How to tell if your dog has periodontal disease

When we interact intimately with dogs, that healthy set of teeth is the cornerstone for them to enjoy delicious food and display bright smiles. However, periodontal disease is like a hidden "killer" that quietly threatens the oral health of dogs. Watching a dog occasionally hesitate while eating, or discovering food residue around its mouth, one cannot help but feel worried: Is the dog suffering from periodontal disease? The incidence rate of periodontal disease in dogs is very high. The early symptoms are often not obvious and are easy to be ignored. However, once the disease develops, it will not only make dogs suffer pain, but also affect their overall health. As an owner, learning to accurately determine whether a dog has periodontal disease is the first step in providing them with timely care and treatment. Behind this ability, there is a deep love and responsibility for the dog.

From a professional medical perspective, periodontal disease is a chronic progressive disease that occurs in the tissues surrounding teeth, including gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and dental bone. To determine whether a dog has periodontal disease, the first step is to observe the condition of the dog's gums. Under normal circumstances, a dog's gums are pink in color, with a tight and elastic texture that fits snugly against the teeth, and will not bleed when lightly touched. Dogs with periodontal disease may experience redness and swelling of their gums in the early stages, with the color turning bright red or dark red. This is due to the stimulation of bacteria and plaque on the gum tissue, which can cause inflammation, leading to vasodilation and blood filling. At this time, gently press the gums with a cotton swab or fingers, and you will find that the gums are prone to bleeding, just like fragile petals that will fall off at a slight touch. As the condition worsens, the gums will gradually shrink, separate from the teeth, and form periodontal pockets. The previously tightly fitted gum edges become loose, and even noticeable gaps can be seen. When the owner sees their dog's once healthy gums becoming red, swollen, and fragile, their heart is filled with heartache and they wish they could bear this pain for them.

The changes on the surface of teeth are also an important basis for judging periodontal disease. Carefully observe the dog's teeth, and if a soft yellow or brown substance is found attached to the surface of the teeth, it is dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky film formed by a mixture of bacteria, food residues, and saliva components, which continuously accumulates on the surface of teeth. If not cleaned in a timely manner, dental plaque will gradually mineralize, harden, and form tartar. Dental calculus adheres to the neck and gaps of teeth, with a darker color and a harder texture. It can be clearly felt rough and uneven when touched by hand. Dental calculus can continuously stimulate the gums, further exacerbating inflammation, while also providing a favorable living environment for bacteria, accelerating the development of periodontal disease. When a dog's originally white teeth are covered with plaque and tartar, like a thick layer of dust, the owner will blame themselves for not paying attention to the dog's oral hygiene earlier.

Bad breath is also one of the common symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs. Under normal circumstances, although dogs' breath may not be as refreshing as when humans use oral fresheners, there will also be no pungent or unpleasant odor. Dogs with periodontal disease have a large number of bacteria growing in their mouths. These bacteria decompose food residues and necrotic tissues, producing volatile sulfides such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan with a foul odor, resulting in abnormally unpleasant breath. The smell was like rotten food mixed with sourness, making it difficult for people to approach. When we are filled with joy and want to be intimate with our dogs, but are "discouraged" by this putrid smell, looking at the innocent eyes of our dogs, we feel both helpless and heartbroken, knowing that it is issuing a health warning to us.

Dogs' eating and behavior can also reflect their periodontal health status. Healthy dogs are full of energy when eating, chewing food with big bites and enjoying the joy brought by delicious food. Dogs with periodontal disease may experience difficulty eating due to tooth pain and gum discomfort. They may chew cautiously with one side of their teeth, swallow food whole, or even lose interest in their favorite foods, resulting in loss of appetite. Some dogs also frequently scratch their mouths with their paws in an attempt to relieve oral pain, or frequently shake their heads and rub their faces, showing signs of restlessness. When a dog that used to be lively and gluttonous is now in such pain when eating, the owner would wish to immediately eliminate their illness and let them enjoy the pleasure of food again.

Dogs may not express their oral pain through words, but their physical condition and behavior are the "code" that conveys health information to us. Every careful observation of a dog's gums and teeth, every attention to their eating and behavioral changes, is our protection of their health. When we master the method of diagnosing periodontal disease, we can detect problems in the first time, take dogs for medical treatment in a timely manner, and keep them away from the torment of illness. With our attentiveness and love, we protect the good teeth of our dogs, allowing them to continue to accompany us through every happy day with their bright smiles and joyful eating.