Grading Your Pet's Teeth

            Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in adult dogs and cats and is completely preventable. By age 3, there is usually some evidence of periodontal disease in dogs and cats, reports the American Veterinary Dental College. (www.avdc.org) The first step in addressing periodontal disease is an oral assessment. An oral assessment begins in the exam room when the doctor gives your pet a dental grade. Dental grades range from zero to four and are based on how much plaque or tartar are on the teeth and how much gingivitis and periodontal disease is present. Plaque is the sticky substance formed by bacteria that adheres to the tooth. Once minerals from the saliva get added, it forms a hardened substance called tartar. This is what many pet owners notice.

            Grade zero dental disease means that there is no sign of plaque or tartar. Home dental care is needed to maintain the healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your pet's teeth regularly is ideal! There are many products available to help make home dental care easy and hassle free. Another dental evaluation will be needed in six months to a year.

            Grade one dental disease means that there is mild gingivitis. Mild gingivitis is where there is a margin of the attached gum that is inflamed and swollen. There is also plaque covering the teeth. A professional dental cleaning is needed to remove current plaque build up within the next 3 months. Routine dental radiographs are important for a full evaluation. Home dental care and regular professional cleanings are needed afterward for prevention. This stage of dental disease is reversible.

            Grade two dental disease means that there is moderate gingivitis where the entire gum is inflamed and swollen. The mouth is painful and an odor is noticed by the owner. A professional cleansing is needed to remove the tartar that is present within the next month. Routine dental radiographs are important for a full evaluation. Home dental care and regular professional cleanings are needed afterward for prevention. This stage of dental disease is reversible.

            Grade three dental disease means that there is severe gingivitis. The gums are cherry red and bleeding. The gum is destroyed by infection and tartar. The mouth is painful and an odor is evident. A professional dental cleaning to remove tartar is needed immediately. The teeth need dental radiographs and further treatment. Home dental care and regular professional cleanings are needed afterward for prevention. This stage of dental disease is not reversible. 

            Grade four dental disease means that there is periodontal disease. The infection is destroying the gum, tooth, and bone. Bacteria is spreading through the body via the bloodstream and may damage the kidneys, liver, and heart. A professional dental cleaning is needed immediately. The teeth need dental radiographs and further treatment. Home dental care and regular professional cleanings are needed afterward for prevention. This stage of dental disease is not reversible.

            Dental disease is a progressive disease and without treatment can damage further parts of the body affecting the life expectancy of your pet. Dental disease is very preventible. Hurry in to your vet and see what grade your pet's teeth are.