Deer already have serious problems with tooth decay. Around here if you shoot a deer that is 3.5 or older, it generally has some major issues such as decay so bad it is eating into the gums. In fact, we have found 2 skulls from old deer (6.5 or older)where it seems they probably died from the tooth decay getting infected and the infection spreading into the jaw bone, which eventually killed them. I guess it is just part of a deer's life as these deer are agricultural deer and have it relatively easy with an abundance of greatfood sources.