Cat owners often see their pet’s dental health deteriorate as they get older, and there are many different possibilities with dental disease in cats. The three that are seen most frequently are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. The buildup of plaque and tartar will be what’s behind cat gingivitis, and periodontitis usually occurs when gingivitis is left unchecked. Stomatitis is another type of dental disease in pets, and it is the result of inflammation being caused by bacteria below the gumline or between teeth.

Dental Disease in Dogs

The same dental diseases can affect dogs in the same way. Dogs may be even more at risk for plaque and tartar buildup causing gingivitis, and certain breeds like dachshunds and terriers are more likely to have dog periodontal disease than others. Deciduous teeth is also a type of dental disease in dogs, and this is when the animal’s baby teeth do not fall out as should happen normally. Scissor bite is possible when the jaw sits improperly, and gingival hyperplasia is when excessive gum tissue causes teeth to become buried in it.

Dental Disease Symptoms

Pets of either type that have dental disease will usually be showing signs that they are not in good dental health. Common dental disease symptoms for dogs or cats include:

   
• Bad breath
   
• Eating difficulties, notably with hard kibble foods
   
• Pawing at the mouth
   
• Drooling
   
• Head shaking and chattering jaws
   
• Bloody spots in food or water bowl
   
• Appetite loss
   
• Weight loss
 

Dental Disease Treatment

Having a veterinary services provider give your dog or cat a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar is essential. In some cases, dental disease may have progressed to the point that a tooth extraction is required, but this can usually be avoided. For bacterial infections in the mouth of pets, it is standard to have them on antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications for dental disease treatment. The best approach, however, is to prevent pet dental disease with good oral hygiene practices and understanding if your dog’s breed is one of the ones that may be more susceptible to getting one of the diseases we’ve talked about here.