What is Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease?
Periodontitis is the third and fourth stages of periodontal disease. Both stages can be controlled, but cannot be cured. Canned food is a major contributor and can start Stage I as early as 7 months of age. The first sign is bad breath, and then you can see a mild inflammation line around the tooth and gum. Stage II usually is seen between 1-4 years of age, but can be seen earlier. You can also see the plaque build up on the teeth. Stage III is the established stage and cannot be cured, formation of pockets (separation of gums from the tooth). Stage IV is the advanced stage and there is gum recession, bone loss, bleeding gums and tooth loss. This can be prevented with proper diet, home care and regular visits to the veterinarians office. Periodontal Disease Stagess Stage I Gingivitis: Small red line on gums Stage II Gingivitis: Swelling of gums and separation of tooth from gums (sulcus) from where the tooth begins) Stage III Periodontitis: Bad swelling and worse separation of gums from
