Condition16 connections · 10 sources
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is inflammation and destruction of the tooth-supporting structures caused by plaque bacteria. It is the most common health problem in adult pets, affecting over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three.
Key Facts
- Plaque forms within hours of cleaning; hardens into calculus (tartar) within days
- Four stages: gingivitis (Stage 1), early periodontitis (Stage 2), established periodontitis (Stage 3), advanced periodontitis (Stage 4)
- Gingivitis is reversible with cleaning; periodontitis (bone loss) is not curable but is controllable
- Small breeds and brachycephalic breeds are more prone due to tooth crowding
- Bacteria from dental infections can spread to heart, liver, and kidneys
- Daily tooth brushing is the single most effective prevention
- Professional cleaning under anesthesia is essential for below-gumline treatment
- Dental X-rays are critical; more than half of each tooth is below the gumline
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (16)
Related Conditions
AbscessCondition
Tooth root abscesses arise from advanced dental infection
Brachycephalic SyndromeCondition
Crowded teeth predispose to dental disease
Chronic Kidney DiseaseCondition
Dental bacteria can damage kidneys
Fractured TeethCondition
Fractured teeth with exposed nerves can lead to infection
GingivostomatitisCondition
Severe extension of plaque-related oral disease
Heart DiseaseCondition
Bacteria can spread from infected teeth to the heart
MalocclusionCondition
Crowded teeth from malocclusion accelerate periodontal disease
Oral MassesCondition
Gum infections can cause mass-like swelling
Retained Deciduous TeethCondition
Overcrowding from double teeth accelerates dental disease
Tooth ResorptionCondition
Often co-occurs with periodontal disease in cats
Treatments
Source Articles (10)
Periodontal Disease In Dogs And CatsCat Dental DiseaseDental Care In Dogs And Cats And What To ExpectDental Care In CatsBad Breath In Dogs And CatsClinical Signs Of Oral Or Dental Disease In PetsPractical Dental Care Tips For Dogs And CatsToothbrushing And Dental Prophylaxis In Cats And DogsCat S Teeth Examination For Cat OwnersPreventing A Health And Safety Crisis First Aid
Backlinks (10)
Dental
- Dental Care in Dogs and Cats and What to Expect
- Toothbrushing and Dental Prophylaxis in Cats and Dogs
- Practical Dental Care Tips for Dogs and Cats
- Dental Disease in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
- Cat's Teeth Examination for Cat Owners
- Clinical Signs of Oral or Dental Disease in Pets
- Dental Care in Cats
- Bad Breath in Dogs and Cats
- Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats