Just like humans, dogs can get cavities as well, but it’s pretty rare. Once they get it, it’s as painful and severe as human cavities.
The best way to prevent cavities is to take the dog to the vet for teeth cleaning once or twice a year. Meanwhile, If there are any cavities, the vet will fill them up and get rid of any tartar buildup that can cause any oral damage.
It’s also vital to brush your dog's teeth at home with a toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs. However, if your companion does have a cavity, you can give him some CBD oil to alleviate the pain while you dial your veterinarian's phone number to get help.
With that in mind, here are some insights on dog cavities and how CBD can help.
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How Do You Know Your Dog Has Cavities?
The cavities often occur in the maxillary first molar, which is the second to last teeth at the back of your companion's mouth. In addition, They are similar to human molars with niches and grooves, which increases the vulnerability of bacterial infections.
Teeth that are close together are also vulnerable to cavity formation because the niches and grooves collect bacteria.
Here are different types of dog cavities:
- Pit-and-fissure
These are the most common types of cavities that appear in the nooks and crannies.
- Smooth surface
This often occurs in the side of the teeth
- Root caries
This type of cavity occurs near the gumline
- Incipient cavity
This type of cavity is visible on the smooth portion of the teeth and looks like a change in the surface of the tooth. Also, It has a dull and white spot in the enamel.
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What Causes Cavities?
Cavities rarely happen in dogs because their teeth are sharp and pointed, but human teeth are smooth and flat with some curves, which makes them vulnerable to bacteria accumulation. In addition, If your dog does get cavities, it’s usually one of the reasons below:
Poor diet
Low-quality dog food, especially ones with a high amount of carbohydrates along with fatty and sugary human food can cause cavities to develop.
Poor oral hygiene
It’s essential to brush your dog's teeth, provide proper chew toys, or dental treats to prevent cavities. However, a lack of brushing or dental products can make your dog vulnerable to cavities.
The Abnormal Spacing of the Teeth
Teeth that are too close together or too far apart make an excellent breeding ground for bacteria that could lead to cavities.
Medical conditions
Any underlying medical illness that reduces the dog's overall health or prevents saliva production can lead to cavities.
Abnormal Tooth Enamel
If your furry friend has abnormal tooth enamel, it can make him vulnerable to cavities.
What Are The Symptoms of Dog Cavities?
Here are the symptoms of dog cavities:
- Dull or white spot on the teeth
- Dark spots that can turn into a hole.
- Deep or wide hole
- The excruciating pain that makes it difficult for your companion to eat.
- Loss of appetite
- Weak teeth that can lead to breakage
- Missing tooth or ragged edge of the tooth
- Abnormal odor or bad breath.
- Significant drooling
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How to Diagnose A Dog Cavity?
The veterinarian may notice a cavity while performing an oral check-up. The first thing that the vet will do is to take a look at your four-legged friend's mouth. Then they will be searching for spots with a dental instrument, and add a slight pressure to check for potential pain. Finally they will also check on the texture of the tooth. Nonetheless, Weak teeth enamel or dentin from the cavity is often soft and fragile. The veterinarian can also use an x-ray to check the severity of the cavity and how far it has traveled.
How to Treat Dog Cavity?
The treatment of the cavity depends on its stage:
- The cavity impacted the enamel
In this stage, the veterinarian can simply fill the hole.
- Impacted the pulp or root
The veterinarian will have to conduct a root canal or tooth extraction
- Infected tooth
The dog will require prescription antibiotics.
After treatment, the veterinarian will advise you to bring the dog back after six months to see how everything is going. They will also provide further instruction on oral hygiene and ways to prevent the cavity from coming back.
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How to Prevent Dog Cavities?
Here is a list of tips and tricks to prevent dog cavity:
Chew toys
Chew toys play a significant role in oral hygiene. Ask the veterinarian the type of chew toy that they recommend to keep your dog busy, prevent tartar buildup, and to keep the cavities away.
Diet
Make sure to get your canine companion, high-quality dog foods. Avoid dog foods that are high in carbohydrates, and reduce food scraps or anything high in sugar and acid content.
Brushing
Brushing your dog's teeth daily can prevent cavities. You’ll need a special toothpaste for your dog.
How CBD Oil Can Help with Dog Cavities?
CBD oil can decrease inflammation, manage pain, improve appetite, and speed up the recovery process after surgery. It’s essential to use quality CBD to get optimal therapeutic effects.
For example, the Salmon Dope Dropper 200 mg CBD oil from Dope Dog is an excellent choice to alleviate symptoms from a dog cavity.
Always start with the lowest possible dose to see how your dog reacts to the oil. Then slowly increase the dose to find what works best. Since CBD oil can absorb quickly into the body system, your dog will experience its positive effects immediately.
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Conclusion
Unlike humans, dogs have sharp teeth, so they rarely get cavities, but it still happens. The cavities can be excruciating and painful, which is why it is essential to take preventative measures like brushing your companion's teeth and bringing them to the vet for a checkup.
In addition to that, giving them a healthy diet and the proper chew toys can help decrease the chance of developing a cavity. If your dog does get cavities, CBD oil from Dope Dog can alleviate the pain along with treatment strategies from the vet.
With all the information provided above, we hope that you can treat and prevent dog cavities with the assistance of CBD oil.
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