The most important factor that influences the development of gingivitis and periodontal disease in dogs and cats is the presence and the persistence of undisturbed plaque on tooth surfaces. Therefore management and feeding practices that minimize plaque and calculus formation or aid in their removal are important in the prevention of periodontal disease. Factors that are important include the frequency of tooth brushing, the type of diet that is fed, whether or not table scraps or non-commercial foods are fed, and the frequency of access to chew toys, rawhide chews, and biscuits.

Once plaque has been deposited on the surface of the tooth, it must be removed mechanically through abrasion provided by diet, tooth brushing, or chewing on supplemental chew toys or foods. Use of the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine digluconate is effective for the reduction of breath malodor, plaque accumulation, and gingivitis in dogs. However, the success of chlorehexidine and other agents is greatly enhanced when they are used in conjunction with brushing, and the use of a chemical mouthwash alone is not effective in removing the hardened calculus that forms when plaque is allowed to accumulate. For this reason, an approach that provides frequent and consistent mechanical removal of plaque and calculus is desirable.

The type of diet that is fed has been implicated as a potential risk factor for the development of dental disease in dogs and cats. Early studies reported that dogs fed a soft diet developed clinical and histological signs of periodontal disease earlier in life that those fed a dry diet. The severity of disease in dogs fed a soft diet was also greater that that observed in dogs fed a dry biscuit diet. In another study, dogs fed a diet that required mastication did not develop gingivitis during the 1-month trial period. In contrast, dogs fed the same diet in a minced, soft form developed gingivitis and had signs associated with developing periodontal disease. Results from these studies indicate that while feeding a dry-type food may help decrease the severity or slow the progression of dental disease, dogs and cats still accumulate plaque and develop gingivitis and periodontal disease when fed a dry diet.

Current indications are that soft foods such as canned commercial diets or home-prepared foods are less effective than hard, dry foods in providing the abrasion needed to remove plaque that naturally forms on the teeth. However, it is important to realize that dry pet foods do not effectively prevent the development of gingivitis and periodontal disease and a good dental hygiene of the animal is needed.

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Gingivitis in dogs and cats is a nonspecific term referring to inflammation of the gingivae (gums). Periodontal disease in dogs and cats is a plaque-induced, progressive inflammatory disease affecting the gingiva, periodontal ligaments (connective tissue between the tooth root and socket), and alveolar bone.

The presence and proliferation of certain species of anaerobic bacteria and the inflammatory responses of the host contribute to the progressive destruction of the periodontium. As the supportive connective tissues and adjacent bone are weakened, teeth become loose and may be lost. Periodontal disease itself causes discomfort and pain and, if left untreated, can lead to bacteremia. In a study of 39 dogs with periodontal disease, 15% had bacteremia on presentation. This increased to 67% after veterinary dental manipulation. Cats with periodontis are similarly susceptible to bacteremia. As stated previously, the bacteremia associated with periodontis disease is thought to be a risk factor for kidney disease, bacterial endocarditis, and pulmonary disease, especially in older animals.

Initial stages of gingivitis are caused by the persistence of dental plaque and calculus. When a clean tooth surface is exposed to saliva, a pellicle, composed of a thin layer of glycoprotein, forms within minutes. Plaque-forming bacteria, which are part of the normal oral flora, adhere to the pellicle and proliferate. Within 24 hours, a smooth layer of plaque covers the entire tooth surface. Plaque is a soft, gelatinous material composed of bacteria and their metabolic byproducts, oral debris, and salivary components. Mature plaque is not removed by normal actions of the tongue or by rinsing the mouth. Rather, mechanical abrasion from chewing or tooth brushing is necessary for plaque removal.

Left undisturbed, aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria proliferate as the plaque thickens and matures. Over time, salivary calcium salts are deposited on the plaque, producing calculus. Calculus is a hard deposit that provides a rough surface, promoting accumulation of more plaque and also contributing to tissue damage as it extends into the gingival sulcus. Gingivitis occurs when plaque and calculus form at the neck of the tooth, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. As the gingival sulcus enlarges into a periodontal pocket, the area provides an oxygen-depleted environment that allows proliferation of anaerobic bacteria. Periodontal disease becomes established when the periodontal ligament is exposed to plaque, bacteria, and bacterial byproducts.

In some dogs and cats, gingivitis persists without progressing into periodontis. However, in most cases, untreated gingivitis and periodontal disease include oral malodor, gingival sensitivity and bleeding, tooth loss, and difficulty eating.

Canine periodontal disease diagnostic plan:

History
Physical examination
Oral Examination

Canine periodontal disease therapy:

Tooth scaling above and below the gumline
Tooth polishing
Extraction
Surgery
Antibacterials
Tooth brushing

Canine periodontal disease dietary plan:

Postsurgery or extractions, a food with nutritional characteristics that support tissue repair. A soft food may minimize postprocedural discomfort. Long term, a food with formulation and texture that slows the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

We recommend:

Animals' Apawthecary Fidodent Mouth Formula for Dogs and Cats

Periodontal disease and inflammation of the gingivae are common disorders in dogs and cats. Gingivitis is caused by the formation and persistence of dental plaque on the surface of the teeth. If untreated, this can progress to periodontal disease, which affects the gingivae, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. Periodontal disease is associated with oral pain, malodorous breath, ulceration, and the loss of alveolar bone and teeth. The bacteremia that often accompanies periodontis may also lead to damage of other organs in the body. Although a direct causal relationship has not been proven, periodontal disease has been implicated as contributing to diseases involving the kidneys, cardiovascular system, lungs, and immune system. Because periodontal disease is a common and serious disorder in dogs and cats, recent studies have focused on nutrition and diet as risk factors for its development and as potential means for reducing gingivitis and preventing its progression to periodontal disease.

The types of dental health problems that occur in dogs and cats differ somewhat from those typically seen in humans. Because of the sharp inclined planes of their dentition, dogs and cats are not susceptible to the formation of tooth caries (i.e., cavities). In dogs, demineralization of teeth is not common because of the alkaline nature of their saliva. Cats, in comparison, can produce saliva with a more acidic pH, making tooth demineralization possible in this species. Overall, the three primary dental problems that are seen in dogs and cats are oral malodor, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Odotonclastic resorptive lesions in cats also have been associated with gingival inflammation and, possibly, periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common disease observed by small animal practitioners, and it is the most prevalent type of oral disorder.

It has been reported in domestic pets for at least 70 years and is currently considered a worldwide problem. For example, gingival inflammation and heavy calculus deposits were found in 95% of research colony dogs, 2 years old or older, in a study conducted more than 30 years ago. Another early study reported moderate to severe periodontal disease in 75% of necropsied dogs that were between 4 and 8 years of age. More recently, a study of 63 dogs aged 1 year or older reported that almost all of them had gingivitis, and 53% had evidence of periodontis.

Periodontal disease in dogs is strongly associated with increasing age and appears to be most prevalent in small and toy breeds. It is thought that the drastically reduced jaw size and crowding of teeth of small dogs may be predisposing factors. The progressive nature of periodontal disease and the likelihood that supragingival changes may go unnoticed by owners until there is significant damage to the periodontium explain the increased incidence in older animals.

Although there are relatively little epidemiological data relating to cats, it is speculated that the incidence of gingivitis and periodontal disease is similar in cats and dogs. A study conducted with cats in England found evidence of periodontal disease in 60% of cats older than 3 years. Odontoclastic resorptive lesions are also a commonly diagnosed dental disorder in cats. A recent study of 145 adult cats found evidence of these lesions in 48% of the animals studied. Other groups have found incidence values between 23% and 67%.

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Oral malodor (halitosis) is commonly reported in dogs and cats and is perceived by many owners to be a significant problem. Moreover, malodor (or bad breath in dogs and cats) is considered to be a precursor or manifestation of more serious dental disease and may be the first clinical sign that owners report to their veterinarians. As in humans, oral malodor in dogs and cats can be caused by oral or non-oral factors. Non-oral etiologies include gastrointestinal, lung, and systemic disease.

In the majority of cases, the predominant source of halitosis in dogs and cats is within the oral cavity. Microbial metabolism or protein-containing substances such as food debris, exfoliated epithelium, saliva and blood result in the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These compounds, particularly mercaptyl sulfide and hydrogen sulfide, produce breath malodor when exhaled. In addition to the microbial flora of the mouth, two other factors that influence the production of malodor are saliva pH and glucose concentration. Specifically, saliva with a low pH and relatively high glucose concentration suppresses odor formation, while the formation of saliva with an alkaline pH and low glucose concentration is associated with increased production of odor. Check out these products for more information on how to control your pet's halitosis.

Breath malodor in dogs and cats is also associated with gingivitis and periodontis. A recent study with dogs demonstrated significant correlations between the production of VSCs in the mouth, the amount of plaque and calculus accumulation on the tooth surface, and the severity of gingivitis. Another study found that dogs with a high degree of oral malodor were more likely to have moderate to severe periodontal disease when compared with dogs with less malodor. This association is further demonstrated by evidence that veterinary periodontal therapy causes a significant reduction in previously established oral malodor.

One explanation for this is that chronic inflammation and tissue damage provides increased protein substrate for microorganisms in the mouth, enhancing the production of VSCs. The heavier plaque that occurs with dental disease may also provide a favorable anaerobic environment and additional substrate for the formation of VSCs. The VScs may also have detrimental effects on the structural integrity of epithelial tissue in the mouth, further contributing to the pathogenesis and progression of periodontal disease.

We recommend this product:

PetAlive OralHealth Mouth Spray