Dental caries (non-human)

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, is a common infectious disease affecting the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel, dentin, and cementum) in non-human animals. It results from the demineralization of these tissues by acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria, often residing in dental plaque, ferment dietary carbohydrates, producing acids that lower the pH at the tooth surface. When the pH falls below a critical level (approximately 5.5 for enamel), demineralization occurs faster than remineralization, leading to a net loss of minerals from the tooth structure and the formation of a cavity.

The prevalence and severity of dental caries vary considerably across different animal species, influenced by factors such as diet, oral hygiene (or lack thereof), tooth morphology, saliva composition, and the presence of specific bacteria in the oral microbiome. Animals consuming diets high in fermentable carbohydrates, such as domesticated animals fed processed foods or animals in zoological settings given supplemental treats, are generally more susceptible to caries. Poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to accumulate, also increases the risk. Certain breeds or species may have teeth with deeper pits and fissures, providing more niches for bacteria to colonize and increasing susceptibility.

Unlike humans who routinely practice oral hygiene, most animals rely on natural mechanisms like chewing fibrous foods and salivary flow to cleanse their teeth. When these natural mechanisms are insufficient, caries can develop. In veterinary medicine, prevention and treatment strategies include dietary modifications, regular dental cleaning under anesthesia, fluoride application, and restorative procedures (fillings) or extraction of affected teeth. Untreated dental caries can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and systemic health problems.

While the basic process of demineralization is similar across species, the specific bacterial species involved and the susceptibility of different tooth structures can vary. For example, caries are more frequently observed in the cheek teeth of herbivores and the incisors and canines of carnivores depending on their diet and feeding habits.