Is it common for dogs to get tooth decay?
Lorine Bode
2025-08-23 13:11:08
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While dog cavities are relatively rare thanks to the low amounts of acids and sugars in most dogs' diets, some breeds are more susceptible to them than others. Chihuahuas, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, poodles and pugs are all prone to have higher vulnerability to tooth decay. Do dogs get cavities, also referred to as caries, cavities occur for the same reason in both dogs and people. These are areas where the teeth are damaged by prolonged exposure to bacteria and food particles. The enamel on your dog's teeth can be gradually destroyed, and the root of the tooth can be damaged. In severe cases, this will lead to tooth loss or the need for a tooth extraction.
Margaretta Gutmann
2025-08-17 04:02:32
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Dental caries in dogs are reported to affect around 5% of the population. Most of the cases we see are in Labradors - by far the worst affected breed. We do see it occasionally in other breeds though. Often we find them as an incidental finding when treating a dog for another unconnected dental problem. In addition caries almost always only affects the molar teeth.
Nils Ferry
2025-08-03 21:52:28
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Unlike humans, dogs don’t tend to suffer from serious tooth decay, but the majority over the age of three do have dental disease. This comes in four stages, typically beginning with a build-up of plaque and tartar in the mouth which leads to mildly inflamed gums. The majority of dogs over the age of three suffer from dental disease. Other more clinical symptoms of dental disease include smelly breath, red or swollen gums and yellow and brown or missing teeth. Bear in mind that dental disease in dogs can be extremely painful, especially if left untreated. It’s easy to overlook dental disease as a cause of discomfort, particularly in older dogs as we often assume that behavioural changes are caused by ‘just getting old’.
Linwood Walter
2025-08-03 19:13:01
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If dogs' mouths aren't routinely cleaned and cared for, they can develop numerous oral health issues — and cavities. Without an at-home oral hygiene routine coupled with regular dental checkups, a range of problems from gum disease to tooth decay can arise. Just like us, food debris can build up on your dog's teeth after they eat before it's consumed by bacteria that grow naturally in the mouth and converted into plaque. Sticky, mildly acidic plaque slowly destroys the outer layers of a dog's teeth over time. If your dog's gums and mouth remain uncleaned for long enough, acidic plaque can grow on the teeth and cause small or large holes to form in the enamel. These holds are referred to as tooth decay, dental caries or cavities. Pre-existing conditions in your dog's mouth and a lack of routine cleanings can leave your pup at higher risk of developing cavities. The answer to whether your pooch needs dental care is a resounding yes. You may have wondered to yourself, "Do dogs get cavities?" and the answer is yes.