In the beginning the teeth are coated with a thin layer of debris that sticks to the surface. Unless this is removed right away, gingivitis will happen. Daily tooth brushing is the only sure way to prevent this. Unfortunately so far, we have not been able to teach a dog or cat how to brush its teeth and naturally we see lots of gingivitis. Within hours, the layer of debris coating the teeth thickens and bacteria accumulate along the edge of the gums where they begin to multiply. This is the plaque you hear so much about. At first it is quite soft and can be removed by simply by brushing or chewing. However, with time, the bacterial population will increase and the plaque will become more secured to the surface of the teeth. Already, the formation of tartar and the resultant gum and bone infections are inevitable.
This process of transformation of plaque into tartar or calculus involves the incorporation of mineral forming a hard cement like material that can only be removed by professional cleaning and polishing (remember, we are the professionals). If this is not done right away, the surface of the calculus can attract new plaque bacteria. The accumulation of such bacteria along the gum line can create irritation of the soft tissues and eventually lead to gum recession and periodontal disease.
Almost all dogs and cats have some tartar and it is important to remember that tartar is composed of food particles and bacteria and the bacteria are the reason that gum infections (gingivitis), bad breath (halitosis), periodontal infections (periodontitis), tooth root infections, and tooth loss occur. Yuck!
When one of our doctors examines your pet, they will use a system of classification to describe the presence and severity of tartar, gingivitis, and periodontitis. The lowest grade (Grade I) describes the presence of plaque or tartar without evidence of infection of the gums. Grades II and above are associated with significant tartar formation on any tooth and gingivitis as evidenced by redness and in some cases swelling along the gum line. Grades III and above are also associated with periodontitis as evidenced by destruction of the tissues immediately surrounding any tooth and periodontal pockets formed by the destruction of periodontal tissues may be quite deep and resemble absesses. If the tissue destruction is severe, the root(s) of teeth will be exposed and there may be pus accumulation along the gum line. The odor is usually very offensive and these pets may be experiencing significant pain. Badly infected teeth are a serious health hazard and even the bones of the jaw can be destroyed.
Remember, gingivitis leads to periodontitis which lead to:
Bacteria and/or products of inflammation entering the bloodstream and causing injury to the kidneys, liver, brain, and heart.
Perpetuation and exacerbation of chronic inflammatory processes resulting in more severe tissue injury and poorer outcomes.
Serious infection of the gums (gingivitis), tissues around the teeth (periodontitis), tooth loss, infection of surrounding bone (osteomyelitis), and pain.
Periodontal disease which has been recognized for over 100 years as a condition of high incidence in the dog. In the late 19th century, a researcher reported that 75% of dogs 4 to 8 years of age were impacted by periodontal disease. This disease incidence was recently confirmed in a review describing that 85% of dogs older than one year of age had some degree of periodontitis.
We can and will develop a systemic therapeutic plan can be formulated to halt and even reverse the disease process in your pet.
Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care. us and has over 20 years in Veterinarian medicine and experience with dental care and small animals. For additional information you can contact one of our Veterinarians in your area.
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