The Signs Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is one of the top diseases that affect companion animals. In fact, 85% of dogs and 70% of cats are affected by periodontal disease. Periodontal disease destroys the tissues that support the tooth. Additionally, on top of any local lesions,abscesses, and loosening and loss of teeth,periodontal disease can also have wider-reaching consequences for the animal. The risk of bacteria passing into the bloodstream is very high. The bacteria can then create inflammatory lesions in other organs (kidneys, heart, liver, lungs). The severity of such distant lesions is proportional to that of the degree of the disease.

Periodontal disease is an all-too-often neglected condition.If a dog had a chronically infected five inch wound on its skin, he would most certainly be taken to a veterinarian for treatment. Many times, dogs that are suffering from periodontal disease are overlooked for treatment. The problem is in their mouth and is not always obvious to their owners, until it becomes more serious.

Periodontal disease can be predicted based on the following symptoms:

• Bad Breath
• Swollen Or Red Gums
• Difficulty Chewing Hard Food or Toys
• Excessive Drooling
• Pawing At Mouth
• Heavy Tarter On Teeth
• Loose Teeth

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have his/her mouth examined, before the disease causes serious problems.