Recognize Periodontal Gum Disease in Dogs

Recognizing periodontal gum disease in dogs - Food particles and bacteria that accumulate along the gum line a slow ocean will form plaques. If plaque is not removed, then within 3-5 days after forming, the plaque will mix with the minerals in saliva, and forms tartar (calculus) which are strongly attached to the teeth. Tartar can cause irritation of the gums, causing inflammation called gingivitis.

If calculus is not removed, then-new layers will continue to form under the gum. This will result in separation of gum from the teeth, and the formation of "pockets" which will encourage bacterial growth in numbers. At this point, damage to tooth decay cannot be repaired again, and called the disease "periodontal". This disease can be very painful and cause loose teeth and even bone loss or infection.

There are several factors that contributed to the formation of plaque, tartar and dog periodontal disease progression, namely:

The age and general health status, the disease is more commonly affects older animals.

Eating pattern and chewing habits, numerous studies show that a hard dog food better than canned food, in order not to keep the plaque accumulates on teeth. Chew toys can also help erode some of the plaques that form.

Race, genetics and the regularity of the teeth, Dogs that come from races with small body size, as well as dogs that have the short and wide head which has a greater risk of periodontal disease because of the arrangement of their teeth are usually more tightly. This leads to increased plaque accumulation, because the normal clearance mechanism is inhibited.

The pattern of care, brushing your dog's teeth regularly will be very influential to reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar development, thereby reducing the risk of periodontal disease.

The condition of his own mouth, Dogs who are accustomed to breathing with open mouths tend to have a plaque that is difficult to remove because the mouth is often dry.

In addition, the level of risk periodontal disease can also be measured from saliva acidity and the number of bacteria that lodged in his mouth. In general, the higher acidity of the saliva, can process the plaque formation quickly. Meanwhile, the number and type of bacteria found in the mouth may affect periodontal disease progression.

So, any symptoms that may indicate your dog have periodontal disease? When periodontal disease develops, your dog will show the following signs:

• Pus around the teeth
• Bad breath odor continued
• Gum bleed easily
• Sensitivity around the mouth
• Often seen scratching his mouth
• Inflammation gum
• Loose teeth
• Loss of appetite
• Digestive or bowel disorders
• Frequent drooling
• Difficulty chewing or eating
• Irritability or depression

Treatment depends on the severity. Often times your dog will be given antibiotics several days before the scheduled dental procedure. Your dog will be sedated and monitored during the procedure.

So, what kind of home care is required?

Treatment of anti-pain and anti-inflammatory drugs: Drugs for pain relief and to reduce the amount of inflammations (inflammation) may be given post-surgery and for several weeks after a dental procedure.

Antibiotics: Antibiotic therapy is essential. Antibiotics can be given 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Pulse therapy, in which antibiotics are administered during the first 5 days of each month in an effort to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, can also be used.

Limit or eliminate the habit of chew toys: If surgery is performed, chew toys need to be eliminated for the first month so that healing can take place.

Diet setting: Depending on the situation, your dog needs to be given a soft dog food for about a week after treatment. Your veterinarian can advise a special dry food that can help control the plaque and tartar buildup.

Brush their teeth regularly. Your vet will explain the best brushing habits for your dog. You may have to wait until your dog's mouth healed before you start brushing his teeth. Typically, you will be advised to start brushing her teeth gently using your fingers during the first 2-3 months, then switch to a toothbrush.

Routine checks: Dogs with periodontal disease need frequent checks to assess their oral health. For some cases, it is advisable to check back pocket depth of teeth 4-6 weeks after treatment. While for others, a routine 2-4 times a year is enough.

So this is all about recognizing periodontal gum disease in dogs. In the end, preventive action is needed most. Periodontal disease can actually be solved quite easily. Because of this, lest you and your dog should come to the severe level, simply because they do not perform preventive actions is fairly easy.