Gum Disease in Pets: Not Just a Cosmetic Problem

Many pet owners believe that gum disease is only a minor nuisance — something that causes bad breath or discoloured teeth, but little else. In truth, gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is far more serious than it first appears. If left untreated, it doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. It can cause lasting pain, infection, tooth loss, and even damage to vital organs like the heart and kidneys.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what gum disease is, how it develops, why it’s such a health concern, and what you can do to prevent it — starting with recognising the early signs.

Contents

• What Is Gum Disease in Pets?

• What Causes Gingivitis in Dogs and Cats?

• The Stages of Gum Disease

• Why Gum Disease Is More Than a Cosmetic Issue

• Signs Your Pet May Have Gum Disease

• How Gum Disease Can Affect the Whole Body

• Preventing and Treating Gum Disease

What Is Gum Disease in Pets?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions in both dogs and cats. It starts with gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis — a much more serious form of the disease.

As the condition worsens, the infection spreads deeper beneath the gumline. This can lead to tooth instability, gum recession, and even damage to the bone structures that support the teeth.

What Causes Gingivitis in Dogs and Cats?

The main cause of gum disease is the build-up of plaque, a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, which accumulates along the gumline and begins to irritate the soft tissues of the mouth.

Over time, the body responds to this irritation with inflammation, which leads to gingivitis. Left unchecked, this inflammation allows bacteria to infiltrate deeper structures in the mouth, eventually causing infection and tooth loss.

Contributing factors include:

• Poor oral hygiene

• Diet (especially soft or wet food diets)

• Genetics (some breeds are more prone)

• Age — risk increases with time

• Crowded or misaligned teeth

Each of these can increase the likelihood of gum disease developing and make it harder to manage once it begins.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Like many health conditions, gum disease doesn’t happen overnight. It progresses in clear stages — and the earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat.

1. Stage 1: Gingivitis

• Red, swollen gums

• Bad breath

• Mild discomfort

This is the only stage that can be fully reversed with treatment and proper care.

2. Stage 2: Early periodontitis

• Tartar build-up

• Gum pockets beginning to form

• Possible pain while eating

At this point, damage to the gum tissue has begun, but may still be managed with non-invasive treatment.

3. Stage 3: Moderate periodontitis

• Bleeding gums

• Tooth loosening

• Gum recession and bone loss

Pain is likely present now, and more advanced dental treatment will be needed to stop further deterioration.

4. Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis

• Severe pain

• Tooth loss

• Risk of systemic infection

At this stage, damage is often irreversible, and the condition may begin to affect the rest of the body.

Why Gum Disease Is More Than a Cosmetic Issue

It’s easy to overlook early signs of gum disease because pets continue to eat, play, and behave normally — even when they’re in discomfort. But gum disease is far more than just an issue of appearance or mild bad breath.

It causes chronic pain, leads to persistent infection, and interferes with a pet’s ability to eat comfortably. It can also cause behavioural changes, as pets may become irritable or withdrawn when dealing with ongoing oral pain.

In reality, gum disease can:

• Cause significant pain, even if your pet keeps eating

• Lead to chronic infections

• Result in tooth loss, affecting your pet’s ability to eat and enjoy life

• Impact your pet’s mood, activity level, and behaviour

These impacts build up over time, making early detection and treatment vital for quality of life.

Signs Your Pet May Have Gum Disease

Because animals are very good at hiding pain, gum disease can progress quite far before symptoms become obvious. That’s why regular dental check-ups are so important.

Look out for the following warning signs:

• Persistent bad breath

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Yellow or brown tartar on teeth

• Dropping food or chewing on one side

• Pawing at the mouth or face

• Reluctance to chew toys or hard food

• Changes in appetite or weight loss

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, it’s time for a dental assessment. The sooner you act, the better the outcome will be.

How Gum Disease Can Affect the Whole Body

Gum disease doesn’t just stay in the mouth. Once the gums are inflamed or infected, bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream — a process known as bacteraemia.

These bacteria can travel to other parts of the body and contribute to or worsen systemic illnesses. This is especially risky for older pets or those with pre-existing conditions.

Health risks associated with untreated gum disease include:

• Heart disease (endocarditis)

• Kidney and liver damage

• Worsened diabetes

• Chronic inflammation, which contributes to age-related decline

This is why gum disease is taken seriously in veterinary medicine — it’s not just a dental issue, it’s a whole-body concern.

Preventing and Treating Gum Disease

The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable — and when caught early, it’s also very treatable. Prevention is always preferable, and it starts with daily habits at home.

Prevention:

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily using a pet-safe toothpaste

• Use dental chews or supplements approved by your vet

• Feed a dental-friendly diet or kibble designed to reduce plaque

• Book annual dental check-ups to catch early signs

• Schedule professional cleaning under anaesthetic when advised

Even if your pet resists brushing at first, a gradual and positive approach can help make it part of your routine.

Treatment:

• Professional scale and polish to remove plaque and tartar

• Antibiotics if infection is present

• Tooth extractions for badly damaged or painful teeth

• Pain relief and aftercare tailored to your pet’s needs

At Roundwood Vets, our dental procedures are carried out under safe anaesthesia, with close monitoring and post-operative support to ensure your pet is comfortable and healing well.

Final Thoughts

Gum disease in pets is far more than a cosmetic issue — it’s a painful, progressive condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. The good news is that it’s largely preventable and highly manageable when caught early.

📞 Concerned about your pet’s gums? Book a dental check-up at Roundwood Vets today. We’re here to protect your pet’s smile — and their long-term health.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.