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Four Stages of Periodontal Disease
Jeff Quinn, DVM Currier von Trapp, DVM
Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and periodontitis, is an inflammation and/or infection of the gums and bone around dog’s teeth. It’s caused by bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, forming soft plaque that later hardens into tartar. If untreated, periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss.
There are four stages of periodontal disease and a brief descriptor of each stage follows:
Stage 1—Gingivitis
Plaque and tarter build-up can lead to an infection causing inflammation of the gums around the dog’s teeth. Gum tissue around the teeth can become inflamed and swollen.
Stage 2—Mild Periodontitis
Inflammation progresses to an infection that starts to destroy gum and bone tissue around the teeth. This can lead to discomfort for the dog, and bad breath may be noticeable.
Stage 3—Moderate Periodontitis
The continuing infection destroys more tissue around the teeth, often causing bleeding of gums and loosening of teeth. The discomfort and pain can affect eating habits and behavior.
Stage 4—Severe Periodontitis
Extensive infection is tearing down even more of the attachment tissues (gum and bone). Teeth are at risk of being lost.
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