Halitosis: Have you ever wondered why your pets’ breath smells so bad? Just like humans, plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria covers the surface of the teeth. If not removed by brushing this plaque can build up and harden into calculus (tartar). Once calculus is present is cannot be removed by brushing alone. This is where a dental cleaning and assessment is required.
Loose teeth: Periodontal disease can lead to loose teeth in adult dogs. The bacterial associated with periodontal disease leads to gum and degeneration of the bone surrounding the roots. Periodontal ligaments and fibers that hold the teeth in place become infected and lose their strength to hold the teeth in the appropriate socket. This can lead to systemic infection and misalignment of surrounding teeth. Often these teeth need to be extracted because they cannot be corrected.
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Gingivitis: Is when the gum tissue is red, swollen, inflamed and usually some level of bleeding. There are 3 stages of gingivitis from mild to severe. Mild gingivitis is usually present during the early stages of periodontal disease showing minimal signs of swelling and redness. Severe gingivitis is usually associated with spontaneous bleeding, swelling, and ulcerations.
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