Stages of Periodontal Disease in Cats & Dogs

How Healthy are Your Pet’s Teeth?

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Periodontal disease (or gum disease) can cause health issues in your cat or dog, including:

• Bad breath
• Chronic pain from inflammation and infection
• Tooth decay
• Bone and tooth loss
• Gum loss
• Kidney, heart, and liver damage if bacteria spread to the blood

Learning to recognize the signs of periodontal disease is imperative to your pet’s health.

The Stages of Periodontal Disease in Companion Animals:

Stage 1

In stage 1 of periodontal disease, more commonly known as gingivitis (pictured below), the gums are inflamed but there is no evidence of support loss. Treatment involves plaque and calculus removal plus daily plaque prevention.

Stage 1 periodontal disease.

Stage 2

In stage 2 periodontal disease (“early periodontitis” – pictured below), the tooth begins to lose its support. Treatment involves removal of plaque and calculus, specific periodontal therapy based on examination findings as well as daily plaque prevention.

Stage 2 periodontal disease.

Stage 3

In stage 3 periodontal disease (pictured below), the loss of tooth support has progressed. Advanced periodontal procedures and stringent plaque prevention may result in saving a tooth.

Stage 3 periodontal disease.

Stage 4

In stage 4 periodontal disease (pictured below) greater than half of the tooth’s support is lost. Extraction is the recommended treatment of choice.

Stage 4 periodontal disease.

Think your pet may be suffering from periodontal disease? Reach out to your veterinarian for a dental exam and make sure to schedule annual dental cleanings for your cat or dog.  

To help maintain dental health between cleanings:

• Brush your pet’s teeth regularly and consider using a dental product like Jax & Cali Toothbrush Wipes to easily reduce and inhibit bacterial growth.
• Dental foods and treats are specially formulated to help promote healthy teeth and gums in cats and dogs.

Make sure you get the most bang for your buck when purchasing pet food and consider serving meals to your pets in SureFeed® Microchip Pet Feeder to prevent food stealing.

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