Pet Dental Care Veterinary Service in Tyler, TX

Your pet’s world revolves around its mouth.

Imagine if you never brushed your teeth or had them cleaned. Pretty frightening, right? As you can guess, things would eventually start to go very bad inside your mouth: teeth would rot and decay, and gums would become inflamed and infected. Bacteria from those rotting teeth could eventually travel into your bloodstream and cause other serious health problems. And we haven’t even mentioned the daily, debilitating pain.

It’s the same scenario for your dog or cat. While some people might laugh at the idea of brushing their pet’s teeth or taking them for a dental cleaning, the fact is that by age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. Periodic dental exams help maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent future problems.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Understanding the stages of periodontal disease is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing serious complications in pets.

Gingivitis: Initial stage where gums are inflamed and bleed easily due to plaque buildup. It’s reversible with proper oral hygiene.

Early Periodontitis: Gums start to recede, forming pockets. Mild bone loss may occur. Requires professional treatment to prevent further damage.

Moderate Periodontitis: Deeper pockets develop, more bone loss, increased gum recession, and possibly tooth mobility. Requires intensive treatment to manage progression.

Advanced Periodontitis: Severe bone loss, deep pockets with pus, significant tooth mobility, and potential tooth loss. Treatment focuses on preventing further damage and may involve surgical procedures.