Periodontal disease is common in lizards, especially [[Chameleon|chameleons]] and [[Lizard Classification|agamids]]. Periodontal disease is a significant cause of morbidity in captive lizards that have been fed an inappropriate [[Lizard Diet|diet]] (i.e. soft, wet, often overly fruitbased diet). A natural diet with adequate texture will prevent plaque buidup on teeth and keep bacteria from colonising. However when tartar accumulates, it causes an inflammatory response and periodontal disease eventually occurs. Osteomyelitis (focal or multifocal) of the mandible or maxilla may be the final outcome. This disease is more common in species with [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|acrodont]] dentition. It is also often mistaken for stomatitis. | Periodontal disease is common in lizards, especially [[Chameleon|chameleons]] and [[Lizard Classification|agamids]]. Periodontal disease is a significant cause of morbidity in captive lizards that have been fed an inappropriate [[Lizard Diet|diet]] (i.e. soft, wet, often overly fruitbased diet). A natural diet with adequate texture will prevent plaque buidup on teeth and keep bacteria from colonising. However when tartar accumulates, it causes an inflammatory response and periodontal disease eventually occurs. Osteomyelitis (focal or multifocal) of the mandible or maxilla may be the final outcome. This disease is more common in species with [[Lizard Gastrointestinal System|acrodont]] dentition. It is also often mistaken for stomatitis. |