Early dental disease with tartar build up will always progress over a period of time to cause damage to the gum. This is called Periodontal disease which effects the gum surrounding each tooth. What can be more alarming is that bacteria that infect gums can also commonly spread to other parts of the body such as kidneys, liver and heart.
Changes seen with periodontal disease includes;
- Gingivitis – Inflammation, redness and infection of the gum (as viewed in the image above).
- Bad Breath
- Gum recession – signs of erosion and gaps that form around and in between teeth. Often there can be food material or tartar that builds up in these gaps or pockets. The image below shows a gap between the two upper molar teeth which was caused by gum infection and resorption
- Tooth root decay / Tooth root abscess
Tooth roots can become decayed or diseased if the surrounding gum becomes infected. The attachments break down and the tooth root and surrounding bone can erode away.A tooth root abscess occurs when the tooth is cracked or broken and the root becomes infected. The infection spreads down to the base of the tooth and causes an abscess within the bone. In some cases the abscess can burst either inside the mouth or outside through the skin. One common area is just below the eye where a swelling and then a draining hole can develop.
Dental X-rays can determine which tooth is effected and in milder cases identify early signs of bone erosion. The image below shows bone erosion due to an infected tooth root and socket ( blackened area surrounding the root)
In many cases of periodontal disease, the damage is quite severe and irreversible. Not only would pets be experiencing pain, but there would also be a serious health risk of infection spreading around the body.
In the image above the dental disease is so severe that several dental extractions were required. You can see severe gum recession where bacteria have eaten away the gum around the tooth, exposing tooth roots.
Important things to keep in mind
- Early treatment can result in reversible gum disease and less likely to lead to tooth loss
- For those with advanced disease and irreversible damage, removal of diseased teeth will not only reduce pain and discomfort, but also help the infected gum to heal, and reduce the risk of bacteria spreading and causing damage to other areas within the body.
Many owners can have concerns about what happens if their pet has rotten teeth that need to be removed. Read more about common queries and concerns relating to tooth extractions.
