Periodontal Disease

About periodontal Disease

Periodontal or gum disease is prevalent among pets, affecting up to 85% of cats and dogs over three years old. Persistent bad breath in pets is abnormal and may signal periodontal disease. If the odour lingers, it’s time to consult a vet.

The immune system’s response to plaque accumulation triggers periodontal disease. Plaque, made of food particles, saliva and bacteria, hardens into tartar if not removed by brushing or chewing. This causes gum inflammation and bleeding (gingivitis). Without treatment, the infection can spread to bone and ligaments (periodontitis), leading to tooth loss.

“Up to 85% of cats and dogs over three years old experience gum disease—and persistent bad breath is often the first sign something’s wrong.”

Systemic effects & behavioural changes

Just as with humans, inflammation and bacterial toxins from periodontal disease can affect pets’ organs by entering the bloodstream. Pets rarely show obvious signs of oral pain due to their instinctual pack survival mentality, which views pain as a weakness. Owners often notice increased liveliness and improved appetite after treatment, indicating pain relief.

When signs of gingivitis appear, seek professional treatment immediately. Gingivitis is reversible, but untreated cases progress to periodontitis, which requires ongoing management as there is no cure. Professional cleaning under anaesthesia removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, where the disease occurs.

Prevention & home care advice

Daily brushing with pet-specific toothpaste is the gold standard for preventing periodontal disease. Regular brushing effectively removes plaque before it hardens into tartar (calculus). Additionally, incorporating various products into your pet’s dental care routine can provide extra support.

Dental chews help reduce plaque build-up while satisfying your pet’s natural chewing instinct. Water additives promote oral health by decreasing bacteria and freshening breath. Oral gels applied directly to the gums and teeth further combat plaque and bacteria. Please note that these products can not come close to the effectiveness of tooth brushing but can act as secondary options.

“Treating inflamed gums not only refreshes your pet’s breath—it often improves their appetite, energy and overall wellbeing.”

Anaesthesia-free cleaning

Anaesthesia-free dental cleaning is not recommended as it only removes surface tartar, leaving the disease-causing plaque beneath the gum line untreated. This method provides a false sense of security and allows the disease to progress, potentially leading to more severe health issues.

Our commitment is to ensure your pet’s mouth remains healthy, comfortable and functional throughout their life. We offer the most effective, comprehensive treatments to support this goal and encourage consistent home care and regular professional check-ups for maintenance.

Specialist Veterinary Dental Services

A comprehensive range of dental and oral surgery treatments.

Contact Us    refer a patient

Removing complex teeth safely and with minimal impact.

Preserving teeth by cleaning and sterilising infected pulp chambers

Precise management for intricate anaesthetics, enhancing safety

Preserving teeth that have damaged pulp through trauma

Detailed imaging with Dental X-rays and CT scans for accurate diagnosis

Cleaning pockets of plaque and tartar, promoting oral health

Performing expert, precise surgical procedures for oral issues

Restoring function and alignment with expert diagnosis and repair.

Key Takeaways

Gum Disease is Widespread

Most dogs and cats over the age of three will develop some form of gum disease, making regular dental care essential for lifelong health.

Plaque and Bacteria are the Culprits

Inflamed gums begin with plaque build-up at the gumline. If left untreated, bacteria penetrate deeper, causing painful infections and tooth loss.

Early Action Protects Overall Health

Treating gum inflammation promptly not only saves teeth but also helps protect internal organs from the spread of harmful bacteria.

Home and Professional Care Work Together

Daily brushing at home, combined with professional dental cleanings in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, gives pets the best defence against gum disease.

Jessica Ramsay

2 months ago

The care and compassion both Bec and Aaron show towards their patients and clients is above and beyond. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with the whole AAD team including the wonderful admin team Bryl and Hayley. They make the whole experience from booking the appointment to discharge a pleasant experience and the follow up phone calls the day after procedure shows how much they really care about your pet and any concerns you may have. Would highly recommend these guys for any animal dental treatment.

Steph A

Tessa Orr

So grateful to Dr Aaron for taking the absolute BEST care of our 13 year old boy Chopper! We honestly wouldn’t go anywhere else for his teeth. Dr Aaron is EXTREMELY knowledgeable, so kind and caring! I am quite the worrier as my boy is my baby and his little teeth are super worn from years of chewing/playing with tennis balls. Dr Aaron really gave us the time to listen to all of our concerns and go over everything so thoroughly. My partner and I came into the consult anxious and stressed and left feeling completely at ease knowing Chopper was in the absolute best hands! We are forever grateful for the high quality care and compassion Dr Aaron provided…..

Tessa Orr

A month ago

cont… Also a massive thank you to Bryliiana for dealing with us over the phone these past few years, answering my many questions and never making me feel rushed or of an annoyance. There were quite the few worried phone calls. I HIGHLY recommend Advanced Animal Dentistry to anyone and everyone! It really is such a professional and quality practice! Thank you so much Dr Aaron and Bryliiana for the amazing work you guys do! Thank you for taking such great care of our boy!

dazz boyd

A month ago

Dr Aaron and Brylliana give our boy Chopper exceptional care every visit.

They both give us a lot of extra time and relive all our concerns over the phone and in person and never make us feel like we are a bother. They go out of their way to put us at ease with any questions we have and always make us feel like they have the time to reassure us in every way possible.

I would recommend them to anyone considering using them, 11 out of 10.

Thank you both of you for your amazing care!

Ka Lei Lau

A month ago

Dr Aaron cared for our GSD who had fractured her teeth. The team were able to fit us in within a day for surgery and Dr Aaron’s calm bedside manner was (amazingly) able to calm our very anxious, highly strung dog who typically hates a vet surgery environment. Excellent follow up care and communication, it’s clear the team genuinely cares for animals. Surgery was very professionally done and the price was fair and reasonable for specialised expertise. We are very pleased, thank you for such compassionate care for our pup. If only Dr Aaron could be our regular vet!

Amber Owen

A month ago

Dr Bec is amazing! I really feel like my dog is safe with her and I am a very protective and nervous dog mum. My dog also had a really nice recovery and was very comfortable after his tooth removal (due to a nasty abscess). I would definitely recommend Dr Bec and the team to anyone who wants high end care for their pets.

Gregory Cuff

A month ago

Staff were absolutely wonderful, the help and advice we received was fantastic

Zoe Hyde

A month ago

Bec has done surgery on both my beloved cat and dog and she is such a kind, thorough and talented Dentist! The communication is superb, level of care, and pain relief is brilliant. I completely trust my animals in her hands and am very grateful for her and all of the team’s care 🙂

Whitney Hansen

A month ago

Advanced Animal Dentistry took amazing care of my girl, Polly, and made sure she got lots of cuddles. Will definitely be going back.

Matt & Rochelle Lloyd

A month ago

Absolutely amazing the price for surgery is reasonable.
I drive all the way from Glasshouse Mountains just to there..

FAQs

What causes inflamed gums in dogs and cats in Brisbane and the Gold Coast?

Inflamed gums, or gingivitis, are triggered by plaque buildup—made of food debris, saliva, and bacteria—accumulating along the gum line. This leads to gum redness, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, it can progress to deeper gum and bone infection (periodontitis), which may result in tooth loss and potential effects on overall health.

How common is gum disease in pets in our region?

Periodontal disease is extremely common—affecting up to 85% of dogs and cats over the age of three. Because pets often hide pain, dental disease can go unnoticed until it becomes advanced, even in pets that seem completely healthy.

What health risks do inflamed gums pose if left untreated?

Untreated gum disease doesn’t just endanger your pet’s teeth—it can lead to infections that affect internal organs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. Many pet owners in Brisbane and the Gold Coast report a noticeable improvement in their pet’s appetite and energy after dental treatment, highlighting just how significant the impact can be.

Can brushing and home dental care help prevent gum disease?

Yes. Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective method to combat gum disease. It removes plaque before it hardens into tartar. Supplementing brushing with dental chews, oral gels, or water additives can support your pet’s oral hygiene—but these should complement, not replace, brushing.

Is anaesthesia-free teeth cleaning safe for treating inflamed gums?

No—anaesthesia-free cleaning only removes surface tartar and doesn’t address harmful plaque below the gumline, where disease develops. This can give a false sense of security and allow periodontal disease to silently progress, potentially risking more serious health issues later.

When should I seek professional dental care for my pet in Brisbane or the Gold Coast?

If you notice signs like persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, or reluctance to chew, it’s time to arrange a professional dental examination. Early diagnosis and a professional cleaning under anaesthesia can reverse early gum inflammation and prevent more severe disease—ensuring your pet stays comfortable and healthy.