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Gingival stippling in dogs: clinical and structural characteristics
Michal Kyllar1, Kirsti Witter, Frantisek Tichy
1Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic. kyllarm@yahoo.com
Research in Veterinary Science
|August 25, 2009
Summary
Gingival stippling, a granular appearance of the gums, is present in adult dogs but absent in younger or older dogs. Its diagnostic value for canine periodontal disease is limited, appearing in both healthy and mildly inflamed gums.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dentistry
- Oral Pathology
- Canine Periodontology
Background:
- Periodontal disease diagnosis in dogs relies on gingival changes.
- Gingival stippling, an early human periodontal disease symptom, may indicate early canine periodontitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and location of gingival stippling in dogs.
- To correlate stippling with age, inflammation, and gingival microstructure.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of 48 dogs.
- Scanning electron and light microscopy of gingival tissues.
Main Results:
- Stippling was observed in adult dogs, absent in young and senescent dogs.
- Stippling was most prominent near canine and carnassial teeth.
- Canine gingival stippling was less uniform than in humans.
Conclusions:
- Gingival stippling indicates well-developed mucosal layers and tissue turgor.
- Stippling's diagnostic significance for canine periodontal disease is limited.
- Stippling occurs in healthy and mildly inflamed adult dog gingiva.
