Changes

Periodontal disease is essentially an inflammatory response by the supporting structures of the teeth known as the periodontium. These structures include:

Periodontal disease is essentially an inflammatory response by the supporting structures of the teeth known as the periodontium. These structures include:

*[[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]]

*[[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]]

*periodontal ligaments

*[[Periodontal ligament - Anatomy & Physiology|periodontal ligaments]]

*cementum

*cementum

*alveolar bone

*[[Alveolar bone - Anatomy & Physiology|alveolar bone]]

It is the most common dental disease in dogs and 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.  

It is the most common dental disease in dogs and 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.