Periodontal Disease & Your Pet

What Every Dog and Cat Owner Needs to Know

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition affecting adult dogs and cats, yet it is also one of the most underestimated. By three years of age, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease. This isn’t just about bad breath—it’s about chronic pain, infection, and whole-body health.

If you care about your pet’s long-term wellbeing, oral health cannot be optional.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammatory condition caused by bacteria accumulating on the teeth and under the gumline.

It develops in stages:

• Gingivitis – Red, inflamed gums (reversible)

• Early Periodontitis – Attachment loss begins

• Moderate Periodontitis – Bone loss, pain, infection

• Advanced Periodontitis – Severe bone destruction, loose teeth, abscesses

Once bone loss occurs, the disease is not reversible—only manageable.

Why Periodontal Disease Is Dangerous

Periodontal disease is not confined to the mouth. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs.

Potential systemic effects include:

• Heart disease

• Kidney disease

• Liver inflammation

• Chronic immune activation

• Increased anesthesia risk over time

Your pet may continue eating and acting “normal,” but dental pain is quiet, chronic, and relentless.

Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs & Cats

Many pets hide discomfort well. Watch for:

• Bad breath (not normal at any age)

• Red or bleeding gums

• Drooling or pawing at the mouth

• Difficulty chewing or dropping food

• Facial swelling

• Behavioral changes (irritability, withdrawal)

• Tooth discoloration or visible tartar

Cats, in particular, are masters at masking pain—often showing advanced disease before symptoms are obvious.

Prevention: The Gold Standard

The best dental treatment is the one you never need.

Effective prevention includes:

• Daily tooth brushing (gold standard)

• VOHC-approved dental products

• Regular veterinary oral exams

• Professional dental cleanings as recommended

No chew, water additive, or powder replaces brushing—but the right products can support a good home-care routine.

Why a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist Matters

Not all dental disease is visible. A board-certified veterinary dentist (Dipl. AVDC) has advanced training beyond veterinary school to diagnose and treat complex oral conditions safely and thoroughly.

Benefits include:

• Full-mouth dental radiographs (essential for diagnosis)

• Advanced surgical techniques

• Expertise in preserving healthy teeth when possible

• Proper pain management and anesthesia protocols

• Treatment of complications such as fractures, resorptive lesions, and oronasal fistulas

When it comes to dental disease, expertise changes outcomes.

If a Dental Procedure Is Necessary

Professional dental treatment is performed under general anesthesia to allow:

• Thorough cleaning below the gumline

• Accurate dental radiographs

• Pain-free treatment

• Safe extractions when needed

Extractions are sometimes unavoidable—but they are performed to eliminate pain and infection, not as a last resort.

Pets do exceptionally well after dental procedures and often feel better than owners expect—sometimes within days.

Maintenance After Dental Treatment

Dental care doesn’t end after the procedure. Maintenance is critical.

Post-procedure care includes:

• Following home-care instructions closely

• Pain management and medications as prescribed

• Gradual introduction of brushing once healed

• Routine rechecks and monitoring

• Ongoing preventative care tailored to your pet

Think of dentistry as a partnership, not a one-time fix.

The Bold Truth

Dental disease is preventable, treatable, and serious. Ignoring it doesn’t save money—it delays care until intervention is more invasive, costly, and painful.

Your pet depends on you to advocate for their health—especially when they can’t tell you they’re hurting.

Healthy mouth. Healthier life. It’s that simple.

If you’re unsure about your pet’s oral health, a consultation with a veterinary dentist can make all the difference.