Gum disease is the most common dental issue we see in our furred patients, however, most pet owners don’t realise just how serious it can become. When left untreated, gum disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth – it can lead to serious complications that can impact their overall health.
What is gum disease?
The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which occurs when plaque and tartar build up in your pet’s mouth and causes irritation and swelling of the gums. The tricky part? Gingivitis doesn’t cause pain, so your pet may not show any obvious signs of discomfort. However, you might notice that their gums appear red instead of pink.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontal disease. In this stage, the bacteria beneath the gums begin to destroy the tissues supporting the teeth. This leads to the breakdown of the bone around the teeth, making them loose and sensitive. You may notice gaps forming between teeth, and in advanced cases, your pet may even begin to lose teeth.
Unfortunately, once periodontal disease has set in, the only solution is often to remove the affected tooth, which will prevent further damage and protect your pet’s overall health.
How can you tell if your pet has gum disease?
Detecting signs of gum disease can be difficult, but the most obvious symptom is smelly breath. A bad odour from your pet’s mouth is the result of a bacterial infection, and the more infection present, the greater the odour. While your pet’s breath is never going to smell minty fresh, bad breath is not normal and should be investigated further.
A few other things to look out for that may indicate gum disease include:
- Red, inflamed or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating
- Drooling
- Discolouration of teeth
- Pawing at the mouth
The best way to get on top of gum disease before it progresses is through regular dental health checks at your vet for your cat or dog.
Can it be prevented?
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing gum disease because it removes plaque from the teeth before bacteria can harm the gums. A good quality dental pet food is useful since as it is chewed, instead of shattering, it keeps its form and rubs the teeth clean. Daily brushing of the teeth, especially the back teeth is considered gold standard, but if you can’t commit to every day, weekly brushing is still beneficial. Dental chews can also help with your pet’s oral health.
Has your pet had a dental check recently?
It’s important to look after your pet’s oral health from when they are a puppy or kitten, as once gingivitis has set in, regular oral hygiene care might not be enough to remedy the problem.
If your pet hasn’t had a dental check-up this year, now’s the time to book in an appointment. We include a thorough dental exam during your pet’s annual check-up, and we also offer free dental checks for your cat or dog if it doesn’t require a full consult with a physical exam.
To book an appointment for your cat or dog, give us a call on 07 3801 1744, book online or drop into our Loganholme vet clinic at 141 Bryants Road.