Dental Care

Dogs and cats can develop cavities, although
they are less susceptible than people due to a
less acidic environment in their mouths. A
cavity is decay of the outer surfaces of the
tooth, due to a combination of effects from
bacteria, mechanical and chemical wear. Cats
are more commonly affected by feline
odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs).
These lesions are similar to cavities but are
caused by a malfunction of cells within the
tooth, which causes erosion of the enamel and
exposure of the underlying nerves. These
lesions are exquisitely painful, and even under
general anesthesia, probing the affected tooth
will cause the jaw to chatter in pain.

Depending on the severity of the cavity, the
treatment will involve either placement of a
filling or extraction of the affected tooth. FORLs
often progress and extraction is usually
necessary unless the deficit is small and
non-painful. Dogs and cats who develop
cavities or FORLs in one tooth are more likely
to develop problems with other teeth at a later
date, creating the need for more frequent
dental checkups.

The best way to prevent dental problems in
dogs and cats is to brush their teeth and have
your vet perform regular dental cleanings. A
dental cleaning involves 1) scaling the teeth
above and below the gumline 2) polishing the
teeth, and 3) application of a fluoride treatment
to strengthen the enamel. After cleaning, the
teeth can be assessed individually to check for
any cavities, FORLs, periodontal disease or
fractured teeth.

We are now aware of the importance of a
healthy mouth on the overall general health
and comfort of our pets. Routine dental
cleanings are a form of preventative medicine
which, in the long run, save pet owners money
by preventing severe disease and increase the
lifespan and quality of life of our pets.