Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is uncommon among companion animals. Although rarely seen in cats, the incidence of caries in dogs has been estimated at approximately 5%. Dogs are less likely than humans to have tooth decay due to the very high pH of dog saliva, which prevents an acidic environment from forming and the subsequent demineralization of enamel which would occur. In the event that tooth decay does occur (usually from trauma), dogs can receive dental fillings just as humans do.

The term feline cavities is commonly used to refer to feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions is a disease in cats characterized by resorption of the tooth by odontoclasts, cells similar to osteoclasts. A FORL is also known as a neck lesion, cervical neck lesion, cervical line erosion, feline caries, or feline cavity. It is one of the most common...

s, however, sacchrolytic acid-producing bacteria (the same responsible for Dental plaque

Dental plaque

Dental plaque is a biofilm, usually a pale yellow, that develops naturally on the teeth. Like any biofilm, dental plaque is formed by colonizing bacteria trying to attach themselves to a smooth surface...

) are not involved in this condition.