Does Your Dog Have a Dental Cavity?

In theory, any creature with teeth can develop a cavity in those teeth. Perhaps humans are the most susceptible to cavities, due to the amount of sugar that can be found in the average diet. But if you or any member of your family develops a cavity, then it's off to your dentist. But it's not as though each and every member of your family can actually tell you if they're experiencing a problem with one of their teeth. 

Your Dog's Teeth

Signs of cavities in dogs can be hard to spot. You should be regularly inspecting and cleaning your dog's teeth, which will certainly help to prevent tooth decay, along with allowing you to note any abnormalities. Sure, it's not so easy to apply toothpaste to your dog's teeth with a toothbrush (you're likely to be met with resistance), but you can wipe your dog's teeth clean with a facecloth. But even when you regularly inspect your dog's teeth, a cavity can go unnoticed.

Bad Breath and Distress

It's not as though a dog has fresh, minty breath, but truly pungent breath can be a sign of periodontal disease. Additionally, your dog may demonstrate signs of distress when eating, and can even refuse to eat. This can be due to the discomfort associated with applying pressure to a tooth affected by a cavity. If you suspect that your dog has developed a cavity, you'll need to contact your vet to make a dog dental appointment.

Filling the Cavity

Cavities in dogs are treated quite similarly to when you have a cavity. Essentially, the deteriorated portion of the tooth is removed, before the cavity is filled with a robust dental composite material. This will be more-or-less tooth coloured, but the aesthetics of the dental restoration isn't quite so relevant when the patient is a dog. However, unlike when you go to the dentist, your dog is likely to be sedated during the procedure. Filling a cavity requires a great deal of precision, and it's not as though your dog is going to sit calmly with its mouth open.

Aftercare

Although a dental filling sets very quickly, you will receive some aftercare instructions. This will involve regulating what your dog eats, so crunchy, dry food should be off the menu for a while. The same goes for bones. You might need to hide their chew toys for some days too. 

It's not especially common for a dog to develop a cavity, but it's something that your dog might experience, which is why it's important to know the warning signs. If you need to make a dog dental appointment, contact a local vetrinary dental clinic.

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