What are Cavities?
Cavities, also known as caries, is the term for infected areas of tooth decay caused by the loss of calcium in the enamel, or coating, of a tooth. While dental disease is an overwhelming problem in dogs and over 80% of dogs three and older are affected by a dental disease, tooth decay and cavities are extremely rare in dogs.
While the shape of human’s teeth in horizontal crowns predisposes us to retain food deposits in our teeth, the cone-shaped teeth of a dog make it more difficult for cavities to form. While dental cavities are rare, with only around 5% of dogs affected with a cavity, it is a serious problem that should be watched for. No breed and neither sex are more likely to develop cavities, and cavities can develop at any age.
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Symptoms of Cavities in Dogs
The only symptoms are the visual appearance of cavities themselves, so it is important to examine regularly your dog’s teeth yourself and to bring your dog in for regular dental check ups. Cavities can form in teeth that are growing too close together (between teeth) and in pockets between the teeth and gums (at the root of the tooth). The most common site of cavities in dogs is the pit of both the top and bottom maxillary first molar because it features deep grooves in the surface and pits where the bottom molar meets the top tooth. When you hold your dog’s mouth open, the maxillary first molar is the second-to-last tooth in the back. The maxillary molars are the least sharp of your dog’s teeth and the ones most closely resembling human teeth.
Cavities in dogs look similar to human cavities and can be found in two different types:
- Incipient cavities, or those about to form may be seen as a dull spot in the enamel.
- Cavities already formed will appear as a structural defect on the surface of the tooth accompanied by an area of dark, decayed dentin (the layer just below the enamel).
Causes of Cavities in Dogs
Oral hygiene is a constant homeostatic balance between the minerals in your dog’s tooth, enamel and the enzymes in your dog’s saliva, and the cause of cavities is retention of fermentable carbohydrates on the tooth surface, which leads to plaque and demineralization. Bacteria on the tooth surface ferments carbohydrates, causing demineralizing acids to develop and attack the tooth’s dentin and enamel. Eventually oral bacteria and white blood cells actually digest the tooth itself.
The development of cavities is caused by:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor diet, high in fermentable carbohydrates—which can be very poor quality dog food, or excessive feeding of high-carb table scraps like bread
- Poor overall health
- Teeth formed abnormally close together
- Gaps between the teeth and gums
- Low salivary pH
- Poorly mineralized tooth enamel
Because dental problems are so prevalent in dogs (even though cavities are not), all dogs can benefit from tooth brushing, special treats designed to clean teeth, and regularly chewing on tooth cleaning and strengthening toys. However, dogs with crowded teeth, gaps between teeth and gums carry a higher predisposition and an enhanced need for better oral hygiene. The above factors can be found in any dog; however, some small breeds and breeds with short faces are predisposed, such as:
- Brussels Griffon
- English Bulldog
- French Bulldog
- Shih Tzu
- Lhasa Apso
- Pug
- Chihuahua
- Pomeranian
- Poodle (toy, miniature, and full)
- Dachshund
- Yorkshire Terrier
Diagnosis of Cavities in Dogs
Diagnosis will require a thorough dental exam, very similar to your trip to the dentist and involving visual exploration as well as tapping on possible cavities with a sharp instrument in order to see if the area remains hard or yields. An x-ray will also be taken in order to determine the extent of the cavity. Cavities may accompany other dental issues, and the veterinarian will further examine for periodontal disease (gum disease) or fractured teeth. Cavities will be diagnosed according to the following schedule:
- 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 Cavities in Dogs
Treatment of cavities will depend upon the stage. If you have caught a cavity before it has developed, the veterinarian may use a fluoride varnish or fluoride bonding agent in order to protect the tooth from cavity development. These cases are considered reversible, as the fluoride will encourage remineralization of the tooth until it can restore itself.
However, if a cavity or cavities have already formed, the case is considered irreversible, and treatment will depend upon the progression:
Stage 1 and 2
In the first two stages, the carious dentin and enamel surrounding it will be removed, and the crown will be restored with an amalgam filling.
Stage 3
Stage 3 cavities may be endodontic disease, in which a tooth dies as a result of blood being prevented from entering the root canal. This will be treated by a root canal, which involves removal of the diseased pulpal tissue, disinfecting and scrubbing of the root canal, filling of the root canal with inert material and the restoration and sealing of the crown. There may be cause to treat gum disease before it spreads to the bone. This will be done by treating the gum tissue itself through cleaning, rinsing, and reattaching to the tooth and root.
Stage 4 and 5
Stage 4 and 5 cavities will likely necessitate the total removal of the tooth, and a sealant may be used on surrounding teeth in order to ensure further cavities do not form. There may be cause to treat gum disease, which may have already spread to the bone. Depending upon the extent, estimated duration, and area of the bone loss, the veterinarian may open the gum flap, clean the diseased tissue and reattach it, or may remove the diseased tissue and then utilize therapy to encourage new gum tissue.
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Recovery of Cavities in Dogs
If a tooth has been removed, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment. In any case, be sure to monitor the affected tooth or teeth yourself in order to watch for abnormalities, in addition to getting in the habit of regularly checking your dog’s oral health. Get to know your dog’s mouth, and in addition to checking the affected area, keep an eye on your dog’s entire mouth and watch for changes. Get in a regular habit, checking your dog’s mouth at the same time every week.
The veterinarian will likely prescribe brushing with dog-specific toothpaste, and tooth-strengthening or cleaning toys and treats. Additionally, discuss your dog’s diet prior to developing cavities in order to seek the veterinarian’s advice and make sure you are adhering to a diet for your dog that ensures optimal dental health.
Cavities can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Cavities Average Cost
From 23 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
Top
Cavities Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
morkie (maltese/yorkie)
Eight Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
I was brushing my dogs teeth and saw his one tooth has a crack on it. Could this be a cavity? I’m very over protective of my dog and am freaking out!
Jan. 23, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
3 Recommendations
This looks like mild tartar build up and not a cavity. If he is having issues eating or chewing your vet can do a dental cleaning on him
Jan. 23, 2021
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Chihuahua
Six Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Teeth
Can someone help me with my 6 year old chihuahuas teeth? With some advice or products? I’m devastated. As a dog mom my chihuahua goes everywhere with me. He’s always groomed, walked, given anything he wants and yet I never once realized teeth would be an issue until someone mentioned it today and it scared me. I looked at his teeth and he has all of them but they’re browning at the top. I don’t want him to lose his teeth. I don’t know if he’s in pain. I’m devastated. I want to solve this issue before it becomes terrible and he loses all of his teeth.
Nov. 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello, Most chihuahuas have dental issues. Your vet can clean their teeth just like you get done at your dentists. You can also try to brush his teeth at home with a toothbrush and doggie toothpaste. There are also dental chews that you can get at the pet store that will also help.
Nov. 11, 2020
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Border collie lab
Luna
2 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cavity
Black Tooth Spot
I have a border collie lab mix who is two and we just noticed a black spot on her back upper molar.Its in one of the grooves of her teeth. The black area seemed soft-ish. Is it urgent to get this fixed or can it wait a bit? She is eating normally and it doesn't seem to bother her.
Aug. 12, 2018
4 Recommendations
You can wait a little while if it isn’t causing any issues yet, but I wouldn’t leave it months and months before getting to checked by your Veterinarian; when the cavity starts it is easier to fill or just to have the tooth pulled. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 13, 2018
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Poodle
Cookie
4 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Teeth Black Near Gums
I asked a question yesterday about my dog Cookie-- I think I need to clarify, the color change and dark stains were on his teeth, not his gums. His teeth were black right by the gums.
I used to brush his teeth and give him dental treats very often when he was little but the frequency of both has gone down in the past year.
The last reply I got stated that it might just be tartar buildup, and that color change in gums may be normal.
Should I still be concerned?
July 23, 2018
6 Recommendations
Without examining Cookie’s teeth and doing a little scrape (like when you visit the Dentist) I cannot say for certain whether they are cavities, tartar build up or something else but the presence of cavities is not unusual to be found on a dog Cookie’s age and you may find some examples of cavities in the images linked below. Regular dental cleaning and checks by your Veterinarian are important in order to maintain healthy gums and teeth; you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination to confirm the presence of cavities and to discuss treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/images/FEHaffected.png
http://files.dvm360.com/alfresco_images/DVM360//2013/11/11/bdad26f0-d04a-4133-bb04-e66a47155d5a/beckman1_1012_450.jpg
www.ahna.net/sites/default/files/p1060013.jpg
www.embracepetinsurance.com/images/water-bowl/dog-cavity.jpg
https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/periodontaldz.jpg
July 24, 2018
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Poodle mix
Cookie
4 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dark Spots On Teeth
I just noticed my dogs teeth are getting dark spots. Some of them have brown spots and there is a black line where his canines and gums meet. The gum right next to the teeth also seems to be a little more puffy and pink than normal. Is he getting cavities?
I used to brush his teeth very often when he was very little, and he's also eaten dental treats before bed but the frequency of both have gone down in the past year.
July 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Cookie may be having a normal pigment change in his gums, but he may be having some tartar building up, especially if you have decreased the frequency of brushing his teeth. Puffy gums can be a sign of gingivitis. It would be a good idea to have him examined by a veterinarian, as I cannot see his mouth, to see if he has a mild problem or if his teeth need medical attention.
July 23, 2018
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Cavities Average Cost
From 23 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
