Ovidiu Savu

Grile for Periodontal Diseases Diagnosis at Dogs

The periodontal diseases at dogs of more than 2 years have a high prevalence level, of about 80%. Periodontal disease is a progressive process which involves several stages: 1) the starting point of periodontal disease is dental plaque formationa biofilm composed of food debris, mucin, epithelial cells and bacteria (Bacteroides sp., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevoltella sp., Fusobacterium etc.); 2) mineralization of plaque and calculus formation; 3) gingivitis (reversible process) – caused by bacterial enzymes and metabolic toxins; 4) gingival recessionwith pocket formation (non-reversible process); 5) bone loss; 6) tooth mobility; 7) tooth loss; 8) increased blood supply to the area enhances a bacteraemia. The assessment of the dental plaque allow identify the animals with risk for development periodontal disease. An easy method for evidence of dental plaque is the chromatic method (Ronddels Blue Kit). This method allows differentiating the recent plaque from a mature plaque by different coloration. It follows the examination of the calculus (tartar) formation. The gum examination: gingival inflammation due to tartar accumulation, edema, gingival bleeding and gingival recession or gingival hyperplasia. Periodontal probing. The gingival sulcus depth is measured using a calibrate probe. In a dog, the normal sulcus depth is 2-3 mm. In periodontal disease a pocket is formed between the tooth and the gum. In moderate periodontal disease pocket depth is 3-6 mm and in severe periodontal disease it is more than 6 mm. Furcation examination. The furcation is the area between the roots of multirooted teeth and at healthy dogs in this area is found the alveolar bone. In periodontal disease the alveolar bone loss and sometimes is difficult to make a radiological examination to evidence this lesion and in this case it’s recommended the furcation examination. The dimensions of this space is measured with a probe (<1/3 from tooth thickness, between 1/3 and 2/3 tooth thickness or the probe may cross all the tooth thickness). The mobility of the teeth is examined, as well as the amplitude and direction of the movements (sagital, transversal or axial plane). Finally, the periodontal status is established. The periodontal disease may be incipient, moderate or severe. In incipient periodontal disease inflammation of gum, edema, gingival bleeding upon probing occurs. In moderate periodontal disease, in addition bad breath, deep pockets and 10-30% loss of bone support can be present. In severe periodontal disease over 30% bone loss, the teeth are mobile and gum recession is present.