Dog Tooth Cleaning .

Tom's gum tumors are causing concern.

Question.
Regarding dog tooth cleaning we are very worried about our nine-year-old Rough Collie, Tom, as his teeth at the front of his lower jaw are getting shorter! The gum was red and looked swollen and our vet told us that Tom is suffering from a condition that affects older dogs, whereby the gum forms lumps which eventually envelope the teeth. If the condition worsens an operation is necessary to clear all the gum away to expose the teeth.Lumps on Tom's gums are visible and his front teeth are gradually disappearing into them.

He was also suffering from gingivitis, but a course of antibiotics has cured that problem. We are very worried about the possibility of Tom requiring surgery and hope you can supply some information about this gum condition. I have cleaned his teeth regularly since he was a pup.

Answer.
It sounds as though Tom is suffering a combination of severe gum inflammation and possibly epulis development. Epulises are masses that form on the edge of the gums, sometimes covering the teeth. They can cause problems due to food collecting around them, and damage to the epulis tissue by nearby teeth can cause further inflammation and bleeding.

Epulis masses are benign tumours that only form at the gum margins in the mouth. Although they can grow quite large they don't damage the surrounding tissues nor do they require any treatment, but sometimes an operation to remove them or reduce their size is necessary.

In Tom's case I would advise that you continue cleaning his teeth regularly as this helps prevent dental problems, and that you talk to your vet about whether he feels surgical treatment of Tom's problem is advisable. If he does feel surgery would be beneficial, then I'd advise that you have it done as soon as possible.

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