Can dogs get cavities?
If you're thinking about dental care for your pup, you might ask, "Do dogs get cavities/" The answer is a resounding yes. A cavity is an area on one of your dog's teeth that becomes damaged due to prolonged exposure to bacteria in their food.
When bacteria build up on your four-legged friend's teeth and stay there for a long time, they cause acid to accumulate, which starts to eat away at the outer layers of the tooth. This can result in damage and decay.
These bacteria completely destroy your dog's tooth over time and damage the tooth's root. In severe cases, this can cause the tooth to fall out or may result in the need for an extraction.
While it's rare for our canine friends to develop cavities due to the low amounts of sugars and acids in most dogs' diets, some breeds are more prone to cavities than others. These include bulldogs, chihuahuas, dachshunds, poodles, and shih tzus, which are predisposed to higher risk of tooth decay.
What are signs that my dog might have a cavity?
The following signs can indicate that your dog may have a cavity or other oral health issue. Our vers recommend making an appointment with a veterinarian for a dental exam and cleaning if you notice any of these:
- Lack of appetite
- Dropping food
- A dark spot anywhere on the tooth
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth or surrounding area
- Tooth discoloration, especially yellow or brown spots near the gum line
Bringing your dog in for regular checkups with your vet can help prevent tooth decay from occurring, or increase the chances a cavity being detected early.
How are cavities in dogs treated?
If your dog gets a cavity, your veterinarian will assess how much damage the cavity has done to the tooth. There are five stages of tooth damage:
Stage 1: Only enamel affected
Stage 2: Enamel and dentin affected
Stage 3: Enamel, dentin, and pulp chamber affected
Stage 4: Structural crown damage
Stage 5: Majority of crown lost, roots exposed
Treatment of dog cavities depends on what stage of damage your dog's tooth has been diagnosed with.
For a Stage 1 or 2 tooth decay, the enamel surrounding the cavity will be removed, and the crown will be restored with an amalgam filling.
For a dog tooth cavity that has reached Stage 3, your vet will perform a root canal procedure, in which the root canal will be disinfected and scrubbed and then filled. The procedure will finish with the restoration and sealing of the crown.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a Stage 4 or 5 cavity the tooth will likely need to be extracted since it will be too damaged to restore. Your veterinarian may use a sealant on the surrounding teeth, to help protect your dog's teeth against further tooth decay and cavities.
What can I do to protect my dog's teeth against cavities?
Regular dental visits to your vet are key to maintaining your dog's oral hygiene and preventing cavities. When you bring your dog in for regular cleanings, your vet can also catch any developing oral health issues and suggest treatment options before they turn into a more serious problem.
You can also take at-home measures to help your dog maintain its oral hygiene, such as brushing their teeth at home in between vet visits and providing your pup with special chew toys designed to promote plaque removal.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.