5 most common dental disease in cats and dogs
Tartar causes gum inflammation which attacks the alveolar bone. This bone is part of the jaw that holds the teeth.
Also, the body's response to the inflammation over time can destroy the soft tissues and the supporting bones.
More prevalent in toy breeds. Some first signs are bleeding when brushing, bad breath and red gum
More common in older cats. Also happen to dogs.
Tooth resorption is an autoimmune disease, not caused by external bacteria. It happens when the body itself begins breaking down and absorbing the structures that form the tooth until the tooth almost disappeared.
Very painful for your pet. Pay attention to behavioral changes such as eating very slowly or tilting the head to the side.
Stomatitis is often confused with periodontitis. The former is caused by an overactive immune system. The latter is caused by bacteria.
The inflammation from stomatitis affects almost all oral tissues, such as gums, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth. Periodontitis affects the gums.
Very painful for your pet. It is a very serious dental inflammation. Your pet may lose appetite. Cats may stop grooming because of the pain.
More common in small dogs. Retained baby teeth happen when puppy teeth refuse to come off themselves. (usually around 6 months)
It is important to remove retained baby teeth. The close space between the adult and baby tooth hides food and debris, i.e. bacteria. Before long, you have a severely diseased adult tooth.
Cats and dogs' enamel is thinner than ours. (0.1 - 1 mm vs. 3 mm). Theirs are much easier to fracture. Chipped enamel exposes the affected tooth, making it very sensitive. If the fracture is deep, your pet may need root canal surgery.
Make sure the treats you give are not too hard.
Source: Boehringer Ingelheim