Formation of Canine Periodontitis: Causes and Preventio

Understanding the Formation of Canine Periodontitis

1. The Path to Periodontitis: Every time a dog eats, food particles can become trapped in the crevices of their teeth. If these are not regularly cleaned, the bacteria in the mouth feed off these particles, leading to a proliferation that eventually forms dental plaque.

2. The Progression to Calculus: Over time, this dental plaque hardens into tartar, which can be categorized into two types: supragingival (above the gumline) and subgingival (below the gumline). Supragingival tartar is visible to the naked eye, while subgingival tartar is hidden beneath the gums and requires a probe to detect. Tartar poses significant harm to the dog's periodontal tissues, as it provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque.

3. Milk Teeth Retention and Poor Occlusion: Inadequate bite force can lead to uneven distribution of pressure on the teeth, while retained milk teeth can compress the erupting permanent teeth, causing food debris to accumulate and repeating the cycle.

II. Clinical Manifestations of Canine Periodontitis

1. Early symptoms of canine periodontitis are often subtle, making it difficult for owners to detect. However, the disease may eventually lead to halitosis or bleeding gums, causing the dog to avoid biting and hard foods. In severe cases, it can result in facial and nasal fistulas, as well as ulcerations.

2. Upon examination, dogs with periodontitis may exhibit severe tartar, loose teeth, and pus oozing from the gums. The gums may have ulcerated pockets filled with inflamed granulation tissue and purulent secretions. Gentle pressure on the gums can elicit pus, and the dog will likely have a foul odor. This is due to the extensive damage to the periodontal tissues, particularly as alveolar bone resorption increases, leading to loose and misaligned teeth. The dog may exhibit weakness, pain, and bleeding gums, with worsening halitosis. If the dog's immune system is compromised, periodontal abscesses can progress to root abscesses, leading to facial and nasal fistulas, ulcers, and potentially systemic symptoms like fever, malaise, and swollen submandibular lymph nodes.

3. Postperiodontitis, the dog's periodontal capillaries may dilate, allowing harmful bacteria and substances to enter the bloodstream. These can eventually reach the kidneys, damaging glomerular tissue and leading to kidney failure and uremia. If these substances侵入 the heart, they can adhere to the heart's endocardium and valves, causing endocarditis or valve disease, potentially leading to heart failure.

III. Prevention and Treatment Measures for Canine Periodontitis

1. After anesthetic procedures, the dog's dental plaque and tartar are thoroughly removed, including any hidden plaque and tartar within the periodontal pockets.

2. The dog's teeth are cleaned and polished to prevent the recurrence or slow the formation of new plaque and tartar.

3. Loose teeth are extracted. For chronic, nonhealing periodontitis, it may be necessary to remove affected teeth.

4. Antibiotics may be administered systemically if necessary to assist in the treatment postsurgery.

With this, Dr. Oxygen Pet has shared insights into the formation of canine periodontitis. We hope that this information will make pet owners who previously overlooked pet oral hygiene realize the importance of proper dental care, thereby reducing the likelihood of their pets developing periodontitis and alleviating their suffering.