Periodontal Disease and Its Treatment, Part I

PART I: What is it?

We’ve all heard the term Periodontal Disease, but do you know what it really is and how it forms?
Periodontal literally means “around the tooth”; periodontal disease, then, is infection and inflammation of the gums, ligaments, and bones surrounding the teeth.  Gingivitis is the less severe form; if left untreated it progresses into periodontitis and tooth loss.

It all starts with a sticky substance called plaque which is made up of saliva, bacteria and tiny bits of food.  Plaque is easily removed through brushing and flossing.  Areas of plaque that are left on teeth eventually harden into tartar; once formed, tartar can only be removed with ultrasonic tools and special instruments during a dental cleaning.  To further exacerbate the situation, tartar has a rough outer surface to which even more bacteria likes to attach.  This buildup irritates and inflames the gum, causing a pocket with ideal conditions for-- you guessed it-- even MORE bacteria and tartar.  Thus, a vicious cycle forms of bacteria accumulation and additional inflammation until eventually the result is tooth and bone loss.  On top of the risk of tooth loss, bacteria can separate and travel through the bloodstream to the liver, heart, and/or the kidneys.

Knowing our pets can’t brush their teeth and remove plaque, it is easy to see how animals’ mouths are so susceptible to disease!