Your pet’s wagging tail or gentle purr might make it seem like everything is fine, but dental disease can often develop silently, going unnoticed until it becomes a serious issue. Many pet parents don’t realize that plaque and tartar can build up just like they do in humans, leading to discomfort and potential health concerns. Dental disease progresses in stages. We assess a pet’s dental health using a levels system to address these stages and to catch issues early to keep your pet healthy. In this blog, we will walk you through the different levels of pet dental disease and what you can do to protect your furry friend’s smile. At Cinema Veterinary Centre, we are here to provide expert dental care tailored to your pet’s needs, helping them stay happy and comfortable for years to come.
Understanding Pet Dental Disease: The Basics
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of dental disease and affects only the gums. It happens when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with proper dental care and cleaning.
Periodontal disease, on the other hand, is a more advanced stage that occurs if gingivitis is left untreated. It affects not just the gums but also the deeper structures that support the teeth, like the bones and ligaments. This can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and even affect your pet’s overall health. Unlike gingivitis, periodontal disease cannot be reversed, but it can be managed with professional care.
A helpful way to think about it: gingivitis is like a warning sign, while periodontal disease is the result of ignoring the warning.
The Levels of Oral Health
When you bring your pet in for a dental examination, we will assess your pet’s teeth and gums and assign a level of dental health to your pet. You could think of it like a report card for how your pet’s teeth are doing. At Cinema Veterinary Centre, we assess pet dental health using this system to guide our treatment recommendations:
Level 0: Healthy Mouth
- No dental disease present: teeth and gums are healthy.
- Preventive care, including regular exams and cleanings, is essential to maintain this level.
Level 1: Mild Gingivitis
- Early signs of gum inflammation due to plaque buildup.
- Slight redness or swelling along the gumline.
- This stage is reversible with professional cleaning and improved at-home care.
Level 2: Moderate Gingivitis/Early Periodontal Disease
- Noticeable plaque and tartar buildup.
- Inflamed gums and early gum recession.
- Pets may experience mild bad breath and discomfort.
- Professional cleaning is required to prevent further progression of pet dental disease.
Level 3: Moderate Periodontal Disease
- Significant gum inflammation and tartar buildup.
- Development of periodontal pockets with 25-50% attachment loss.
- Loose teeth and moderate discomfort may be present.
- Treatment includes deep cleaning, potential extractions, and ongoing dental care.
Level 4: Severe Periodontal Disease
- Advanced pet dental disease with severe gum and bone loss.
- Loose or missing teeth, and infection may be present.
- Significant pain and potential systemic health risks due to bacterial spread.
- Immediate intervention, including extractions, may be necessary.
Dental Care for Exotic Pets
Exotic pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and rodents have teeth that continuously grow throughout their lives. These animals naturally chew fibrous materials to keep their teeth worn down. Without regular care, they can develop overgrown teeth, sharp edges, or uneven wear, leading to discomfort and difficulty eating. Regular dental exams at Cinema Veterinary Centre help monitor tooth growth and prevent serious dental issues.
Why Dental Care for Pets Is Essential
Before and after pictures of professional pet dental cleaning
For those who have not considered dental care for pets, it is natural to wonder if it is necessary. While it may not have been customary practice years ago, we now have the knowledge and tools to give pets a higher quality of care.
More than 80% of pets over three suffer from dental disease, which can lead to chronic pain, eating difficulties, and even life-threatening infections. Neglecting dental care can result in:
- Chronic pain and difficulty eating, leading to poor nutrition.
- Bad breath, often indicating underlying infection.
- Infections that can spread to vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- Reduced lifespan and quality of life due to untreated pet dental disease.
Prioritizing dental care is a fundamental part of responsible pet ownership. Preventive dental care can help avoid costly treatments and ensure pets live healthier, happier lives.
Schedule a Pet Dental Check-Up Today!
Cinema Vet Professional Pet Dental Cleaning
Whether you have a playful pup, a curious cat, or an exotic pet, Cinema Veterinary Centre is here to ensure your pet’s smile stays healthy. Call us today to schedule a dental check-up or cleaning and learn how we provide excellent dental care to prevent and manage pet dental disease.