What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is one of the most common health conditions affecting dogs and cats. It develops when plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth, leading to irritation and inflammation of the gums. Over time, untreated dental disease can progress below the gumline, damaging the tissues and structures that support the teeth. In advanced cases, pets may experience pain, infection, loose teeth, and difficulty eating.
Common signs of periodontal disease in pets may include:
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Sensitivity around the face
- Excessive drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Dropping food
- Weight loss
Periodontal disease is one of the most common health conditions affecting dogs and cats. It develops when plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth, leading to irritation and inflammation of the gums. Over time, untreated dental disease can progress below the gumline, damaging the tissues and structures that support the teeth. In advanced cases, pets may experience pain, infection, loose teeth, and difficulty eating.
Common signs of periodontal disease in pets may include:
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Sensitivity around the face
- Excessive drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Dropping food
- Weight loss
Preventing Periodontal Disease in Your Pet
Good at-home dental habits, including daily tooth brushing and the use of veterinarian-recommended dental diets, chews, and oral care products, can help reduce plaque buildup and support healthier teeth and gums. However, even with consistent home care, many pets still develop tartar accumulation or signs of gum disease that require a professional dental cleaning performed under general anesthesia. During your pet’s routine wellness exams, our veterinary team will evaluate their oral health and recommend treatment when necessary to help prevent more serious dental problems from developing.
Cat & Dog Periodontal Disease Treatment Near Toronto
Treatment of moderate to severe periodontal disease involves:
- Placing the patient under general anesthesia
- Cleaning each tooth surface
- Taking dental X-rays to elevate oral health below the gum line
- Probing for problems below the gum line (cavities, root exposure, and so on)
- If necessary, extracting teeth if there's sufficient damage from disease to warrant it
Common Questions About Teeth Cleaning for Dogs and Cats
Professional dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining your pet’s overall health, but they require specialized care and monitoring to be performed safely and effectively. At our hospital, dog and cat dental procedures are completed with a comprehensive approach designed to thoroughly clean the teeth, evaluate oral health, and keep your pet comfortable throughout the process. Learn more below about what to expect during your pet’s dental cleaning and how our veterinary team performs these procedures.
“I couldn’t complement the team at Southeast Oakville Veterinary Hospital enough. They took exceptional care of my highly anxious and nervous dog, Rosie, and she felt at home the entire time. We took Rosie in for a dental exam and dental cleaning and we had an amazing experience with Dr. Iz and Dr. Derek – they were professional, caring and generous with their time and support. Rosie’s teeth look great and I would recommend all services offered by the clinic to anyone.”
Josh M.
“Dr. Peters and Dr. Yan did excellent work and gave the utmost care and compassion throughout the experience. Dr. Peters had examined my cat during the consultation and confirmed the need for the extraction, and identified further progression of the issue that would need to be addressed. This primed me for what Dr. Yan would end up explaining just ahead of the actual surgery: my cat unfortunately needed multiple teeth extracted. Not only was Dr. Yan patient as I processed the news and asked questions, but she was clear and informative on the risks of proceeding in various ways. I greatly appreciated her calling me once my cat had been x-rayed, and getting further updates as the day went on - and especially pictures, which was a beautifully thoughtful touch!”