What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a common oral condition that affects more than half of all dogs and cats ages 3 and up. It develops when plaque and tartar buildup goes untreated, resulting in the spread of infectious bacteria in the mouth and, potentially, the bloodstream. Characteristics of periodontal disease include:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen gums
- Drooling (sometimes blood-tinged)
- Thick brown/yellow buildup along the gum line
- Difficulty chewing and eating (pet may drop food while eating)