How vets assess gum disease risk in dogs across countries

Abstract

Despite affecting most dogs, periodontal disease is routinely underdiagnosed, with detection often occurring only after irreversible damage has occurred. Understanding how veterinarians assess periodontitis risk is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. This study explored risk factor evaluation and ranking by surveying 462 veterinary practitioners across five countries. Participants from general practice and dental specialty backgrounds assessed canine periodontitis risk through clinical vignettes and direct factor ratings. Despite anticipated differences between specialists and generalists, and between geographic regions, practitioners demonstrated consistent risk assessment approaches. Brachycephalic head shape ranked as the highest-weighted risk factor in all groups, followed by age and breed size, with smaller and older dogs consistently receiving higher risk ratings. Clinical presentations showed clear risk gradients, with tooth mobility and gum recession indicating highest risk, whilst bleeding gums alone signalled moderate risk elevation. Preventative care routines demonstrated perceived protective effects, with regular brushing providing greatest benefit, though practitioners recognised partial compliance as significantly protective compared to no preventative oral hygiene. Risk factor prioritisation aligned closely with epidemiological evidence, suggesting effective knowledge translation from research into clinical practice. Practitioners demonstrated an integrative approach to clinical reasoning, combining multiple factors holistically rather than additively. The study generated the first comprehensive data set of veterinary periodontitis risk assessment, providing evidence-based evaluations across specialisations and geographic regions for further analysis. The consistency of risk evaluations supports developing standardized assessment tools whilst highlighting the need for improved owner education to bridge the gap between professional knowledge and prevention outcomes.