A dog’s oral health is a top priority. They go through a lot of activities using their mouth, from eating to biting anything they can get their mouths on. Good oral health does more than just keep teeth and gums strong, as it also prevents a lot of serious health issues beyond.

Here, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about canine gum disease and how you can protect your dogs from it. 

What is Gum Disease in Dogs?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease in dogs, is one of the most common and widespread diseases in dogs. It’s a bacterial infection of the tissues and ligaments around a dog’s teeth. 

The disease often starts with something as simple as plaque buildup. However, the longer this is left untreated, the more it can progress and spiral into more serious health concerns such as tooth loss, pain, and infections. These infections can spread to the heart and kidneys. 

To help you visualize the stages, here’s a simple visualization:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis in dogs is the start of gum disease. It begins with gum inflammation because of excess plaque and tartar buildup. In this stage, a dog’s gums can appear swollen, red, and inflamed. 

On some occasions, the gums can bleed whenever affected dogs eat or their teeth are brushed. By this stage, the teeth are still firmly attached to the gums. Fortunately, dogs with gingivitis can still be treated and the effects reversed. 

Early Periodontitis

The second stage shows the disease’s progression. Here, the inflammation continues to extend beneath the dog’s gumline, leading to a much redder appearance. Tartar buildup will also start to become clearer, seen with a yellow or brown color.

In some cases, there will be whiffs of bad breath. The gums may bleed, and the damage starts to become more apparent. 

Moderate Periodontitis

Once the periodontitis has worsened, more issues will arise. Moderate periodontitis in dogs shows visible gum recession, infection, and damage to the tooth’s supporting structures. Teeth may already have become loose and wobbly. 

Bad breath and bleeding gums are even more apparent at this stage. Dogs start to avoid their food and become more reluctant to eat. Additionally, dogs will become increasingly aggressive and irritable due to the severe discomfort and pain.

Advanced Periodontitis

During advanced canine periodontal disease, the infection and disease itself have progressed to their peak. The gums pull away from the teeth, with the roots severely exposed. Teeth may be so loose that they might fall out at any time. 

Dogs can also have severe bad breath, excessive drooling, and gums that bleed extensively. Along with these, dogs will have a significant decrease in appetite due to the difficulty of eating and chewing. 

More severe symptoms include the development of abscesses, difficulty closing the mouth, and other systemic health issues. These include: 

• Kidney disease

• Heart disease

• Liver disease

• Diabetes

What Causes Canine Gum Disease?

Gum disease in dogs is caused by several factors, most of which can come from poor dental health and maintenance. 

Plaque and Tartar Buildup

The most common cause of gum disease in dogs can be traced to plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque forms naturally when foods and bacteria mix in the mouth. These bacteria feed on the food your dog eats, usually carbs and sugar. 

By doing so, they break down the food to become plaque. If this is not removed, then it hardens into tartar. The hardened version irritates the gums, leading to inflammation, infections, and then, the earliest signs of gum disease. 

Lack of Dental Care

If your dog’s teeth aren’t brushed regularly, plaque and tartar can build up quickly. Without dental cleaning, your dog’s tartar can build up below the gumline and cause damage to the tissues and bones that support the teeth.

A lack of regular dental care, even at home, can be a risk factor for periodontal disease in dogs. 

Breed and Size

Smaller dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Dachshunds can be more prone to gum disease because of their compact tooth structure. Because of this tight space, it’s easier for food and bacteria to get lodged in and get stuck, leading to an increased risk of bacterial buildup. 

Additionally, small breeds may have shallower tooth roots, which makes them more vulnerable to infections and tooth loss. 

Diet and Nutrition

While both wet and dry food can potentially get stuck on your dog’s teeth, wet food has a higher risk of getting lodged in between the teeth. Additionally, dietary choices that contain sugars and carbohydrates can serve as fuel for bacteria to grow. 

Age

As dogs continue to grow and age, the risk of gum disease increases. Older dogs are more likely to have plaque and tartar build up on their teeth because they’ve had more time. 

Additionally, older dogs have significantly weaker gums and bones, which results in weaker tooth support. This makes them susceptible to periodontal disease.