What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease in dogs is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria that infiltrate the gums. As a dog owner, it's crucial to understand this disease and take preventative steps to protect your canine companion. The good news is that periodontal disease is not only treatable but also preventable.
Causes of Periodontal Disease in Dogs
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria infect a dog's oral cavity. This condition often starts silently, with no noticeable symptoms until it progresses. One of the early signs is bad breath, which is often mistaken for typical "dog breath." However, bad breath indicates that something is wrong inside your dog's mouth. As food and bacteria accumulate on the gums, they form plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar. This buildup irritates the gum line, causing gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and can lead to chronic pain, tooth loss, and gum erosion.
How Dogs Develop Plaque
Plaque forms on a dog's teeth when saliva, food particles, and bacteria combine. If not addressed, this plaque can harden into tartar (calculus) within days, leading to decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Tartar is stubborn and cannot be removed by brushing alone. Regular brushing is one of the best ways to prevent plaque buildup. Additionally, dental chews with active ingredients and abrasive textures can help reduce plaque and keep teeth clean. If plaque and tartar are left untreated, the immune system will try to combat the bacteria, often resulting in inflamed gums. Factors like diet, nutrition, grooming habits, and oral hygiene significantly influence the development and severity of periodontal disease in dogs.
Preventing Periodontal Disease with Dental Chews
While periodontal disease is a serious concern, there are several preventative measures you can take:
- Regularly check your dog's mouth for bad breath, redness, tartar, or loose teeth.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian.
- Use natural dental chews
Plexident Dog Dental Chews use a specialised probiotic formula with herbal extracts and an acid buffer to help keep teeth clean and reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These chews also help to freshen your dog's breath.
Greenies Dental Chews are specially designed to help prevent periodontal disease in dogs by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Their unique texture allows them to clean teeth down to the gumline, effectively removing debris and promoting healthier gums.
Bell & Bone dental treats are formulated with active ingredients like parsley, peppermint, and seaweed. These natural components help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while freshening breath. The texture of Bell & Bone treats also encourages chewing, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Veggiedent Fr3sh Dental Chews are made with plant-based ingredients, designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup in your dog's mouth. These chews have a unique Z-shape that encourages thorough chewing, which helps clean teeth and massage gums.
By incorporating these practices into your dog's routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease and maintain their oral health.
