What Do Black Gums Indicate in Dogs?
There are a few potential causes for black gums in dogs:
- Melanin pigmentation – Some breeds naturally have black pigment in their gums due to melanin. This pigmentation is normal and not a cause for concern.
- Blood blisters – Injury to the mouth or gums can cause blood blisters that appear black. These are usually harmless and go away on their own.
- Plaque buildup – Accumulation of plaque on the teeth and gums can cause them to appear darker. As plaque hardens into tartar it causes gum inflammation.
- Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup can cause the gums to turn red, swollen, and ulcerated. They may appear black and leathery.
The most common causes of black gums in dogs are plaque, tartar, and gingivitis. These indicate periodontal disease. Other signs include bad breath, loose teeth, bleeding gums, and receding gums. If a dog’s gums are black due to gum inflammation and infection, it requires veterinary attention and treatment.
Gum Color Changes and Oral Health
A healthy dog’s gums should be bubble gum pink and firm. This pink color comes from a good blood supply reaching the gums. When your dog’s gums are pink, it is a sign they are in good health.
However, sometimes your dog’s gums may appear darker, redder or paler. Gum discoloration can be an early indicator of problems.
Darker or red gums often signal inflammation or poor circulation. When inflammation is present, more blood flows to the area. This causes the gums to turn deep red or eggplant purple. Some conditions like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and injury can trigger gum inflammation.
Pale, whitish gums are a sign of anemia or decreased blood flow. If your dog’s gums look very pale pink, bluish or white, it could mean they have internal bleeding, anemia, or shock going on. Poor circulation and some infections can also make gums lose their pink color.
Black gums specifically point to a medical issue. Healthy dog gums should never appear black or purple-black. Melanin pigmentation in some breeds like Chows can cause dark gums. But a drastic color change to black indicates a problem like gum disease, oral cancer, or a serious underlying condition.
Keep an eye on your dog’s gums. The color changes as a reaction to diseases in the body. Any loss of the normal pink shade is worth an exam by your veterinarian.
Gingivitis and Other Gum Diseases
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. As plaque accumulates, it can harden into tartar that irritates the gums. The gums become swollen, red, and can bleed easily. This is the early stage of gum disease and can often be reversed with professional dental cleanings and improved at-home oral hygiene.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious gum infection where inflammation extends deep into gum tissue and damages the bones that support the teeth. As the disease advances, the gums can recede, pockets form between the gums and teeth, and teeth may loosen or fall out. Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss in dogs. Proper dental care is crucial to prevent gingivitis from advancing to irreversible periodontal disease.
Other gum diseases like gum cancer, legions caused by viral infections, and gum recession can also affect canine health. Regular professional dental exams can help diagnose and monitor gum abnormalities before they lead to tooth loss and other oral health complications.
Bad Breath (Halitosis) in Dogs
Halitosis, or bad breath, is common in dogs. The primary cause is gum disease, usually due to a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Bacteria and decaying food particles become trapped along the gum line and release foul-smelling gases. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, will make a dog’s breath smell quite unpleasant.
As gum disease worsens, periodontitis can develop, resulting in inflammation and receding gums. Pockets form along the roots of the teeth, harboring more bacteria which contribute to bad doggy breath. Eventually, abscesses may occur and teeth can loosen or fall out. All of these gum issues allow more smelly gases to be released in a dog’s mouth.
Treatment of halitosis involves a veterinarian cleaning the dog’s teeth to remove built-up plaque and tartar. A complete dental cleaning will scrape beneath the gumline to remove debris. Once the teeth and gums are clean, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene at home through brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings.
Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to treat infection and reduce inflammation of the gums. In severe cases of advanced gum disease, tooth extraction may be necessary. However, addressing gum disease early and keeping teeth clean are the best ways to combat bad breath in dogs.
The Link Between Gum and Dental Disease
Gum disease and dental disease often go hand in hand in dogs. The main connection between them is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that accumulates on the teeth. As plaque spreads below the gumline, it triggers inflammation and infection of the gums, leading to gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more serious infection affecting the ligaments and bone surrounding the teeth.
Plaque that remains on the teeth mineralizes into tartar. The buildup of tartar above and below the gumline fuels infection. Tartar below the gumline also physically pushes the gums away from the teeth, creating pockets that allow more plaque to accumulate and the infection to spread. Eventually, severe dental disease can lead to painful abscesses, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
Keep in mind that some dogs may have gum disease with minimal dental disease, while others may suffer from advanced dental disease but show few signs of gum problems. However, unhealthy gums almost always indicate some degree of disease is present in the teeth and mouth, and vice versa. By maintaining good oral hygiene and having your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned, you can greatly reduce the risks of gum disease, dental disease, and their many associated health complications.
When to See the Vet
If your dog has black gums, it’s important to have him examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Black gums can potentially indicate serious health issues that require prompt veterinary attention.
Some warning signs that signal the need for a veterinary visit include:
- Black, purple, white, or bright red discoloration of the gums
- Bleeding from the gums
- Persistent bad breath even after brushing your dog’s teeth
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
- Lethargy, depression, or other behavior changes
- Swelling or growths in the mouth
- Loose, infected, or missing teeth
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
Black gums, in particular, are not normal and require examination to determine the underlying cause. It’s best to make an appointment as soon as you notice discolored gums, rather than waiting to see if the problem resolves on its own.
During the veterinary visit, the vet will likely perform a full oral exam, looking at the teeth, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth and throat. They may recommend dental x-rays to get a better view of what could be causing the gum discoloration. Based on the exam findings, the vet will discuss recommended treatment options with you.
Don’t delay – black gums in dogs should always be evaluated by a veterinarian. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent worsening of oral health issues and any associated pain or discomfort for your pet.
Preventing Gum Disease
There are several steps pet owners can take to help prevent gum disease in dogs:
Brushing Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is the most effective way to remove plaque and tartar and keep their gums healthy. Use a soft brush and dog-safe toothpaste. Take it slow at first to get your dog comfortable with the process. Brush in gentle circular motions and make sure to reach the back teeth.
Dental Chews
Giving your dog dental chews and treats can also help scrape away plaque and tartar. Look for products with the VOHC seal that actively fight plaque and tartar. Give dental chews after meals when your dog will be most tempted to chew.
Regular Cleanings
Even with home dental care, most dogs need annual professional cleanings. Vets or hygienists will scale away all built-up tartar, polish the teeth, and apply fluoride treatments. Cleanings allow the vet to inspect for any concerning dental issues. Regular cleanings are crucial for preventing gum disease.
Treatment Options
If your dog is diagnosed with gum disease, there are several treatment options available depending on the severity of the condition. Some common treatments include:
Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning is often the first step in treating gum disease. This involves putting your dog under anesthesia so the veterinarian can thoroughly clean above and below the gumline. Tartar and plaque will be scraped off, and the teeth will be polished. This enables the veterinarian to evaluate the health of the gums and teeth under the buildup.
Antibiotics
Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to help control bacterial infection of the gums and prevent further progression of gum disease. Antibiotics can come in oral medication or gel form that is applied directly to the gums.
Tooth Extractions
If periodontal disease is advanced, affected teeth may need to be extracted. This eliminates sources of infection and discomfort. Your veterinarian will determine which teeth can remain and which need to be extracted based on the level of disease, attachment loss, tooth mobility, and overall dental health.
Caring for Your Dog’s Oral Health
Taking good care of your dog’s oral health is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. Here are some tips to keep your dog’s gums and teeth clean and healthy:
Establish a tooth brushing routine. Veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Gently brush in circular motions at a 45 degree angle to the gum line. Make sure to brush both sides of the teeth.
Provide dental chews. Giving your dog dental chews 2-3 times a week can also help scrape away plaque and tartar. Look for veterinarian-approved choices that are specifically designed to promote oral health. Avoid excessively hard chews that could damage teeth.
Watch for signs of dental issues. Keep an eye out for symptoms like bad breath, discolored or bleeding gums, broken teeth, changes in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the mouth, and swelling around the mouth. Schedule a vet visit promptly if you notice anything unusual.
With a little at-home care and professional cleanings when needed, you can go a long way in protecting your dog against gum disease and tooth decay for better long-term health.
The Importance of Dental Care for Dogs
Proper dental care is extremely important for the long-term health and wellbeing of dogs. Poor dental health can lead to a number of serious medical conditions that negatively impact your dog’s quality of life. Taking steps to care for your dog’s teeth, gums, and oral hygiene can help prevent many dental diseases and allow your dog to live a happier, healthier life.
Neglecting your dog’s dental health can have severe consequences. tartar buildup on the teeth allows bacteria to accumulate and grow, leading to infection and inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that damages the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Eventually this causes tooth loss and abscesses.
These dental infections don’t just affect the mouth – bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to major organs like the heart, kidneys and liver. This can lead to potentially fatal conditions such as endocarditis, kidney disease, and liver failure. Dogs with advanced dental disease are also at higher risk for other problems like diabetes and respiratory infections.
Taking the time to brush your dog’s teeth, provide dental chews, have regular professional cleanings, and inspecting their mouth regularly allows you to catch problems early when they are easier to treat. Proper dental care for dogs leads to reduced plaque and tartar buildup, fresher breath, healthier gums, stronger teeth, and improved overall wellbeing. It’s one of the most important things you can do to help your canine companion live a long, comfortable and happy life.
