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
Discolored teeth (e.g., non-vital teeth) likely represent irreversible pulpitis in an otherwise intact tooth. Dental radiographs are needed to confirm this diagnosis. Pulpitis eventually leads to pulp necrosis and if left untreated will cause inflammation of the tissues surrounding the apex, resulting in destruction of the periapical bone. Teeth with necrotic pulp should be treated by root canal therapy or by surgically removing the tooth.
How to identify disease:
Unlike people most pets do not let their owners know they have dental infection, pain or other deseases of the oral cavity. Many pets will continue to eat and be happy to interact with you despite oral pain and infection. This is a wild defensive mechanism strongly 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 86% of small breed dogs have some sort of detal disease which needs care.