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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Periodontal disease is essentially an inflammatory response by the supporting structures of the [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]] known as the periodontium. These structures include the [[gingiva]], [[Enamel Organ#Periodontal Ligament|periodontal ligaments]], [[Enamel Organ#Cementum|cementum]] and [[Enamel Organ#Alveolar Bone|alveolar bone]]. It is the most common [[:Category:Oral Diseases - Dog|dental disease in dogs]] and [[:Category:Oral Diseases - Cat|cats]] and the major cause of tooth loss in both species. There are numerous factors that contribute to the formation of the disease but the primary agent is dental plaque. Plaque accumulates at the gingival margin, partly due to insufficient [[Oral Hygiene|oral hygiene]].

Periodontal disease is essentially an inflammatory response by the supporting structures of the [[:Category:Teeth - Anatomy & Physiology|teeth]] known as the periodontium. These structures include the [[gingiva]], [[Enamel Organ#Periodontal Ligament|periodontal ligaments]], [[Enamel Organ#Cementum|cementum]] and [[Enamel Organ#Alveolar Bone|alveolar bone]]. It is the most common [[:Category:Oral Diseases - Dog|dental disease in dogs]] and [[:Category:Oral Diseases - Cat|cats]] and the major cause of tooth loss in both species. There are numerous factors that contribute to the formation of the disease but the primary agent is dental plaque. Plaque accumulates at the gingival margin, partly due to insufficient [[Oral Hygiene - Small Animal|oral hygiene]].

Periodontal disease is the result of the inflammatory response to dental plaque, i.e. oral bacteria, and is limited to the periodontium. It is probably the most common disease seen in small animal practice, with the great majority of dogs and cats over the age of 3 years having a degree of disease that warrants intervention.  

Periodontal disease is the result of the inflammatory response to dental plaque, i.e. oral bacteria, and is limited to the periodontium. It is probably the most common disease seen in small animal practice, with the great majority of dogs and cats over the age of 3 years having a degree of disease that warrants intervention.  

Treatment of gingivitis relies heavily on owner compliance. It is important to stress to the owner that the disease is reversible and treatment and control may prevent this disease from becoming peridontitis, which is a lot more severe.  

Treatment of gingivitis relies heavily on owner compliance. It is important to stress to the owner that the disease is reversible and treatment and control may prevent this disease from becoming peridontitis, which is a lot more severe.  

The owner should receive information on good daily [[Oral Hygiene|dental home care]] such as [[Tooth Brushing|tooth brushing]] and [[Dental Diet|diet]].  

The owner should receive information on good daily [[Oral Hygiene - Small Animal|dental home care]] such as [[Tooth Brushing|tooth brushing]] and [[Dental Diet|diet]].  

Treatment involves performing a dental scale and polish and ensuring the owner is aware that regular examinations to assess the condition of the teeth will be required from now on.

Treatment involves performing a dental scale and polish and ensuring the owner is aware that regular examinations to assess the condition of the teeth will be required from now on.