Gingivitis in dogs

Overview

Gingivitis, the technical term for inflammation of the gums, is serious business. Gum problems go hand in hand with tartar buildup and other dental disease. While calculus (tartar), a hard yellowish deposit, is the most obvious threat to your pet's dental health because you can see it, gingivitis is less apparent and often more insidious. It is this condition that leads to periodontal disease, and ultimately tooth loss.

A dog with an early case of gingivitis might feel no pain whatsoever, but the bacteria in his mouth are nonetheless already compromising his health as these germs infiltrate the bloodstream. This can spread infection to other areas of his body, leading to renal (kidney) failure or heart disease.

Symptoms

• Redness along the gums at the base of the teeth
• Bad breath
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums, especially after chewing on a hard bone or toy
• Trouble chewing food
• Apparent inappetance
• Whining and discomfort when chewing

Cause & prevention

Plaque and tartar will build up between the teeth and gums, causing pain, inflammation, and bleeding. The best way to avoid gingivitis is brushing your pet's teeth regularly -- ideally every day. Animals accept brushing most easily when it is begun early in life, but even an older dog can acclimate to the process when an owner is persistent. Start by rubbing your finger along his teeth and gums, and gradually switch to a doggie toothbrush or rubber fingertip tooth massager. Be sure to use toothpaste formulated especially for canines. Toothpaste for humans can cause illness in a dog.

Any dog will most certainly suffer if regular dental care is neglected. Toy-breed dogs with significant tooth crowding are at a heightened risk for periodontal disease, particularly Yorkshire Terriers. It's not uncommon to see older Yorkies without any teeth due to gum disease. Also at extra risk are dogs who groom themselves so meticulously that hair becomes imbedded in the tiny spaces between the teeth.

You can potentially help minimize the accumulation of plaque and tartar by feeding your pet hard, crunchy foods and providing dental chew toys, available at most pet supply stores.  This method won't help if your dog inhales his food or refuses to play with toys, however. 

Treatment

If tartar has already formed on your pet's teeth, your veterinarian must scrape it off using equipment that is very similar to the equipment used by human dentists. Since this procedure requires anesthesia, prevention and home care is highly preferable. Even daily brushing cannot remove plaque once it has calcified, though, and a dental cleaning must be performed before home care is started. Once the teeth are thoroughly cleaned and affected teeth are extracted, the prognosis is good as long as you follow a strict dental hygiene routine.  Some dog breeds will require dental cleanings up to 2-3 times a year despite daily brushing at home.  Some dogs do very well with home cleaning alone and only require a thorough dental cleaning once a year.