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==Description==
==Description==
The occurance of dental caries is low in dogs. Several reasons for this have been proposed:
Dental caries is a plaque-induced demineralization of the teeth caused by the action of cariogenic bacteria on fermentable carbohydrates. The acid which is produced demineralizes the enamel and dentine. Bacteria is then able to invade the dentine and dentainal tubules, undermining the enamel and eventually causing the collapse of the enamel and cavitation.
The occurance of dental caries is low in dogs when compared with humans. Several reasons for this have been proposed:
*Few cariogenic bacteria in the normal oral flora
*Few cariogenic bacteria in the normal oral flora
*High salivary pH, acting to neutralize acid produced by the bacteria
*High salivary pH, acting to neutralize acid produced by the bacteria
*Canine tooth surfaces are not prone to food impaction
*Canine tooth surfaces are not prone to food impaction
*Diets are normally low in fermentable carbohydrates
*Diets are normally low in fermentable carbohydrates
*Lower frequency of food intake compared with humans
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==