Guide to Preventing Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats: Bad Breath, Tartar Removal, and Dental Cleaning Methods

Periodontal disease primarily includes periodontitis and gingival abscess. These are acute or chronic inflammations of the periodontal ligament and surrounding tissues. In severe cases, alveolar bone resorption, tooth mobility, and gingival recession may occur. While lesions can be localized to a single tooth, they are usually generalized.

Etiology

The main cause is the prolonged feeding of canned or soft foods to dogs and cats, which allows food debris to accumulate on the teeth and eventually form dental calculus. Mechanical irritation by tartar, secondary bacterial infection, and other factors lead to periodontal disease. Additionally, mandibular dysfunction and weakened masticatory movements can contribute to its development.

Pathogenesis

Tartar adheres and accumulates on the tooth surface, extending downward toward the gingiva. This stimulates bleeding, congestion, and swelling of the gums, gradually separating the gingival margin from the tooth neck. Food particles become trapped between calculus and the gingival margin, fermenting and decaying, which further infects and inflames the surrounding tissues. Purulent exudate forms, loosening the teeth, and may cause the alveolar processes, periodontal ligament, and parts or all of the surrounding gingiva to detach.

Clinical Signs

Common signs include bad breath and hypersalivation. Affected animals maintain appetite but can only eat soft or liquid diets and avoid chewing. Touching the teeth may elicit severe pain. Cats, in particular, may suddenly stop eating; in severe cases, convulsions or spasms occur, and some may exhibit circling behavior or collapse, resisting examination. Molars are most often affected. In the early stages, gentle probing of the diseased tooth with forceps usually causes noticeable pain, which may lessen when the tooth becomes loose. If abscess formation is imminent, gentle pressure can express pus.

Preventive Recommendations

1. Provide dogs with bones (unhindered by excess fat and avoiding small chicken or duck bones), rubber chew toys, or vegetable sticks to gnaw on regularly.
2. Feed dry kibble (dog or cat food), which saves time and effort, ensures balanced nutrition, and—most importantly—helps prevent periodontal disease.
3. Schedule regular dental check-ups and professional tartar removal.
4. If possible, brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth regularly using toothpaste and toothbrushes specially formulated for pets.

Advice: If your dog or cat develops bad breath, please visit a veterinary clinic as soon as possible for an examination.