Common Pet Dental Problems
Discolored teeth
Pet cavities
Missing teeth and/or
impacted teeth
Orthodontic and/or
bite problems
Retained baby teeth
Tooth resorption
Worn teeth
Oral infection
Oral tumors
Extra teeth
Red and inflamed gums
Crowding
Feline resorption lesions
Exposed roots
Broken jaw
Enamel hypoplasia or hypocalcification
Base narrow canines
Gum overgrowth
Gum recession
Sneaky cancer
Abscessed teeth is a term used to describe the distruction of the supportive structures of the teeth. Abscesses can sometimes be found on rounine physical exams by astute veterinarians but many are hidden under the gumline and can be identified only by taking and interpreting dental x-rays correctly. The most common causes of dental abscesses are from periodontal disease, fractured teeth, and / or dead teeth.
How to identify disease:
Pets are very different from people in regards to oral pain and infection. Oral pain in people can be debilitating. The great majority of pets do not let their owners know that they have dental infection, pain, or other diseases of the oral cavity. Many pets will continue to eat and happily interact with you despite oral pain and infection. This is a wild defensive mechanism deeply rooted in their behavior. In short, many pets endure the pain in silence. Pets should have regular oral examinations and if any gum redness (inflammation), abnormal bumps, bad breath, loose or discolored teeth are present, the cause should be identified and treated. Studies show that up to 90% of pet dogs and cats have some sort of dental disease that needs care.