Periodontal Disorders and its Management in Small Animals

Periodontal disease is inflammation of some or all of the tooth’s support structures (gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone). When compared to gingivitis, periodontitis indicates bone loss caused by bacteria. Initially a pellicle forms on the clean tooth. The pellicle attracts aerobic gram-positive bacteria, primarily Actinomyces and Streptococci. Soon more bacteria adhere forming plaque. Within days the plaque thickens, underlying bacteria run out of oxygen and anaerobic motile rods and spirochetes begin to populate the sub-gingival area. Endotoxins released by the anaerobic bacteria cause tissue destruction and bone loss. Microscopic lesions have been found affecting dog’s livers, kidneys, and brains in some animals with periodontal disease.