While not caring for your dogs teeth and taking the proper preventative measures can lead to a handful of issues, statistics have shown that the most problematic and common dental issue in canines is periodontal disease and if left untreated will lead to a more critical advanced form known as Advanced Periodontal Disease.
Advanced Periodontal Disease is painful, severely problematic and can be potentially fatal. Not only does this disease affect your furry friends mouth, but has been known to reduce the life span by 2 or more years.
Being a proactive dog owner by providing preventative measures, beginning at an early age is the key step pointing in the right direction.
A recent article posted by "avma.org" stated, "by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken".
How does Periodontal Disease form?
Plaque that remains on the teeth hardens into tartar, forming small pockets where the gums meet the teeth (above and below the lining of the gums). Once pockets begin to form the teeth begin to seperate from the gums which causes jaw bone to the recede resulting in jawline damage and is an open invitation for bacteria to enter in turn causing an infection as well as an array of irreversible medical issues. Infection and bacteria can eventually wind up in the bloodstream, causing even bigger irreversible and potentially fatal health issues such as heart, liver, and kidney disease.
Dogs are less likely to show symptoms of advanced periodontal disease, therefore preventative care and routine check ups are a necessity.
Some potential symptoms may include:
• Loose Teeth
• Bad Breath
• Inflammation of the gums
• Bleeding of the gums
• Weight Loss
• Drooling
• Lack of interest in food, chew toys, ha ha and treats
• Receding Gum Lines
• Irritability
• Pawing at the mouth
If you notice that your dog has inflamed, red and/or bleeding gums it is important that you set up an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Also, a dog with bad breath is an indicator that there is an underlying health condition which needs to be examined right away!
Treatment:
Treatment involves a thorough and painful cleaning process as well as x-rays to determine the severity of the disease. Recommendations will then be made by your veterinarian which relates to the severity of the isssue.
How to take action and prevent periodontal advancement from occurring:
Brush yout dogs teeth on a daily basis and attend routine checkups with your veterinarian. Dogs that do not tolerate having their teeth brushed should not be forced to do as there are other alternatives for the removal of plaque which includes: Dental plaque remover wipes, drinking water additives, dental treats, dental cleaning chew toys, etc.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are three years old.
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