Periodontal disease is the most common infectious (caused by bacteria) disease in dogs and cats. It is estimated that 80% or more of dogs and cats between the ages of 1 and 3 years old have some evidence of periodontal disease which requires treatment.

Periodontal disease in pets, as in people, is caused by bacteria and plaque. With time plaque hardens and becomes the yellow-brown tartar commonly seen on the teeth. As bacteria and plaque accumulate, toxins are produced. Over time, these toxins destroy the teeth and gums. Excessive tartar, foul breath, loose teeth, bleeding teeth and gums, inflamed and reddened gums, and actual pus coming from the tooth sockets are seen as a result of severe destruction of the oral tissues of the jaw.

Periodontal disease is not just confined to the mouth. Its effects are felt throughout the body, and is the main source of infection and inflammation elsewhere in the body. The foundation of any holistic health care program involves treating disease, and pets with dirty, infected teeth must be treated to eliminate chronic sources of infection and inflammation that can cause harm within the body. Many older dogs and cats that act “old” in fact have suffered for years from periodontal disease. Upon a proper dental scaling under anesthesia, most of these pets will act “young” again as a result of decreased pain and infection.

The term “dental disease” can refer to any problem with a pet’s teeth and gums, such as a tumor, a broken tooth, improper dentition that might require orthodontics, or more commonly an infection of the teeth and gums we call periodontal disease.

The treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. Most pets that have early periodontal disease can be treated by their veterinarians with an ultrasonic scaling and antibiotics if needed. More severe disease often requires advanced dental procedures such as root canals, extractions, and gum surgery best performed by referral to a specialist. Often oral radiographs (X-rays) will detect disease under the gums that would normally go undetected in the more severe cases.

For most pets, an annual dental cleaning will suffice. Some pets may need treatment more frequently. Smaller breeds of dogs often require a cleaning twice each year. Pets with diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or any problems with their immune systems should have their periodontal infections treated as often as needed to prevent serious complications. For example, recent studies showed that bacteria were often found on abnormal heart valves in pets with heart disease. These bacteria were identical to the ones cultured from the infected teeth and gums. It is no coincidence that many pets with heart disease also have periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause a heart infection called bacterial endocarditis. This condition is life-threatening and very difficult and expensive to treat. One of the most important things to do with pets with heart disease (as well as any chronic disease) is to make sure they have their teeth cleaned at least annually if not more often. Any pet with heart disease needs to have any type of infections prevented at all cost.

While many pet owners (especially those with older pets) worry about anesthesia, modern anesthesia is very safe in our older pets. Every pet should have a thorough examination and some sort of laboratory testing, usually blood or urine testing, prior to the anesthetic procedure. There is no reason to deprive an older pet of a necessary procedure just because anesthesia might be needed. As long as the pet is treated holistically and the anesthesia is safely administered, older pets can have dental cleanings done safely as needed for dental cleanings.

Treatment Options (Always Consult Your Veterinarian)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil primarily, also flax oil) – Dosed at 10 mg/pound of body weight 1- 3 times daily.

Antioxidants – Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, minerals such as selenium, and other substances such as coenzyme Q-10, bilberry, blueberry, resveratrol, OPC’s, etc., work by reducing cell-harming oxidizing chemicals released upon cell damage and death.

Coenzyme Q-10 – 1mg per pound of body weight 1-2 times daily.

DMG – per label dosage

Reishi – per label dosage

L-glutamine – 250-3000 mg daily.

Lemon Juice – Severe cases of stomatitis in older pets that have decreased salivary production may improve by administering a drop a lemon juice 1-3 times daily in their mouths to stimulate intense saliva production and wash the debris field away. This clears the mouth of potentially troublesome bacteria that lead to stomatitis since they would accumulate in a normal animal in the cheek area.

Homeopathy – Mercurius

Homotoxicology – Traumeel, Mercurius Heel

Author – Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM