Periodontal disease: understanding it for better prevention

3 March 2023

“Like us, dogs and cats can get cavities. True or false ?”

It’s true…but it’s rare.

The disease that most often affects the oral cavity of our pets is periodontal disease.

Perio what ?

In ancient Greek para means around, and odonte means tooth.

The tooth, embedded in the jawbone protected by the gum, is nourished by blood vessels and innervated by nerves.

Moreover, the tooth is not welded to the jawbone: it is attached to it by a ligament, which holds it firmly in place.

The periodontium is the entire supporting environment of the tooth, and periodontal disease is the condition that affects this space.

Is periodontal disease common ?

Yes, in fact it is the most common oral disease in our pets. Up to 8 out of 10 dogs and cats are affected, and this is true from the age of 2 or 3 years.

It all starts with plaque

The oral cavity of domestic carnivores contains more than 300 types of bacteria.

Some of these bacteria stick to the teeth, creating a bacterial biofilm. The biofilm layers will build up into dental plaque and then mineralise, forming tartar. Tartar has a rough surface, which makes it even easier for bacteria to adhere.

This is how the vicious cycle of tartar build-up begins.

Periodontal disease

Tartar does not (yet) mean periodontal disease. However, the tartar build-up will quickly attack the gums and cause inflammation. The gums become red and painful and your pet has bad breath. This is gingivitis, the first stage of the disease.

Then the inflammation can progress deeper, attack the alveolar bone and destroy the ligament. A pocket develops between the gum and the tooth, which becomes loose. At this stage, the damage is irreversible.

Can periodontal disease cause complications ?

The infection can spread along the root of the tooth, causing an abscess, osteomyelitis (bone infection), or even a fracture of the mandible.

Bacteria can also spread throughout the animal’s body, causing damage to the liver, kidneys or heart.

How is periodontal disease treated ?

The best treatment is still prevention. Good oral hygiene can prevent tartar build-up. You can also offer your pet objects or food bars to gnaw on, or feed them dry food formulated to limit tartar.

Buccaclean® gel, a gel to be applied between the lips and the gums, limits bacterial growth and adhesion. It also soothes the gums in case of inflammation. It is a good alternative to daily tooth brushing which many owners find tedious2.

In more advanced stages, your vet may need to manage the disease by scaling, combined with medical or surgical treatment.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.