Can dogs and cats get gingivitis?
Original Question: Can dogs and cats get gingivitis? - Anonymous
Sep 8, 2020
There are two stages of gum disease – gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis presents as a thin red line of inflammation where the gums meet the tooth. Gingivitis is the only reversible form of dental disease. A professional cleaning under anesthesia will cause the inflammation to subside. If the gingivitis is left unchecked, periodontitis can develop which affects the support structures of the tooth – the gums and the bone socket that hold the tooth root and the bacteria present in gum disease can cause irreversible injury to these structures. A professional cleaning and daily home care on the part of the pet owner can stop or slow the progression of the loss of these support structures.
Jeanne Perrone, MS, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
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