What is Periodontal Disease?

13 Sep What is Periodontal Disease?

The most common reason our furry companions need professional and at-home dental care is to maintain their periodontal health. In humans, it is typically recommended that we receive twice-yearly professional dental care in addition to brushing and flossing our teeth twice daily. Why do we do this? To meticulously maintain our periodontal health in hopes of ultimately preventing periodontal disease. So, what exactly is periodontal disease?

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, i.e., the periodontium. The periodontium includes four specialized tissues supporting the teeth:

1. Gingiva (Gum Tissue): The soft tissue that covers the bones of the jaw and surrounds the teeth.
2. Periodontal Ligament (PDL): The connective tissue that attaches the tooth to the surrounding alveolar bone and helps absorb the forces of chewing.
3. Cementum: A calcified substance covering the roots of the teeth, providing attachment points for the periodontal ligament fibers.
4. Alveolar Bone: The part of the jawbone that holds the teeth in place.

Together, these structures stabilize the teeth, support them during chewing, and maintain overall oral health. 

Importantly, periodontal disease occurs when an animal’s immune system responds to the accumulation of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on the surfaces of its teeth. If the teeth and periodontal tissues are not kept meticulously clean and healthy, periodontal disease can ultimately progress to irreversible stages, leading to oral and systemic health issues. 

Stages of Periodontal Disease:

1. Gingivitis:
   • Description: The earliest stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis is characterized by inflammation of the gums (gingiva) due to plaque buildup.
   • Symptoms: Symptoms may include red, swollen gums, and bleeding when brushing.
   • Reversibility: Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
2. Periodontitis:
   • Description: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This stage involves deeper inflammation that affects the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.
   • Symptoms: Symptoms can include persistent halitosis (bad breath), gum recession, pockets forming between the teeth and gums, and possibly mobile teeth.
   • Impact: Periodontitis can cause the loss of bone around the teeth, leading to tooth mobility and potential tooth loss.
   • Treatment: This stage typically requires surgical intervention to restore health.
3. Advanced Periodontitis:
   • Description: In the most severe form of periodontitis, significant damage to the bone and tissue supporting the teeth occurs.
   • Symptoms: Advanced periodontitis can lead to major tooth mobility, loss of teeth, and severe gum damage.
   • Treatment: This stage always requires surgical intervention to restore health.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosis: A veterinary dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination to evaluate the gums and measure pocket depths on every surface of every tooth, paired with advanced dental imaging to assess underlying bone health.
• Treatment: Depending on the stage, professional treatment of periodontal disease ranges from meticulous anesthetic cleanings and scaling/root planing (deep cleaning) to more advanced procedures, including flap surgery, bone grafts, and extractions (teeth removal). 

Addressing periodontal disease early can ultimately prevent progression and help maintain oral health, emphasizing the importance of regular dental care and good oral hygiene for your pet.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/13/2024) Image by Angel from Pixabay