Dental decay (or caries) is a common complaint in human dentistry. It is far less common in dogs due to a difference in diet, saliva composition, teeth shape and the type of bacteria in the mouth. Cats do not suffer from dental decay, as they have no flattened occlusal surfaces on which caries can form.
Caries form as the hard tissues of the tooth (dentine and enamel) are demineralised and softened by acids, produced by certain types of plaque bacteria. Foods high in sugar tend to cause more acid production, increasing the risk of decay.
If the decay is caught before it reaches the sensitive tissue inside the tooth (pulp), the tooth can be cleaned out and filled, using the same materials used in human dentistry. If the decay has reached the pulp system, the pulp will die and root canal treatment or extraction will be required.
