All about periodontal grades
How periodontal disease (gum disease) is graded and treated
Periodontal grades and treatment chart
Key to periodontal grades and treatment chart
How periodontal disease (gum disease) is graded and treated
There are a number of factors used to assess the oral health of dogs and to allocate periodontal grades to each one checked.
These include:
- The symptoms of gum disease, e.g. the health of the gums
- The depth of the pockets between the gum and the teeth (this is measured using a calibrated probe. In a dog with healthy gums the normal depth is 2-3 mm
- The x-ray results
After assessing these criteria, the severity of periodontal disease present can be determined and a probable outcome or prognosis made.
Periodontal grades and treatment chart
For ease of understanding where your dog's current dental diagnosis fits, we have prepared the following chart as a general guide to periodontal grades.
Key to periodontal grades and treatment chart
*Subgingival = under the gum line.
**Gingival sulcus = the "pocket" formed between the tooth and the gum.
***Gingivectomy = surgical removal of gum tissues.
This article and information forms part of the Carole's Doggie World Holistic Library and is presented for informational purposes only.The information is not intended to be a substitute for visits to your local vet. Instead, the content offers the reader information researched and written by Carole Curtis for www.carolesdoggieworld.com