Dental health issues in dogs can be just as problematic as they are in people. If you've ever developed a cavity in one or more of your teeth, you know they can be uncomfortable. Dogs can develop cavities too and here, our Mechanicsburg vets explain the causes, symptoms, and treatments of cavities in dogs.
Cavities in Dogs
If our dogs' mouths aren't routinely cared for and cleaned, they can develop a variety of oral health issues ranging from gum disease to cavities (also known as tooth decay).
The Cause of Cavities in Dogs
Just like people, as our dogs eat, the leftover food debris residue is consumed by bacteria that naturally live in their mouths and turned into plaque.
Plaque is a sticky substance that sticks to your teeth throughout the day. Plaque is mildly acidic and quite sticky, slowly eating away at your dog's teeth's protective outer layers over time (as well as causing the mild-to-severe bad breath we often think of as normal more middle-aged, or senior dogs).
If your dog's mouth is left uncleaned for long enough, the acidic plaque on your dog's teeth and cause large or small holes in their enamel, called cavities,m tooth decay, or dental caries.
Certain pre-existing conditions in your pup's mouth may make them more likely to develop cavities in addition to a lack of routine cleanings. These include:
- A diet with lots of fermentable carbohydrates (often found in poor-quality dog food or high-carb table scraps)
- Poor general health
- Misaligned or crowded teeth in your dog's mouth
- Gaps between teeth and gums caused by gum recession
- A low pH level in your dog's saliva
- Weaker-than-normal tooth enamel (caused by poor mineralization)
The Symptoms of Canine Cavities
Depending on the severity of your dog's cavities, he or she may feel varying degrees of pain or discomfort as a result of the tooth. Cavities are classified into five stages based on their severity, ranging from 1 (where only your pup's enamel has been damaged) to 5. (where the majority of their crown has been lost and their roots are exposed).
The following are some of the most common symptoms that are caused by or accompany a dental cavity in a dog:
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Noticeable Tartar buildup
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
For some pups, the pain and discomfort of a cavity are enough to stop them from eating enough (or eating altogether). If you notice any of the above symptoms, bring your dog to your Mechanicsburg vet for a dental checkup and treatment as soon as possible.
Treatments for Your Dog's Cavity
Cavities in dogs can be treated in two ways: professionally and preventively. Professional treatment of existing cavities and preventive treatment of cavities early in their development or before they have a chance to arise in your pup in the first place.
Restorative Dental Treatment For a Canine Cavity
The precise treatment for your dog's cavity will depend on its severity. If you have caught a cavity just as it was starting to form, your vet may use a fluoride wash or bonding agent to protect the site against further degradation and will monitor it in the future.
If the cavity in your four-legged friend's tooth has progressed beyond that point, the diseased enamel, dentin, or pulp will need to be removed and the tooth restored with a filling, root canal, or other restorative treatment. If the cavity has progressed far enough (to stages 4 or 5), the tooth may no longer be treatable and may need to be extracted from your dog's mouth to prevent further deterioration of their oral health.
Recovery from filling or tooth removal treatment is often quite quick, but you may have to provide specialized after-care to your dog in order to prevent them from harming their mouth or their new filling.
Routine Care to Prevent Cavities
Far and away the most reliable way to preserve your dog's dental and overall health, as well as fight cavities, is to maintain a regular routine of oral hygiene care at home, with specialized toothbrushes and toothpaste with textures and tastes custom-made for dog mouths.
In addition to at-home oral health care, make sure you bring your pup to our Mechanicsburg vets at least once each year for a professional dental exam and cleaning treatment. This will give us an opportunity to conduct a more thorough hygiene cleaning of your dog's teeth as well as to detect cavities as they are just starting to develop and when they can be prevented.