Stages of Dental Disease

The part of the gum that touches the tooth is inflamed, swollen, and red. There will be some degree of plaque covering the tooth. Cleaning can reverse this condition. Most pets are have Stage 1 dental disease by age 3.

Entire attached gum is swollen and red. Mouth is painful and breath odor will be noticeable. Professional cleaning and at-home brushing can prevent this stage from advancing irreversibly.

Gums are cherry red and bleeding. Infection is destroying the gum’s attachment to the tooth. The build up of calculus creates a gap between the gum and the tooth and infection sets in below the gum line. Mouth pain may start to affect eating habits and behavior.  The rate of bone loss increases, some of which is irreversible.

Chronic infection continues to destroy the gum, tooth, and bone. Bacteria spreads throughout the entire body where it can infect the liver and kidneys. Gums are cherry red, bleed, and sometimes have pus. Teeth may be loose.