What Are the Most Common Dental Diseases for Dogs and Cats?

Dental diseases are the cause of many health issues for cats and dogs. Seventy percent of cats and eighty percent of dogs show symptoms of dental and oral diseases by age three. Therefore, it is crucial to take your pet for annual dental exams. It ensures your pet does not experience painful dental conditions and maintains good health.

The Most Common Dental Diseases for Dogs

According to studies, the most common dental diseases in dogs are:

• Tooth infection or periodontitis

• Tooth injury or oral trauma

• Oral mass or benign oral tumor

• Gingivitis

• Deciduous teeth or complications arising

The Most Common Dental Diseases for Cats

According to studies, the most common dental diseases in cats are:
 

• Tooth infection or periodontitis

• Gingivitis

• Tooth resorption

• Tooth injury or oral trauma

• Ulcerative stomatitis

Periodontitis and Gingivitis

Periodontitis or gum disease is an advanced form of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a bacterial disease that causes inflammation of the gums. It develops because of plaque buildup on the teeth. It is painful and can lead to bleeding.

It makes it difficult for your pet to eat. In the end, the vet may need to remove the affected teeth. In severe cases, the infections can enter the pet’s bloodstream. It can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Tooth Injury or Oral Trauma

Pets are fond of gnawing at things. Hence, their mouths encounter a lot of wear and tear. In the process, accidents can happen. Tooth injury or oral trauma is more common in dogs than cats. However, cats can also break a tooth. They can do this after a traffic accident or a fall.

To avoid these injuries, buy your dog dental chews and soft toys. Also, limit their play with sticks and large stones when you take them outdoors.

Oral Mass or Benign Oral Tumor

Benign or malignant tumors can grow inside your pet’s mouth. Benign tumors are not cancerous, while malignant ones are cancerous. Malignant tumors are life-threatening and require immediate treatment.

Benign tumors or oral masses are not life-threatening. However, they can create discomfort and eating issues. Your pet may become picky about what they eat, causing nutritional problems.

Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption occurs more in cats than in dogs. It causes extremely painful lesions in your cat’s mouth. Its tooth structure also decays and becomes weak. The teeth can break and expose the sensitive nerves within. The vet may eventually need to remove the affected teeth since it is difficult to correct the damage.

Ulcerative Stomatitis

Ulcerative stomatitis causes inflammation of the mucus lining in the pet’s mouth. This condition is worse than gingivitis. Where gingivitis causes swelling of the gums, ulcerative stomatitis goes deeper into the tissues. It causes ulcers that are widespread and painful.

Since pets do not show their pain, you must pay attention to your pet. You may notice that they have trouble chewing or do not groom themselves as much as before. They may also not interact with other pets as much as before. But the condition is treatable, and your pet can show good progress.

For more information on common dental diseases in dogs and cats, visit Brekke Veterinary at our office in Castle Rock, Colorado. You can call (303) 474-4260 today to schedule an appointment.