Periodontal disease is the #1 health issue for dogs today. It’s estimated to affect more than 80% of adult dogs. It's so common it's likely your dog will be impacted at some point in their life … even if they are fed a raw diet!

Are there dog periodontal disease stages?

There are multiple stages of periodontal disease. However, if you aren't taking your pet in for regular check-ups and cleanings, you may miss the warning signs of these dog tooth decay stages.

• Stage 0: Teeth are clean, and gums are flat and pink. You may see some tartar developing.
• Stage 1: Tartar begins building up and gums begin to redden.
• Stage 2: Gums continue to be swollen and bone loss begins to develop.
• Stage 3: Bone loss continues to occur.
• Stage 4: Severe bone loss can lead to loss of teeth and bloody gums.

What does gum disease look like in dogs?

Issues may be hard to catch until later stages of development, however you should look out for some of the following signs

• Loss teeth
• Blood in their water bowl
• Problems picking up food
• Bad breath
• Chewing on one side of the mouth

Probiotics & Dog Dental Health 

The oral cavity, which is the first part of the digestive tract, has a unique microbiome. Periodontal disease disrupts the normal oral flora due to chronic inflammation. Using a probiotic can help minimize the microbiome’s disruption, which leads to the rapid progression of periodontal disease.

As more research is being done on the microbiome, dental research is shifting its focus there as well. A 2009 study published in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association found that probiotics were effective in treating and preventing dental disease.

A probiotic will not cure existing periodontal disease, but it can be a beneficial adjunct to optimize gastrointestinal health, including the oral cavity. A healthy G.I. tract leads to improved systemic health.

Try adding a Probiotic to your dog's diet and you might be able to avoid dental issues in the future (and save yourself from those hefty vet bills!)