Gum Disease In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment Options
Gum disease can occur when plaque is allowed to build up on your dog's teeth. Plaque can form quickly when your dog has too much bacteria in their mouth, as plaque is formed when bacteria and food debris bind together. Plaque is recognised as a foreign invader by your dog's immune system, so their white blood cells set out to attack the plaque. However, this can cause the bacteria to retaliate by releasing enzymes that can damage the gum tissue. When this happens, an inflammatory reaction takes place and gum disease sets in. Gum disease is common in dogs, so how can you spot the symptoms and what can be done if your dog develops gum disease? Here's what you need to know:
Symptoms And Causes
If your dog has gum disease, you'll notice they drool more and their gums will appear inflamed. Additionally, their gums may bleed when you brush their teeth or when they eat, and this can cause some dogs to eat less. Your dog may also let you know their gums are sore by pawing at their mouth and being irritable when anyone tries to touch their mouth or any part of their face.
Bacteria levels in your dog's mouth can get out of control if they are either uninterested in chewing or don't have ample opportunity to spend time chewing toys or dental chews each day. This is due to the neutralising effect of saliva on acid. A dry mouth is acidic, but high saliva production from chewing creates an alkaline environment in your dog's mouth, and bacteria need an acidic environment in order to thrive.
Oral hygiene and tooth alignment also contribute to the amount of bacteria present. You should brush your dog's teeth daily to remove food particles, which bacteria feed on. If your dog has misaligned teeth and some are difficult to reach and clean thoroughly, ask your vet to recommend a brushing aid.
Treatment
You vet will diagnose gum disease by examining your dog's teeth and gums and will recommend a treatment approach based on the severity of the condition. Once your dog has had the plaque removed from their teeth, they are likely to undergo one of the following three treatments:
- Planing—If your dog's gums have not yet been badly damaged, the vet may use a fine file on their teeth to create a smooth surface around the gum line. This treatment prevents plaque being able to stick to the gum line, so no further damage will occur.
- Pocket Reduction—Significant damage to the gums that has resulted in them receding may require pocket reduction surgery to protect the roots of your dog's teeth and prevent bacteria reaching the soft tooth pulp and causing infection. Your vet will lift the gum tissue and reattach it around the gum line.
- Extraction—If the gum tissue cannot be repaired, or if the affected tooth has experienced decay, the vet may have no option but to remove the tooth. Extraction may not be the ideal scenario, but it will rid your dog of the pain they're experiencing.
If you're concerned about your dog's oral health or would like advice on looking after their teeth and gums, book a consultation with your vet.