Periodontal Disease

Abstract

Periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in small animal veterinary medicine. In the vast majority of cases, however, there are little to no outward clinical signs of the disease process, and, therefore, therapy often comes very late in the disease course. Consequently, periodontal disease is also the most undertreated animal health problem. In addition, unchecked periodontal disease has numerous dire consequences both locally and systemically. These consequences are detailed in the article and should be utilized to educate clients and encourage compliance of therapeutic recommendations. The local consequences include oronasal fistulas, class II perio-endo lesions, pathologic fractures, ocular problems, osteomyelitis, and an increased incidence of oral cancer. Systemic diseases linked to periodontal disease include: renal, hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiac diseases; osteoporosis, adverse pregnancy effects, and diabetes mellitus. Before the discussion of consequences, this article covers the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, followed by clinical features and diagnostic tests.

Routine Use of a Thiol-Detection Test in Every Wellness Examination Increased Practice Dental Revenues and Enhanced Client Compliance with Dental Recommendations in Veterinary General Practice Clinics

“…Periodontal disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular professional veterinary dental care. Once established, it is an incurable disease process that is progressive but can be controlled or maintained with proper veterinary treatment and good oral hygiene [1,6]. Clients are becoming more aware of dental disease in dogs and cats because of improved client communication and a growing emphasis on wellness examinations and preventive medicine [7].…”

Etiology and Pathogenesis of Periodontal Disease

“…6,46 This was reported in several studies that compared wild animals with their domestic counterparts. The wild carnivores had significantly less calculus on their teeth, with a similar level of periodontal disease.…”

“…6 Therefore, control of supragingival plaque alone is ineffective in controlling the progression of periodontal disease. 3,46,47 This is one of the major reasons that "anesthesia-free dental cleanings" are insufficient for periodontal therapy. Addressing the subgingival plaque cannot be performed adequately without anesthesia.…”

Oral health in South East Queensland Koalas: Prevalence of periodontal disease and other pathologies

“…There is an increase in overall presence of motile, Gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria within the gingival sulcus and an inflammatory reaction by the host in response to the presence of these bacteria (Niemiec, 2008). In periodontitis, there is an apical migration of the junctional epithelium, development of periodontal pockets and gingival recession that culminate in the loss of alveolar bone (Kinane et al 2008).…”