Dog Gum Disease

Dog Gum Disease

The tartar buildup forms an ideal space between itself and the gum in which food lodges and bacteria develop, which cause a receding of the gum in that area. As the gum area recedes and more of the tooth is exposed, the tartar builds up on it and infection works around the tooth, and even follows it to the tip of its root.

Some dogs develop tartar that is necessary to remove every three or four months to prevent gum disease.

If your dog has this problem and will permit it, a simple method of removing tartar while it is soft is to dip a moistened wad of cotton in baking soda or powdered pumice stone and rub the discolored teeth. If done regularly it prevents trips to the doctor.

The following are the various reasons behind the development of dog gum disease.

Dog Gum Disease Causes

• Dog gum disease mainly affects aged pets. Due to exposure to wear and tear for ages the gums of old dogs get prone to many diseases.
• The diet of the dog may also influence the type of disease occurring in dogs. There are some food items that on consumption may build up plaques in the teeth cavities while occasional chewing of toys or any edible objects may help to get rid of the plaques and any possibility of suffering from any disease.
• The incidence of gum diseases may also vary from one breed to another. You will find that dogs belonging to smaller breeds or brachycephalic dogs are prone to gum diseases. The teeth arrangements of the small dogs are crowded and as a result of which plaques and food particles get collected in the nook and corners of the teeth. Due to crowded teeth formations the natural dental cleansing process gets affected to a great extent.
• The grooming habits of the pet may also be responsible for the development of the disease gums. The accumulation of hair or impaction of the tooth may lead to the development of the disorder commonly known as tartar.

The dogs that have the habit of keeping their mouth open have chronic forms of plaques. It is because as the mouth remains open the oral cavity gets dehydrated. The level of acidity of the mouth also influences the intensity of gum disorders. The secretion of saliva which is having a high level of acid helps in the building up of the plaques.

Dog Gum Diseases Symptoms

The symptoms of dog gum diseases include the flowing of pus or purulent exudes around the tooth of the affected gum. The dog would suffer from bad breath, bleeding of the gums, increased sensitivity of the mouth, and frequent pawing inside the mouth. The affected gums would become flattened, and would be seen receding backward, and loosened, or missing teeth. The appetite of the dog is also reduced along with stomach upsets and sensations of drooling, facing difficulty in chewing or eating. In severe cases, the dog may also suffer from depression and irritation.

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