Gum health is extremely important for dogs. Unhealthy gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, which affects over 80% of dogs by age 3. Periodontal disease is painful and can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and serious health complications. As a dog owner, it’s important to regularly check your dog’s gums and be on the lookout for signs of gum problems. With early detection and treatment, many gum issues can be reversed or managed. In this article, we’ll cover what healthy and unhealthy gums look like in dogs, common gum problems, and when to see the veterinarian.
What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
Healthy gums should be firm and pink, with a stippled surface. There should be no redness, swelling, or bleeding. You should not see any plaques, tartar buildup, receded gums, or loose teeth. The gums should nicely conform to the base of the teeth with no gaps. A healthy mouth will also have minimal bad breath.
Signs of Unhealthy Gums in Dogs
Here are some of the most common signs of gum disease and other dental problems in dogs:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
- Recessed gums or gums that don’t conform to teeth
- Missing, loose, cracked, or abscessed teeth
- Pus around teeth and gums
- Pain or difficulty eating
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swollen face or jaw
- Discolored teeth
- Excessive drooling or dropping food
Common Gum Diseases in Dogs
There are several types of gum and dental diseases that can affect dogs:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It’s an early stage of gum disease caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Gingivitis leads to red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or chewing. While reversible with professional dental cleaning, gingivitis can progress to more severe gum disease if left untreated.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs when gum inflammation begins to damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. As the disease advances, it leads to destruction of the periodontal ligament and jaw bone. Pus may form, teeth can loosen or fall out, and bone loss causes changes to facial features. Periodontitis is painful and results in tooth loss if not treated.
Acute Inflammation
Causes of acute gum inflammation include foreign objects stuck in the mouth, infections, and wounds. It results in rapidly swelling, painful gums. This requires urgent veterinary care to find the source of inflammation and prevent it from progressing to further disease.
Oral Tumors
Both malignant and benign tumors can develop in a dog’s gums, jaws, and other parts of the mouth. Tumors cause swollen, bleeding gums and other symptoms. Any lump, growth, or abnormal appearance of the gums should be checked by a vet.
When to See the Veterinarian
It’s important to routinely examine your dog’s teeth and gums. Seek veterinary care if you notice any of these signs:
- Red, swollen, bleeding gums
- Bad breath that doesn’t resolve with brushing
- Excessive tartar buildup
- Loose or discolored teeth
- Difficulty eating
- Pawing at the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Recessed gums
- Swelling of the face, jaw, or gumline
- Pus around gums
Teeth and gum issues rarely resolve on their own. Leaving them untreated allows them to progress to irreversible damage. The sooner dental problems are detected, the better the outcome will be with treatment.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Like humans, dogs require periodic professional dental cleanings. Veterinarians recommend cleanings under anesthesia approximately every 6-12 months for most dogs. Dental cleanings allow a thorough exam of the teeth and gums while removing all tartar and plaque buildup.
A full mouth series of dental x-rays may also be taken to evaluate the teeth and jaw for any hidden issues. Common dental procedures like tooth extractions can also be performed if needed. Professional dental cleanings coupled with daily tooth brushing are crucial for maintaining good oral health.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Treatment for gum disease depends on the type and severity. Here are some common treatments veterinarians may recommend:
- Professional dental cleaning – Removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Antibiotics – Used short or long-term for fighting infections
- Medicated rinses – Used to control bacteria in the mouth
- Anti-inflammatory drugs – Reduce gum inflammation and pain
- Bone grafting – Replaces bone lost to periodontal disease
- Tooth extraction – For severely damaged or loose teeth
- Surgery – Removal of tumors or gum tissue, jaw repair, etc.
- Home care – Brushing, oral rinses, dental diet
Early intervention provides the best chance of reversing gum disease. Even in advanced stages, treatment can help manage pain and prevent the problem from progressing further.
Preventing Gum Disease in Dogs
Here are some key tips for keeping your dog’s gums healthy:
- Brush teeth daily – Regularly removing plaque is crucial.
- Annual dental cleanings – Important for tartar removal and oral exams.
- Dental diet – Reduces tartar buildup.
- Oral rinses – Used to reduce bacteria.
- Dental chews – Help scrape plaque off teeth.
- Fresh water – Reduces bacteria.
- Avoid sharing items – Shared toys and bowls harbor bacteria.
- Limit sugary treats – These increase plaque and tartar.
Puppies should start having their teeth brushed and regular veterinary dental exams within the first few months. This helps detect problems early and get them accustomed to tooth brushing.
Signs of Gum Disease in Dogs
Here is a summary of the most common signs of unhealthy gums and gum disease in dogs:
| Mild Signs | Moderate Signs | Severe Signs |
|---|---|---|
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Don’t wait until advanced signs appear – seek veterinary help at the first indication of unhealthy gums. This gives the best chance for reversing the problem and preventing extensive treatment.
Conclusion
Keeping a close eye on your dog’s gum health and getting prompt veterinary care for any signs of problems are crucial. While gum disease is common in dogs, dedicated homecare and professional cleanings can help prevent issues or catch them early. Protect your canine companion by learning the signs of unhealthy gums and following dental care recommendations from your vet.