Periodontal disease is infection and inflammation of the tissues that hold a tooth in its socket. Bacterial plaque starts it, the dog's own inflammatory response does most of the damage, and it is one of the most common problems seen in dogs. The early stage, gingivitis, can be reversed; once periodontitis has destroyed attachment and bone it cannot be fully reversed, only controlled.
Key facts
Periodontal disease/gingivitis at a glance- Species and system: dog (and cat); oral cavity, gastrointestinal system.
- Cause: plaque biofilm on the tooth surface and the host response to it. Calculus is mineralised plaque; it holds plaque and irritates tissue but is not the primary cause.
- Classic presentation: small or toy breed dog with halitosis, calculus, red gums that bleed on probing, gum recession and loose teeth.
- Scale of the problem: up to 80% of dogs have some periodontal disease by 2 years of age (Merck); toy breeds are at higher risk.
- Diagnosis and staging: anesthetized oral examination with probing of every tooth and full-mouth intraoral radiographs; each tooth is staged PD0–PD4 (AVDC).
- Not zoonotic and not reportable.
What's inside
14 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Anatomy you need
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Staging
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention and home care
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 6 tables, 2 figures, 3 self-test questions and 9 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.