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Lauderhill, FL 33351
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Drs.Dolgow & Fiacos Blog
Posts for tag: periodontal (gum) disease
Since the dawn of man, periodontal (gum) disease has impacted humans. And while dental health has dramatically improved over the generations, the facts are still clear â millions of Americans are suffering from gum disease and probably do not even know that they have a problem. This is because periodontal disease most often starts without any symptoms or ones that most people tend to discount or ignore.
Stage 1: Gingivitis. The first stage of gum disease is inflammation of the gingiva (gums) without bone loss. While nearly all people will develop gingivitis in the absence of good oral hygiene, only 10 to 15% of them will go on to develop more advanced stages of the disease.
Stage 2: Early periodontitis. With this stage, gingivitis progresses into the deeper periodontal structures — the tissues that attach the teeth to the bone resulting in early or beginning bone loss. About 10% of the population develops full-blown periodontitis with progressive bone loss.
Stage 3: Moderate periodontitis. The third stage of gum disease results in moderate bone loss (20 to 50%) of root surfaces of the teeth due to continued destruction of the surrounding tissues and bone. Periodontal disease is “cyclical” — it goes in cycles with bursts of activity, followed by a period in which the body tries to recover. This is called chronic inflammation, or frustrated healing.
Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis. With the final stage of gum disease, there is severe bone loss (50 to 85%) from the tooth's root. This stage includes looseness of teeth, moving teeth, abscess formation with red, swollen and painful gums. The end results — eating and even smiling is difficult and uncomfortable, and you could lose all your teeth.
You can learn more about gum disease in the Dear Doctor article, “Understanding Gum Disease.”
Have We Described Your Mouth?
If any of the above stages sounds like we are talking about your mouth, contact us today to schedule a consultation, discuss your questions and receive a thorough exam. If addressed promptly and with commitment to following your treatment plan, your mouth can return to good oral health.
While pets are loving members of many families, they are often overlooked when it comes to their oral health. In fact, by age 3, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show some signs of oral disease, according to the American Veterinarian Dental Society. This is because bacteria and tartar impact your pet's mouth causing periodontal (gum) disease just as it does in humans. You can tell if your pet has this problem if you see signs of red, swollen and bleeding gums and persistent bad breath. Other signs of trouble include changes in eating habits, irritability, excessive drooling or your pet pawing at its face. And this can be serious. It can also contribute to life-threatening conditions that could all be avoided with proper oral healthcare.
Another problem that primarily impacts dogs is broken teeth. Injury can expose pulp and nerve endings, which can become extremely painful. This situation gets worse when food and debris become impacted in or between teeth attracting bacteria that can lead to infection. While broken teeth are not a big issue with cats, studies have revealed that at least 28% will develop painful lesions in the mouth.
The good news is that you can prevent most of your pet's oral health problems by routinely brushing your pet's teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush. It is critical that you use toothpaste made specifically for pets and never use your own “human” toothpaste. Your toothpaste can give your pet an upset stomach if swallowed. This is the same effect it can have on humans if swallowed and the reason you must closely monitor young children when they brush their teeth.
It is also important that you take your pet in for routine dental care checkups from your veterinarian. During these visits, your veterinarian can assess your pet's oral and dental health, help prevent disease and promote good general health. Following these simple tips will help ensure you keep you pet happy and healthy.
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