Dental Disease in Senior Pets

Periodontal (dental) disease is a major chronic health problem in senior dogs, affecting 85 to 95 percent of all dogs age 4 and older. The first signs of periodontal disease are bad breath and a buildup of plaque on your dog's teeth, which can lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the soft tissue, ligaments and bone that surround and support the teeth). Without treatment, these conditions can provide entry for bacteria into the blood, which may lead to infection in almost any body organ. Consult your veterinarian when changes in your dog's mouth are first noted. Your veterinarian can diagnose the presence of disease and recommend appropriate action, such as:

• Regular veterinary cleaning or more extensive dental procedures.
• At-home dental care.
• Dental chew toys.
• Antibiotics, where appropriate.

Find out more about dental disease, including pictures.