Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.

Periodontal disease is common in dogs and is one of the main causes of “dog breath.” But it has much more serious implications than just making your dog’s breath stinky. 

I’m a veterinarian and many of my dog patients suffer in silence with oral health problems. In this article, we’ll cover all the important points about periodontal disease (PD) in dogs and steps you can take to prevent it. 

KEY POINTS

  • Periodontal disease is common in dogs and is caused when bacterial plaque inflames the tissues around the teeth.
  • Poor oral health contributes to poor overall health in dogs.
  • Periodontal disease can’t be reversed. However, you can stop its progression with veterinary treatment and good oral hygiene practices.

What Is Periodontal Disease in Dogs?

Healthy dog teeth depend on their surrounding structures to keep them clean and functional. The tissue around the tooth is called the periodontium and includes

  • Gingiva (gum)-soft tissue that creates a seal around the base of the tooth
  • Periodontal Ligament-connective tissue that anchors tooth to alveolar bone
  • Cementum-hard covering of the tooth root that is attached to the periodontal ligament
  • Alveolar Bone-bony socket in the jaw that houses the tooth

Periodontal disease occurs when these tissues become inflamed. Inflamed supporting structures lead to painful, loose teeth.

Unfortunately, the problem is quite common in pet dogs. One study found 44-100% of dogs had periodontal disease when they were examined under anesthesia. (1)

[Video]

What is Periodontal Disease in my Pet?
Dr. Banyard explains dog tooth anatomy and periodontal disease.

Cause of Periodontal Disease in Dogs

The leading cause of periodontal disease in dogs is bacterial plaque buildup. 

Plaque is a sticky film on teeth that forms when food combines with bacteria in the dog’s mouth. A small amount of plaque on teeth is normal. But over time, it thickens and allows harmful anaerobic bacteria to grow. This plaque, combined with the dog’s immune response, damages the surrounding tooth tissues.

Interestingly, some dogs might have a significant amount of plaque but show no signs of PD. Scientists believe that factors like genetics, overall health, and diet also play a role in the development of so-called gum disease.

Is Periodontal Disease Contagious in Dogs?

Periodontal disease in dogs is not contagious to dogs, other animals or humans. However, dental disease can affect other parts of a dog’s own body including their heart, liver, and kidneys.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Getting Gum Disease?

Age, size and breed may affect the likelihood that a dog will develop periodontal disease. 

While more older dogs have PD, dogs as young as three years old can have early changes caused by the condition. (2)

Smaller dogs weighing 1-33 pounds are far more likely to have PD than dogs weighing over 90 pounds. (1)

One study found a higher rate of PD in the following dog breeds (3)

  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Border Collie
  • German Shepherd 
  • Labrador Retriever 
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Symptoms of Canine Periodontal Disease

Many dogs with significant gum disease have very few, if any, symptoms that are noticeable to their human companions. Some of the more obvious changes might include

  • Swelling around the face
  • Pus at the gum line
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Excessive drooling
  • Yelping when playing with chew toys
  • Reluctance to eat or preference for soft food
  • Dropping food while eating
  • Wobbly or missing teeth
  • Unusual chewing patterns or favoring one side
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Receding gums

Remember, just because you don’t see these signs doesn’t mean your dog’s oral health is ideal. Vets can find hidden problems during dental check-ups, so regular visits are important.

Harry’s Hidden Problem

Several years ago, a terrier mix named Harry visited me for a second opinion about his enlarged lymph nodes. 

His previous vet was concerned he had cancer because his teeth really didn’t look that bad at first glance. Although his owner was hesitant, she took my recommendation to see the local veterinary dental specialist. 

After anesthetizing Harry, they took radiographs and had a good look around his mouth. He had several teeth that were severely affected by periodontal disease. After removing the bad teeth and treating the rest of his mouth, Harry’s lymph nodes returned to normal. 

Harry’s family commented to me that they never realized how poorly he felt from his periodontal disease until after it was treated. This 10-year-old guy started acting like a puppy again!

The Stages of Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Periodontal disease stages are used to describe the severity of disease in a dog’s mouth. Accurate staging cannot be done unless the dog is under heavy sedation or anesthesia.

StageDescription
0Gum tissue and deep periodontal anatomy are completely normal.
1Gums are inflamed, but there’s no loss of periodontal tissue attachment to the tooth.
2There’s a 1-25% loss of tissue attachment to the tooth.
3There’s a 26-50% loss of tissue attachment to the tooth.
4A significant 51-99% loss of tissue attachment to the tooth is observed.

Treatment of Canine Periodontal Disease

Once periodontal disease sets in, it’s irreversible. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this problem. However, appropriate professional treatment can halt its progression and manage the symptoms.

Every dog’s condition requires a unique approach to care. The basic requirements of veterinary dental treatment are made up of the following parts. 

  • Anesthetized Exam and Radiographs: The first step is to identify which parts of the periodontal tissues are affected. This can only be done well on an anesthetized dog. Your vet will use probing and radiography (X-rays) to look for deep pockets around teeth, bleeding, tooth fractures, tooth root abscesses and bone loss.
  • Local Treatment & Tooth Extraction: Local dental disease treatments may include removing diseased gum tissue and applying topical antibiotics. Severely affected teeth may need to be pulled. Extraction helps alleviate chronic pain and keeps PD from causing more problems in the area.
  • Professional Dental Cleaning: A thorough dental cleaning involves removing plaque and calculus both above and below the gum line. Technicians often use ultrasonic scaling in addition to hand instruments for efficiency. The teeth are then polished and preventive treatments may be applied. Experts agree  that anesthesia is required in order to treat all areas of a dog’s mouth.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease in Dogs 

Regular dental care is essential to prevent periodontal disease in dogs. Maintaining your dog’s dental health isn’t difficult but does require persistence. 

  • Daily Tooth Brushing: Brushing your dog’s teeth daily helps to disrupt the formation of plaque. Use pet toothpaste or just water on the brush. Remember, plaque can harden into tartar in just a few days. Daily consistency is the key to success! 
  • Plaque Prevention: In addition to brushing, your vet may recommend plaque prevention products such as special dog food, water additives, and dental chews. Check out the products on the list accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council
  • Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule a dental check-up with your veterinarian every 6-12 months. While the visible part of the teeth might appear healthy, issues can often hide beneath the gums.
  • Professional Cleanings: Prioritize recommended dental cleanings every 6-12 months, as recommended by your veterinarian. Concerns about anesthesia risks are understandable but the risk is low for most dogs. Discuss your concerns with your vet to create a plan you feel comfortable with.
  • Consult a Specialist: If your dog needs advanced dental care or has serious health issues, think about seeing a veterinary dental specialist. These experts handle challenging cases and are skilled in caring for at-risk dogs.

By maintaining a routine and being proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease in your pet.

Periodontal Disease and Overall Health

Many dogs can live for years with periodontal disease. It is rarely a direct cause of death in pet dogs. But did you know that periodontal disease can impact more than just your dog’s mouth?

The chronic inflammation and harmful bacteria associated with periodontal disease can make other health issues worse. It may increase the risk of complications with the heart, liver, and kidneys. (4

Additionally, the oral discomfort may reduce a dog’s food intake, weakening their immune response.

Conclusion

Dental disease in dogs is more than just about bad breath. It’s a health concern that has repercussions on every aspect of their health. 

Good dog dental care should include daily oral hygiene practices. Periodic veterinary check-ups allow early identification and treatment of dental problems. 

Let’s prioritize our pups’ smiles not just for better breath but for a longer, healthier, and happier life.

The content provided on NaturalPetsHQ.com is for general information only. It is not meant to replace individualized medical advice from your own veterinarian. Read more on the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use page.

  1. Wallis, C., & Holcombe, L. J. (2020). A review of the frequency and impact of periodontal disease in dogs. Journal of small animal practice, 61(9), 529-540.
  2. Kortegaard, H. E., Eriksen, T., & Baelum, V. (2008). Periodontal disease in research beagle dogs–an epidemiological study. Journal of small animal practice, 49(12), 610-616.
  3. O’Neill, D. G., Church, D. B., McGreevy, P. D., Thomson, P. C., & Brodbelt, D. C. (2014). Prevalence of disorders recorded in cats attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. The Veterinary Journal, 202(2), 286-291.
  4. DeBowes, L. J., Mosier, D., Logan, E., Harvey, C. E., Lowry, S., & Richardson, D. C. (1996). Association of periodontal disease and histologic lesions in multiple organs from 45 dogs. Journal of veterinary dentistry, 13(2), 57-60.