• Bad breath (Halitosis)  

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums  

• Discolored teeth, yellow or brown teeth  

• Loose or missing teeth  

• Excessive drooling  

• Difficulty or reluctance to chew, especially hard food 

• Swelling on face (possible root abscess)  

• Pawing at mouth  

• Bad breath

• Bleeding gums

• Excessive drooling

• Pawing at the mouth

• Pain, reluctance to eat, lethargy

If you notice any of the above signs, seek an urgent vet appointment. If your dog has an inability to close the mouth, this could indicate a fracture or severe inflammation or excessive pain or blood-stained saliva.  

• Examination of your dog’s mouth by your vet  

• Your vet may suggest dental x-rays and teeth probing under general anesthesia  

Periodontal disease can be broken down into four stages:  

Stage 1: slight swelling and redness of the gums (gingivitis) occurs. There may also be some visible accumulation of tartar. There is no loss of the tooth’s support at this stage.  

Stage 2: there is evident loss of the bone and ligaments that hold teeth in place (mild periodontitis). At this stage, the gums are redder and/or more inflamed.  

Stage 3: when up to 50% of tooth support loss has occurred (moderate periodontitis), mainly visible with the x-rays rather than with a naked eye  

Stage 4: severe bone loss (advanced periodontitis). During this last stage, tartar is very apparent to the naked eye, gums are retracted, the teeth are damaged, and there may be a need for extraction.  

Treatment is dependent on the severity of your dog’s periodontitis. There are different treatment courses based on the different stages:  

Stage 1: Gingivitis in dogs can be treated with dental cleaning and application of fluoride to prevent plaque accumulation.  

Stages 2 & 3: The teeth will need a deep scaling or scraping, both above and below the gumline, to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Then your vet will polish the teeth, creating a smooth surface that makes it more difficult for plaque and bacteria to stick to the tooth. (This procedure always requires general anaesthesia.)  

Stage 4: Once the disease reaches this point, surgery is likely needed to treat the affected teeth, which typically means extractions.  

The recovery time depends on the treatment needed. If your dog has undergone a simple cleaning and scaling, he/her should be back to his/her regular self by the next day (although anaesthesia recovery time can vary). Even if your dog has undergone extractions, he/her will largely be fine the next day, but the extraction sites themselves do take about a week to heal. So, your dog’s mouth may be sensitive during this time.  

If your dog has advanced periodontal disease, pain and anti-inflammatory medication, as well as antibiotics to keep infections at bay, may need to be given daily for a certain length of time.  

• Brushing your dog’s teeth. Use toothpaste and toothbrushes designed specifically for dogs at least 3 times a week. Consult your vet for instructions. It’s very important that you do not use human toothpaste. Most brands contain fluoride, which is poisonous for dogs.  

• Checking the mouth for bad breath or any abnormalities such as redness, tartar, or loose teeth.  

• Feeding special foods and treats to help control tartar. Talk to your vet to find out what is appropriate for your dog.  

• Thorough annual oral examinations by your vet. If you have a dog prone to periodontal disease (Dachshund, Yorkie, Bulldog, or any small breed), you may even want to schedule an oral examination every 6 months.  

The outlook for dogs with gum disease (periodontal disease) depends on the severity and how early it's caught. Early stages (gingivitis) can be reversed with proper treatment and home care, but advanced stages (periodontitis) can lead to irreversible damage and general health problems.