Simon’s Dental Story

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in senior dogs, affecting over 80% of adult canines. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bacterial infections, and even impact vital organs like the heart and kidneys.

In this case study, we’ll share the dental journey of Simon, a 13-year-old Poodle, to highlight the importance of proactive dental care in older dogs.

📌 Breed: Poodle
 📌 Age: 13 years old
 📌 Primary Symptoms:
 

• Frequent sneezing and yellow nasal discharge
   

• Strong bad breath and receding gums
   

• Avoidance of hard food
   

• Gum inflammation with occasional bleeding
  
   

Simon’s condition had already begun affecting his quality of life. After evaluation by Dr. Johnny, a detailed dental assessment was performed.

Diagnostic Process: ✔ Full-mouth dental X-rays revealed multiple severely damaged teeth with root infections
 ✔ Oral exam showed inflamed gums and heavy tartar buildup
 ✔ Bloodwork indicated no systemic infection, but elevated inflammatory markers
 ✔ Nasal exam suggested sinusitis linked to dental infection

Simon was diagnosed with Grade 4 periodontal disease, complicated by odontogenic sinusitis, requiring immediate treatment.

✅ Full-mouth dental cleaning – Deep subgingival scaling to remove plaque and calculus
 ✅ Tooth extractions – Removal of severely infected or loose teeth
 ✅ Sinus infection management – Post-op monitoring to prevent spread of infection
 ✅ Medication protocol:
 

• Clavulox (antibiotic) – Prevents post-surgical infection

• Apoquel (anti-inflammatory/anti-allergy) – Reduces periodontal inflammation response
   ✅ Post-operative care:
  
   
• Oral rinse with Enilconazole (antifungal spray) to keep the mouth clean
  
   
• Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing progress
   

2-Week Post-Surgery Checkup: 🐾 Gums healed well with greatly reduced inflammation
 🐾 Sneezing and nasal discharge completely resolved
 🐾 Bad breath eliminated, appetite returned
 🐾 Energy levels improved — Simon started eating dry food again!

Simon’s gums are now healthy, and there have been no recurring signs of periodontal infection.

💡 1. Schedule regular dental checkups
 👉 Every 6–12 months is recommended to catch dental issues early.

💡 2. Brush daily and use dental care products
 👉 Toothbrushing, dental water additives, and dental chews help reduce plaque buildup.

💡 3. Don’t ignore signs like bad breath or red gums
 👉 Early-stage periodontal disease is treatable. Delayed treatment may lead to tooth loss or systemic infection.

🐾 If your dog has bad breath, gum inflammation, or trouble eating, don’t wait—book a dental checkup today!
 🐾 Dental care can significantly improve your senior dog’s comfort and quality of life.