Stages of Periodontal Disease in Pets

Periodontal disease in pets is characterized by pain, bacteria, and infection.

Grade 1 – RED GUMS: Low-grade pain…like a constant headache. This is gingivitis. Red gum line, even though teeth appear clean. Have a bad breath.

Grade 2 – RED AND SWOLLEN GUMS: Pain is chronic. Inflammation and swelling of the gums. Bacteria enter the bloodstream and infect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Plaque and tartar are present.

Grade 3 – PUS UNDER GUMS. GUM LOSS & INFLAMED PERIODONTAL TISSUE. Pain is constant. Bone loss with inflammation of periodontal tissue, and loss of gum attachment. Plaque and tartar are present.

Grade 4 – BONE LOSS WITH EXPOSED ROOTS AND MOBILE TEETH: Pain is severe. Untreated, gingivitis may progress to infect the surrounding tissue with tooth loss, mobile teeth, and bone loss.

Categories Pet

Doctor Joe Alcorn received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1981, and founded Care Animal Hospital in 1991 in Temecula, California. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.