Common Dental Diseases in Dogs That Can Lead to Dental Surgery

Preserving and maintaining good oral health practices should be a primary concern for dog owners. While many pet owners are diligent with shot schedules and required check-ups, numerous individuals do not understand that a dog’s oral health needs constant attention to successfully prevent diseases from occurring.

Canine dental diseases are common. In fact, more than four out of every five dogs will have a dental disease at some point in their lives after their third year. In order to prevent dog dental surgery  in Albuquerque, pet owners must be aware of, and prevent the common dental diseases in dogs which may lead to dental surgery.

Most Common Dental Diseases in Dogs

Gum Disease: Just as humans can develop gum disease, dogs can also develop this oral health problem due to lack of proper hygiene. As plaque builds below the gum line, it can damage the tissue. These tissues can breakdown and cause inflammation which may lead to other serious oral health problems. Gum disease can either be classified as periodontitis or gingivitis.

Gingivitis: Common symptoms of gingivitis include bloody gums appearing purple or red in color. Although gingivitis is problematic, most cases can be reversed if proper oral hygiene is performed. If gingivitis is not treated, it can evolve into periodontitis.

Periodontitis: Periodontitis is by far the most serious form of gum disease as it can deteriorate the tissues, jawbone, and ligaments. Dogs experiencing this disease may lose their teeth or become susceptible to complications from diabetes or other harmful bodily ailments.

Endodontic Disease: Occurring within the teeth, an endodontic disease can be a painful condition. This disease can result from oral injuries, decaying teeth, abnormalities in the enamel and broken teeth. Symptoms include a decrease in appetite, obvious pain around the mouth and teeth discoloration.

In all three cases, surgical intervention may be required to treat these diseases. Procedures range from safely cleaning a dog’s mouth with simple anesthesia, to surgical procedures to treat broken teeth or damaged jawbones. It is important to remember that to prevent dog dental surgery, Albuquerque pet owners must be diligent in their oral health practices. For more information about preventing common dental diseases in dogs, call Petroglyph Animal Hospital to speak with one of our knowledgeable veterinarians today.