In veterinary medicine, the term "periodontal disease" is often used incorrectly or confused with periodontitis. Both diseases affect the periodontium, i.e. the tissues surrounding the tooth, but have different causes and course.

Periodontal disease is a non-communicable disease associated with impaired blood supply and bone atrophy, and is usually not accompanied by inflammation. Periodontal disease as a nosological unit does not exist in veterinary medicine. Instead, periodontitis is the most common pathology in dogs and cats. According to the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association), 80% of dogs and cats have oral problems, including periodontal disease, by the age of 3.

Periodontitis, unlike periodontal disease, is an infectious inflammatory disease caused by bacterial plaque.

Plaque(biofilm) is a soft, sticky film on the surface of the teeth consisting of bacteria, their waste products, saliva enzymes, and food debris.

Each animal has its own microflora in the oral cavity. In a healthy state, "good" aerobic bacteria prevail. However, in the absence of proper hygiene, the balance changes. "Bad" anaerobic bacteria begin to dominate the oral cavity. They secrete enzymes and toxins that destroy the tissues surrounding the tooth.

The animal's immune system reacts to the bacterial invasion by initiating an inflammatory process and releasing inflammatory mediators. The immune response also destroys the bone tissue around the tooth, causing the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Thus, a paradox arises: the immune response directed against bacteria ultimately causes damage to the body's own tissues.

Symptoms of periodontitis include

  • bad breath,
  • redness of the gums,
  • tartar and plaque
  • bleeding from the gums
  • loose or falling teeth,
  • weight loss, decreased activity,
  • poor appetite, refusal of food and treats.

If your pet exhibits any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, the first thing to do is to make an appointment with your veterinary dentist for an examination.

The main consequences of periodontitis in animals include:

  • Odontogenic abscess - a purulent inflammation that occurs around the root of the tooth and can cause severe pain, swelling and disturbance of the general condition.
  • Fracture of the jaw - in severe cases, when there is a significant loss of bone tissue, the jaw can become so weakened that it can break even with a slight load.
  • Bone atrophy - the destruction of the alveolar bone that holds the teeth, leading to their loosening and loss.
  • Formation of an oronasal fistula - a pathological connection between the oral and nasal cavities that causes chronic rhinitis, sneezing, nasal discharge, and discomfort while eating.
  • Systemic complications - bacteria from the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream, causing infections of the internal organs (heart, kidneys, liver) and general intoxication.


Treatment.

Veterinary dentists follow the international protocol of comprehensive diagnosis and treatment COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment). This is a veterinary procedure that includes an examination of the oral cavity, X-rays, ultrasonic teeth cleaning, and enamel polishing. Depending on the problems identified, treatment or tooth extraction may also be performed. Separate recommendations for oral care at home are provided. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

 

 

 

Prevention .

From what we learned above:

  • Periodontitis is caused by soft bacterial plaque that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. This plaque can only be removed mechanically, so daily brushing is the gold standard for prevention.
  • Animals diagnosed with periodontitis are recommended to brush their teeth twice a day.
  • To monitor the condition of the oral cavity and prevent the development of periodontitis, it is recommended to undergo a dental examination every 6-12 months.

Remember. Periodontitis is easier to prevent than to treat!