Affects: Cats, Dogs
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is uncommon among companion animals. The bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis cause dental caries by metabolising sugars. Prehistoric primates eating fruit suffered from cavities.
The term feline cavities is commonly used to refer to feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, however, saccharolytic acid-producing bacteria (the same responsible for Dental plaque) are not involved in this condition.
Symptoms: Dental caries in dogs are often recognized very late but there are some symptoms that could indicate tooth decay. Red, swollen, or receding gums and bloody saliva could be symptoms of dental caries. Other signs of decay are similar to humans. This includes a discolouration of teeth, an accumulation of calculus and halitosis. One-sided chewing, increased scratching of the face and avoidance of solid food could also be signs of dental caries.
Treatment Options: If a tooth is infected by dental caries there are two main treatment options. Teeth with dental caries get extracted in most veterinary clinics. A second option is specialized vets that can save teeth from an extraction. If there remains enough enamel the tooth can be repaired. In the case of decay to the tooth pulp, a root canal treatment is needed.