As a dog owner, you should hopefully understand how important it is to take care of your dog’s teeth. Just like us, if their oral health is neglected dogs can suffer with tooth decay, cavities, bad breath and conditions such as gingivitis.
But what is gingivitis exactly - and how will you know if your dog has gingivitis? Since it's National Pet Dental Health Month, we've explored the symptoms and signs of gingivitis in dogs, and how you can prevent it from affecting your dog’s health and wellbeing.
What is gingivitis in dogs?
Gingivitis in dogs refers to inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a build up of plaque and bacteria that can worsen without adequate dental care.
While it’s a common dental issue, if not taken care of, it can lead to more serious problems for your dog’s oral health - so it’s really important to take steps to treat gingivitis as soon as symptoms show.
Symptoms of gingivitis in dogs
No matter how hard it is to get access to your dog’s mouth (we know many pooches are sensitive to it), it’s super important to check for the following signs of gingivitis.
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Swelling/redness in gums. A pooch having reddened, puffy or inflamed gums is one of the biggest tell-tale signs of gingivitis.
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Bad breath. A dog’s breath never smells of roses, but if it’s particularly unpleasant when your pooch breathes near you, it could point to an underlying health issue.
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Bleeding gums. If you’ve noticed blood on your dog’s mouth, food bowl or anywhere they’ve bitten, it could be that their gums are infected.
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Change in eating habits. If they’re struggling to chew, chewing on one side of their mouth, or if they’ve lost appetite, it could be a gum issue.
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Excessive drooling. If your pooch is dribbling a lot, they could be in pain.
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Pawing at the mouth. Dogs often paw around their mouth if they have toothache, which could be due to inflamed or infected gums.
What causes gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the result of bacteria building up in the mouth, which is caused or worsened by a few factors. Here are some common reasons for gingivitis in dogs.
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Poor dental hygiene. One of the biggest culprits of gingivitis developing is a lack of dental care. If you don’t brush your dog’s teeth, plaque and/or tartar isn’t being brushed away or cleaned, breeding nasty and harmful bacteria.
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Plaque and tartar build-up. When teeth aren’t cleaned, a sticky white substance (plaque) or a hard, bad-smelling matter (tartar) builds up on the teeth and gums. Left for too long, the buildup becomes harmful to teeth and gums.
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Dietary factors. Eating lots of sugar, acidic foods or food that’s full of artificial preservatives can be detrimental to a dog’s dental health, and contribute to gingivitis.
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Breed predispositions. Some dogs are more predisposed to develop dental problems, especially if they have small mouths and crowded teeth (such as Pugs, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus etc.)
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Age and health conditions. The chance of gingivitis increases with age - as teeth and gums start to deteriorate over time. It can also worsen along with certain health conditions, such as diabetes.
How is gingivitis in dogs diagnosed and treated?
Gingivitis is usually diagnosed by a vet, but you will notice the symptoms first, so report any suspicions to a vet as soon as possible. They’ll give your pooch a general oral check-up and use some diagnostic tools for gingivitis - such as prodding the gums for pain, checking for pockets beneath the teeth, or maybe taking an x-ray.
If your pooch is diagnosed with gingivitis, don’t worry - it’s very common in dogs, but how it’s treated will depend on the stage of the condition. Your vet might recommend a thorough professional dental cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar, and prescribe antibiotics to clear up any infections.
The early signs of gingivitis (yellowing teeth, redness and swelling) can easily go under the radar, but the earlier the condition is detected the better. Early treatment can reduce symptoms and slow down or stop any more damage to the gums and mouth, and prevent tooth loss. This is why staying on top of your dog’s dental hygiene is so important!
What happens if gingivitis in dogs isn’t treated?
Catching gingivitis early is the ideal scenario, as with treatment your pooch’s toothy grin can easily be returned to a state of good health.
If left to develop without treatment, however, gingivitis can progress to canine periodontal disease. Though this is very common in dogs, in severe cases it can lead to tooth loss, or even result in bone loss to the jaw, which is obviously very uncomfortable for your pup.
At its most severe, the infection can breed bacteria which travels to the dog’s internal organs, triggering conditions such as heart disease or lung disease, which can even prove fatal. This is why early symptoms of gingivitis absolutely shouldn’t be ignored.
How to prevent gingivitis in dogs
There are some straightforward steps to prevent your pooch getting gingivitis, and they all involve keeping on top of their oral health and cleanliness.
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A healthy diet. There’s no quicker route to unwanted dental problems than a diet full of sugar, fat and artificial preservatives. Make sure your pooch is eating a well-balanced diet full of natural, healthy ingredients, and check they’re getting enough calcium for healthy teeth and gums.
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Regular dental care routines. Brushing a dog’s teeth can be hard work, we know - but it’s well worth the time and effort. If you’re having issues keeping up with your dog’s dental routine, a little is better than nothing. Be sure to ask your vet for help, and check out our article on how to brush your dog’s teeth.
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Dental chews and toys. Lots of dog chews and toys on the market are specifically designed to brush teeth and massage gums, as an addition to brushing. Try some long-lasting chews, dental sticks and dental treats on your pooch.
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Veterinary check-ups. Keep on top of your dog’s dental care with regular trips to the vet - they can usually spot issues that you might not have noticed.
FAQs
Can I reverse my dog's gingivitis?
Yes, you can - but only if it’s treated early. With early intervention and good oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed before it leads to more serious dental diseases. Keeping up with regular vet visits, brushing, and using dental treats will help keep your pup’s smile bright and healthy. If gingivitis has progressed to severe periodontal disease, that can be harder to tackle. Ask your vet for more advice on what to do at each stage of your dog’s gum disease.
Can dogs live with gingivitis?
Technically, yes - but ideally they shouldn’t have to! It will make them feel discomfort at the very least, which you should never want for your dog. At worst, leaving a dog to live with gingivitis means it can worsen over time and lead to more serious dental problems - like periodontal disease, tooth loss, and even infections in the rest of their body that can make them seriously unwell. Gingivitis is reversible if caught early, so it’s always the right call to treat it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Is gingivitis in dogs an emergency?
Gingivitis itself isn’t usually an emergency, especially in the early stages, but it absolutely shouldn’t be ignored. If left untreated, it can become more painful and severe, and fundamentally more damaging. However, if your dog has severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling, or has difficulty eating, this may need urgent veterinary care.
Is gingivitis in dogs painful?
Yes, gingivitis makes the gums generally sensitive, making it harder for your dog to eat and feel at rest. If you see your dog pawing at their face, struggling to eat or they just seem down in the dumps, it could be gingivitis. Check for other symptoms and take your pooch to a vet to catch it early.
If you want to be sure your pooch is eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that helps their oral health, Pooch & Mutt offers healthy, grain-free food for dogs in a range of delicious recipes, using natural ingredients. Also, be sure to check out our doggy dental sticks and dental treats.
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