Dogs get cavities, too. Here’s how to recognize the signs of dog cavities and how you can help.

Key takeaways:

• Dogs can get cavities, the same way humans can.

• You can spot and treat dog cavities before they start to hurt.

• Poor hygiene, irregular tooth placement, and a bad diet can all cause cavities.
  

Cavities, or dental caries, happen to all teeth, no matter which type of mouth they are in. Dog cavities occur when harmful bacteria on the tooth surface begin to eat away at the hard dental tissue, which can eventually leave a rotted, painful orifice.

All dog breeds are equally prone to cavities, but it isn’t a very common condition in domesticated animals. In this article, we’ll discuss how pups get cavities, what the signs are, and how you can help prevent them.

How do dog cavities happen?

Cavities develop when bacteria on the surface of the tooth ferments carbohydrates. This creates demineralizing acids that eat away at the dentin and enamel. There are a few reasons this could happen, including:

• Inconsistent oral hygiene

• Low pH of saliva

• Weak overall health

• Teeth spacing

• Poor diet

Pups with teeth too close together or too far apart are at greater risk for cavities because these conditions allow for the bacteria to take hold much easier. Eating high-carb table scraps, such as bread, or poor-quality dog food can also lead to cavities. If your pup seems particularly prone to dog cavities, it may be time to consult a veterinarian.

What are the symptoms of dog cavities?

There is typically no pain when a cavity first starts forming in a dog’s mouth. The only early signs are the way the tooth appears, making oral examinations crucial to your pup’s health. The first signs will often be a dulling or slight discoloration of the tooth. Cavities that gain a foothold appear as black, brown, or beige defects on the tooth’s surface.

A cavity that has progressed causes pain for dogs. Symptoms of a dog with an advanced cavity could include difficulty chewing, drooling, sleeping, reluctance to eat, pawing at the muzzle, and sensitivity to facial touches.

Diagnosing dog cavities

A trip to the dental vet is required to diagnose a cavity. An oral examination takes place and the veterinarian diagnoses cavities based on these criteria:

• Only enamel affected by cavity

• Enamel and dentin are affected

• Dentin, enamel, and the pulp chamber are affected

• Structural damage to crown

• Roots are exposed and the majority of the tooth is decayed

The vet will try to determine how bad the cavities have progressed and how much of the mouth, gums, and teeth are affected. A plan of treatment will be devised based on the extent of the damage present.

Treatment for dog cavities

The treatment for dog cavities depends upon how far they’ve advanced. If the only thing affected is the enamel, a vet will typically administer a fluoride varnish or bonding agent to protect against future cavities. The fluoride remineralizes the minor enamel damage and the tooth saves itself. If the damage has progressed into an actual cavity, the cored dentin and enamel could be stripped away and the crown restored, or it may be such a serious condition that the tooth must be removed.

Treatment recovery

Having dental surgery is as big a deal for your pup as it is for many people. Make sure to keep an eye oin the area of treatment, whether a tooth was removed or just treated with fluoride. Check for redness, inflammation, or signs of infection. If a tooth was removed, the vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic that you’ll need to administer daily.

Remember, it isn’t uncommon for a pup to lose interest in eating after surgery and even be a little lethargic. A simple solution is to prepare some boiled chicken, then smash it or mix it in a blender to make it easier to digest.

Preventing dog cavities

It’s relatively simple to keep dog cavities at bay. Here are some tips:

• Preventive measures – One of the principal factors to remember is to start preventive measures early. This helps your pup develop an ingrained habit they won’t fight. Daily toothbrushing keeps harmful bacteria from setting up shop and causing decay and foul odors.

• Chew toys – Providing safe chew toys also helps to avoid cavities. Chewing works like tooth brushing to help to scrape away bacteria and plaque and dislodge any bits of food from between teeth. Thin rawhide bones and hard rubbery toys work best, as long as they’re pet approved.

• Diet – Eating a nutritious, healthy diet is another way to keep dog cavities from forming. Sugars and fermentable carbohydrates are the biggest culprits when it comes to cavities. Quality dog food and healthy scraps like veggies and raw meats keep your pup’s mouth pH exactly where it should be. Dry dog food helps to scrape away plaque and tartar, as well, and some dog foods even promote healthy teeth by discouraging plaque from hardening on them.

Dog cavities are expensive to remedy. Fortunately, they are easy to prevent with some basic oral hygiene. This is where a membership to Scenthound’s Monthly Care Club can help!

Get expert basic hygiene and routine care

It is excruciating for any pup parent to watch their dog be in pain, especially if it could have been avoided. Scenthound is a convenient, affordable solution for routine dog care and basic grooming that is revolutionizing the way pet parents keep their fur family clean and healthy. That includes routinely checking their teeth for visible issues and notifying you about any changes to your dog’s oral health.

Find the nearest Scenter and come in for a visit.