility all matter. [1, 6, 7]
Find it. Treat it.
Keep caring.
Start with an exam
Discuss symptoms, health history, and the right next step.
Probe & X-ray
Under anesthesia, assess each tooth and what lies beneath the gums.
Individual care
Clean above and below the gumline. Treat affected teeth or extract those that cannot be saved.
Daily prevention
Brush with pet toothpaste when your vet advises it. Keep up with recommended rechecks.
Anesthesia, monitoring, and pain control are planned for the individual patient. Home care supports treatment; it cannot remove established disease beneath the gumline. [8]
You might be wondering…
What is periodontal disease?
It is disease of the tissues supporting the teeth. Gingivitis affects the gums; periodontitis involves loss of supporting attachment and bone. Plaque bacteria and the body’s inflammatory response drive the process. [1, 4]
My pet still eats. Could their mouth hurt?
Yes. Pets may have few outward signs despite disease. Normal appetite does not rule out oral pain. That is one reason treatment often starts late and periodontal disease remains undertreated. [2]
Can periodontal disease be reversed?
Gingivitis can be reversed with appropriate care. Lost periodontal support does not simply return after cleaning. Treatment aims to control disease and preserve suitable teeth; selected defects may be candidates for specialist periodontal procedures. [1, 8]
Does my pet need every tooth removed?
No. Treatment is based on each tooth’s findings. Some teeth can be preserved; extraction may be the best option for teeth with advanced damage. [8]
Why does a dental procedure require anesthesia?
A complete assessment requires probing, dental X-rays, and treatment below the gumline. General anesthesia enables these procedures, with airway protection, patient monitoring, and pain management. Your team evaluates your pet’s health and anesthetic needs beforehand. [8]
Give them a reason
to feel better.
Concerned about your dog or cat’s mouth? Start with a dental consultation at DVDP.
Serving pet families in Delaware and the surrounding region.