6 Coyote-Looking Dogs

 

You probably already know that your dog's general health is greatly influenced by their oral health. Painful oral problems in your dog can make eating difficult for them, in addition to other problems like foul breath, bleeding gums, or tooth loss. But when a dog has bad teeth, are cavities the cause? You would think that since cavities are a prevalent problem in people, it must also affect canines. Learn more about canine tooth decay in this article, including how to recognize it, how to treat it, and when other issues are actually to blame.

Do Dogs Get Rotten Teeth?

Cavities, commonly referred to as caries, are the cause of dental deterioration in dogs. While dental caries is a possibility, other oral health issues in dogs are considerably more prevalent. Only 5% or fewer of dogs have caries lesions, according to Dr. Maria M. Soltero-Rivera, a board-certified veterinary dentist and assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. In contrast, consider that up to 90% of dogs older than two have periodontal disease, which is an infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth of your dog.

Given that cavities afflict people, why are they so uncommon in dogs? It has something to do with how a dog's teeth are shaped. Dog teeth are fashioned like pointed cones, which keep them apart from one another and stop food from adhering, except the molars at the back of the mouth. Additionally, a dog's saliva has a slightly basic pH, which helps lessen oral acidity.

What Causes Rotten Dog Teeth?

Dogs and humans both go through identical procedures to create cavities. According to Dr. Soltero-Rivera, it is a microbiological illness of the tooth's calcified structures. Cavities can develop if the proper components are used. Caries are caused by bacteria, she claims, when the right conditions are met for their growth and they are fed the right substrate, which is carbohydrates.

Plaque, which is a naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth, is the first sign of the problem. The bacteria in the plaque then ferment the carbohydrates, such as sugar, when they adhere to the tooth's surface. Acids are produced as a result of this process, and these acids eventually remove minerals from the dentin underlying the enamel. White blood cells and oral bacteria will begin to break down the tooth after those minerals are gone.

It starts with bacteria that are naturally present in the mouth building up on the teeth in the form of plaque. Then, when carbohydrates like sugar stick to the tooth’s surface, the bacteria in the plaque ferment them. This process leads to the production of acids, which strip minerals from the enamel on the surface of the tooth and, eventually, the dentin underneath. Once those minerals are gone, oral bacteria and white blood cells will digest the tooth.

What Are the Signs of Dog Tooth Decay?

Dogs' cavitations resemble those of humans in most ways. Caries are usually discovered by accident and observed as black patches on the flat surfaces of teeth, according to Dr. Soltero-Rivera. They feel sticky, much like fudge, when probed. These can result in endodontic disease, which is an infection and devitalization of the tooth's interior, as well as loss of the integrity of dental crowns.

What Other Dental Conditions Can Be Mistaken for Dog Tooth Decay?

Several additional problems might impact your dog's dental health, some of which are far more noticeable than a black stain on a tooth. For instance, dental decay is not the reason why your dog's teeth are falling out or becoming loose. It is typically caused by severe periodontal disease, which completely removes the tooth's connection to its socket. Nevertheless, part of the tooth may also be lost due to a broken tooth, which may have occurred by biting a bone or other hard object.

Another glaring indicator of poor dental health is tartar. That is the accumulation of brown or yellow material on the teeth's surface. Tartar doesn't directly create cavities, but it does give plaque something to attach itself to. Gums that are bleeding or red indicate gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease, rather than dental damage.

Lastly, a dog with cavities may exhibit symptoms of oral pain, such as drooling, loss of appetite, and disinterest in chewing toys, but since cavities are so rare, there's a good chance that another dental problem is to blame. Whatever the reason, your dog needs to be examined by a veterinarian to identify the issue's root cause and the best course of action.

What is the Treatment for Rotten Dog Teeth?

The severity of the cavity will determine how the dog's dental decay is treated. Your dog might need to be put under anesthesia if your veterinarian has to probe the cavity to discover its depth. The deterioration of teeth occurs in five stages: 

1. Enamel is the only thing impacted.
2. The dentin has been pierced by the cavity. 
3. The pulp chamber of the tooth has been pierced by the cavity. 
4. The tooth's structural crown has sustained damage. 
5. The tooth's roots are visible since the majority of the crown has been gone. 

A veterinarian can remove the damaged dentin and enamel in phases one and two and use a filling to fix the hole. Cavities in stage three may need a root canal. Finally, the tooth will probably need to be extracted by stages four and five.

How Can You Prevent Rotten Dog Teeth?

According to Dr. Soltero-Rivera, keeping sugary meals and treats out of the reach of dogs is the greatest approach to avoiding tooth decay in them. Naturally, brushing your dog's teeth twice a day can help prevent cavities and plaque buildup. Choose toothpaste that is suitable for dogs and make use of a toothbrush or fingerbrush that fits your dog's mouth size. Next, turn the procedure into a pleasurable experience by beginning with little touches and tying each one up with a treat before going all out with brushing. The Veterinary Oral Health Council also recommends several items that can help keep your dog's teeth in good condition, such as dental meals and chew treats.

Additionally, your dog needs to have checkups with your veterinarian at least once a year so they can assess whether your dog needs professional dental cleaning. These cleanings, according to Dr. Soltero-Rivera, reach the places that regular brushing can miss. It is insufficient to get your teeth scaled at home or by a groomer. For a dental cleaning, your dog must be sedated so that the devices used by your veterinarian may clean behind the gums, probe the teeth beneath the gum line, and take X-rays. Then and only then will you be able to accurately assess your dog's dental health and provide the right care. If you need to see a specialist, there are board-certified veterinary dentists throughout the nation.