When it comes to our furry friends, their dental health is just as important as ours. Many dog owners focus on cleaning their dog’s teeth, but true dental health starts from within. This article will dive deep into understanding dental cavities in dogs, why they happen, and the best ways to prevent them holistically, including improving oral health from the inside out.

Dental cavities, also known as caries, are small holes in the teeth caused by decay. These cavities occur when the bacteria in the mouth produce acids that break down the enamel, which is the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth. This process leads to the breakdown of the tooth structure, and that results in cavity development.

While dental cavities are fairly common in humans, believe it or not, they’re not as common in dogs. This is generally because diets are different, but there’s also variation in the way a human’s teeth are shaped compared to a dog’s. Some highlight differences include:

1. Diet:
   • Humans eat more sugar and carbohydrates, which are huge contributors to tooth decay. The bacteria in the human mouth thrive on these sugars and produce acids that lead to cavities.
   • Dogs typically eat a diet lower in sugars and higher in proteins and fats. However, if dogs consume sugary treats or human food, they can be at risk for cavities. That’s why it’s not a great idea to give your dog treats that are high in carbs or sugars. The risk of dental cavities increases.
2. Saliva Composition:
   • Human saliva contains more enzymes that break down carbohydrates, which leads to higher acid production. That acid puts your dog’s oral health more at risk.
   • It’s true! Dog saliva has more antibacterial properties and a higher pH level than humans, which helps neutralize acids and prevent cavities in dogs.
3. Tooth Shape and Structure:
   • Human teeth, with their flat chewing surfaces, are more susceptible to trapping food particles. This is how plaque builds up and leads to cavities.
   • Dogs have pointed teeth designed for tearing meat, which makes it harder for food to get stuck and form plaque. It also makes it harder for foods to sit and ‘rot’ enamel.
4. Oral Hygiene Practices:
   • Humans brush and floss regularly, but not everyone maintains these habits consistently, and this leads to more cavity opportunities.
   • Dogs rely more on chewing, which naturally cleans their teeth, but they still need regular dental care to prevent oral health issues.

Certain dog breeds are more prone to developing dental cavities due to various factors like their genetics, tooth shape, and overall oral health tendencies.

Small and toy breeds tend to be more susceptible to dental problems, including cavities. Some of the most common breeds include:

1. Chihuahuas: They’re known for their small mouths and crowded teeth, which can trap food particles and plaque.
2. Yorkshire Terriers: Their tiny jaws often lead to misaligned and closely spaced teeth, making it harder to keep them clean.
3. Pomeranians: These dogs have similar dental issues due to their small size and tooth crowding.
4. Shih Tzus: Their unique facial structure can cause overcrowded teeth and an increased risk of dental problems.

Brachycephalic breeds are characterized by their short snouts and flat faces and often face dental challenges due to their unique anatomy. These include:

1. Bulldogs: Their compressed jaws can lead to misaligned teeth and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene, which can lead to cavities.
2. Pugs: Pugs often have tightly packed teeth, which can increase the risk of cavities and other dental issues.
3. Boston Terriers: Their short snouts can lead to crowded teeth and a higher likelihood of plaque buildup.

Certain breeds have unique dental structures that can make them more prone to cavities and other dental problems. They include:

1. Dachshunds: They have elongated jaws and a LOT of teeth, which can make cleaning challenging and increase the risk of dental decay.
2. Boxers: These dogs are known for their undershot jaws. Boxers can experience dental misalignments that contribute to cavities because it’s hard to keep their teeth brushed and clean.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Their small mouths and crowded teeth can lead to difficulty in maintaining dental hygiene.

Some breeds are genetically predisposed to periodontal disease, which can increase the risk of cavities because bacteria can eat away at their teeth. These include Greyhounds, Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers.

Managing dental cavities in dogs holistically involves a combination of natural remedies, proper nutrition, and preventive care. There are several holistic approaches to help manage and prevent cavities in your furry friend.

A balanced diet is so important for your dog’s dental health. Make sure your dog is eating a diet rich in nutrients that support their dental health. Foods high in protein and low in carbohydrates are ideal, as they reduce the risk of plaque buildup. Some pet parents opt for a raw food diet, which can help keep teeth cleaner. Raw meaty bones can act as natural dental cleaners. Additionally, including fiber-rich vegetables like carrots and celery in your dog’s diet can help clean teeth as your dog chews.

Providing appropriate chewing aids can help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Raw bones (suitable for your dog’s size) can help scrape away plaque and tartar naturally. Natural chews, like antlers, bully sticks, or dental chews designed to reduce plaque, can be very helpful. Dental toys that promote chewing and help clean teeth are also effective; look for toys specifically designed to enhance dental health. Dental chews that help not just with mechanical scraping, but also include ingredients that help prevent dental disease from the inside out are excellent.

Proper hydration is important for maintaining oral health. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

Incorporating Bernie’s Charming Chompers can further support your dog’s dental and overall health. We created them for Bernie to have ingredients that helped his gut health, because we know that’s linked to better oral health. And, better oral health helps prevent cavities in dogs. We included fiber to help clean his teeth and support his digestive health, prebiotics and probiotics to help him have a healthy balance of gut bacteria, and natural antioxidants like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and blueberries to reduce inflammation and support his overall health.

We wanted to take a holistic approach to his oral health and the prevention of cavities, and that’s what we want for your dog too. The last thing any pet parent wants for their dog is to have to consider things like crowns or root canal therapy to save teeth. Giving our dogs something that’s good for the mechanical cleaning of their teeth as well as their oral (and gut) health overall goes a long way in helping them have the most charming chompers on the block!