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In dentistry, cavities are known as caries. The term caries is Latin for decay. The usage of the word cavity in human dentistry is likely due to the ‘cavity’ that forms resulting from decay. True caries involve a bacterial decay of tooth structure. This occurs when bacteria digest fermentable carbohydrates and produce acids that diffuse into enamel and cause destruction of the tooth.

The tooth is a dynamic organ made up of organic (living) and inorganic (nonliving) tissue. Just like your’s, your pet’s teeth are comprised of different layers. These layers consist of pulp, dentin, cementum, and enamel. Each of these layers contributes to the overall strength and vitality of the tooth in a unique way.

Brushing your pet’s teeth may seem like a daunting, and perhaps unnecessary, challenge. However, with consistency and practice, it can be quite easy and take only 2-3 minutes to complete. It is also gratifying to know that this practice helps to maintain a healthy oral cavity, which contributes to an overall healthy pet. We have to ask what our mouths would look like if we went days, weeks or months without brushing. Our pets are no different. 

Often the oral health of our pets goes undetected because they rarely show obvious signs of illness or oral pain. And periodontal disease is the most common health problem affecting dogs and cats today. They continue to eat and act normally while their periodontal disease progresses. By the time our pets reach the age of 2 years, most have some form of periodontal disease with a prevalence as high as 70 percent in cats and 80 percent in dogs.