Dogs get cavities too!

Even though dogs do not usually eat candy or drink soda, they can still get cavities.  Cavities, better called caries, are
one of the most common dental problems in people.  Caries form on the surface of teeth as bacteria that digest
deposited carbohydrates release acid.  The acid damages the enamel and will eventually lead to exposure and decay
of the underlying and more sensitive dentin.  If left untreated the carious lesion will lead to exposure of the pulp and
death of the tooth.  In dogs the incidence of caries is much lower.  This is probably due at least in part to the fact that
dogs eat less fermentable carbohydrates and have a less acidic normal pH in their saliva.  The most common place
that dogs will get caries is in the pits of the large molar teeth in the back of the mouth.  In most dogs the pits are
smooth, but in some dogs the pits are deeper and can easily trap food.  Here are some pictures from 2 dogs that I
treated in the last 2 weeks that had caries.
Reesee
The tooth is prepared with dentin etching
gel, before the area is filled.
The tooth is now restored and Reesee
will be ready to go home shortly.
Before treatment for her dental caries.
Pluto
Pluto came to the clinic for a fractured upper 4th pre-molar. During the cleaning portion
of his Oral/Atp, it was observed that he also had decay  on both of his upper first molars.
Pluto's caries before restoration.
 Pluto's molar after treatment has had the
decay removed from the pit. And is now
smooth and restored.