When we think about our dogs’ health, we may not consider what’s happening in their mouths. However, their oral health is a vital component of their overall health.
Dental problems, such as a tooth abscess, can be excruciating and uncomfortable, negatively affecting a dog’s quality of life.
But what exactly is a dog tooth abscess? Please keep reading to learn all about tooth abscesses in dogs, including how to recognize, treat, and prevent them.
What is a Dog Tooth Abscess?
A dog tooth abscess is a pocket of bacterial infection. It often develops around the tooth root — the part of the tooth below the gumline that extends into the jawbone and anchors the tooth; these are known as tooth root abscesses. A tooth abscess can also form in the structures surrounding and supporting the tooth.
Tooth abscesses are common in dogs. Any age and breed can be affected, but dogs that love to chew on things have a higher risk because heavy chewing can lead to tooth fractures, a common cause of tooth abscesses.
Any tooth can develop an abscess, but certain teeth are most likely to develop them:
- Canines
- Lower (mandibular) first molar
- Upper (maxillary) fourth premolar
If you’re wondering whether a tooth abscess can kill a dog, the answer is no. However, tooth abscesses can become a medical emergency because of the extreme pain and discomfort they can cause. If your dog has a tooth abscess, they need immediate veterinary care.
Causes of a Tooth Abscess in Dogs
Tooth abscesses in dogs have two main causes: tooth fractures and periodontal disease.
First, let’s review basic tooth anatomy to help the causes make more sense.
Dogs’ teeth are covered by enamel. Just below the enamel is dentin, which is very porous and contains up to several hundred thousand tiny tubules that communicate with the center of the tooth.
The center of the tooth is the pulp cavity, which contains a spongy pulp that nourishes the tooth. The pulp cavity also contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic (immune) tissue.
The tooth itself is supported by several structures collectively known as the periodontium: gingiva (gums), cementum (covers the root), periodontal ligament (connects the tooth to surrounding bone), and alveolar bone (jawbone).
Finally, the tooth’s visible part is called the crown, while the root is under the gumline.
Still with us? Good! Now, let’s get to the causes.
Tooth fractures
The most common cause of dog tooth abscesses is tooth fracture. Tooth fractures occur when a dog chews on something too hard and chips its teeth or experiences oral trauma. These fractures can expose the dentin and even the pulp.
When a tooth fractures, bacteria gain easy entry, eventually working their way to the root and causing an infection.
The infected tooth root becomes inflamed and swollen, leading to symptoms described in the next section.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a disease of the periodontium. The first stage is gingivitis (gum inflammation), caused by a buildup of plaque that irritates the gums.
If left untreated, periodontal disease progresses, with the bacteria in the plaque and tartar traveling below the gum line, through the tooth-supporting structures, and eventually surrounding the root.
Dog Tooth Abscess Symptoms
Dog tooth abscesses can cause significant pain and discomfort. But you may not know it because dogs can do an excellent job of hiding their pain. Even if your dog is a master at disguising pain, other tooth abscess symptoms may be more obvious.
These symptoms are physical and behavioral:
Physical
- Draining wounds
- Excessive drooling
- Extremely bad breath
- Chewing food on one side of the mouth
- Difficulty eating/dropping food when eating
- Facial swelling below the eye or in the lower jaw
Behavioral
- Pawing at face
- Reduced appetite
- Rubbing face on the ground
- Reluctance to chew on toys
- Turning face away if touched near area of tooth abscess
Facial swelling due to a tooth abscess can be dramatic but may be mistaken as a symptom of an eye infection, especially when the abscess is in an upper tooth. Swelling in the lower jaw occurs if one of the lower molars has an abscess.
Treatment for an Abscessed Tooth in Dogs
Abscesses in a dog’s mouth require treatment as soon as possible. But first, your veterinarian must confirm that a tooth abscess is causing your dog’s symptoms.
Your vet will take a detailed history and perform a physical exam, then conduct a comprehensive oral exam, which is performed under anesthesia so the entire mouth can be examined safely.
Examination
During the exam, your vet will look in your dog’s mouth to determine the presence and severity of periodontal disease. Your vet will also take full-mouth X-rays to identify tooth abscesses, assess their severity, determine how many teeth are affected, and evaluate periodontal disease severity more closely.
Treatments
There are two main treatments for dog tooth abscesses: tooth extraction and root canal. Your vet will consider several factors to determine which treatment is most appropriate for your dog, such as abscess severity and overall oral health.
Tooth extraction is the most frequent treatment for abscessed teeth in dogs. In severe cases, a dog may require a full-mouth extraction. This may sound extreme, but dogs can adjust surprisingly well to not having teeth; it’s much better to have no teeth than a mouth full of diseased teeth!
Dogs can go home on the same day as the procedure for tooth extraction. At-home care includes antibiotics, pain medications to control postoperative pain, and anti-inflammatory medications.
A root canal is less traumatic than an extraction. During the procedure, the inner part of the tooth is cleaned out, preserving the overall structure of the tooth.
Because a tooth abscess is a bacterial infection, you may wonder if antibiotics can treat the abscess. Antibiotics can help control the infection and relieve symptoms but cannot be used alone to treat tooth abscesses. The antibiotics cannot reach the tooth root where the infection has taken hold.
After treatment, follow-up oral exams are needed to assess oral health. Your vet will determine how frequently your dog will need these follow-up oral exams. If your dog requires numerous extractions, your vet will advise you on feeding your dog a soft food diet.
How to Prevent Dogs From Developing a Tooth Abscess
It may not be possible to completely prevent your dog from developing a tooth abscess, but you can significantly reduce your dog’s likelihood of developing one.
For example, if your dog likes to chew, select chew toys that are not so hard that your dog chips their teeth while trying to chew on them.
Oral health is also key to reducing the risk of tooth abscesses in dogs. A good oral health routine involves regular at-home dental care and annual professional dental cleanings.
At-home dental care includes daily toothbrushing, dental treats, and soft chew toys. If you’re unsure where to start with dental supplies for your dog, visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council website to see a list of VOHC-approved products that promote good oral health.
It is ideal to start an at-home dental care routine early in your dog’s life. However, if your dog is older, you can still start a routine; it just may take your dog a little longer to adjust to it.
Overall, tooth abscesses are a serious medical condition in dogs, but they are treatable. Pay close attention to your dog’s oral health and take your dog to your vet if you suspect a dental issue.
Final Thoughts on Dog Tooth Abscess
Dog tooth abscesses are a painful yet preventable condition that can significantly impact your furry friend’s quality of life. You can catch potential dental issues early by staying vigilant for symptoms like facial swelling, bad breath, or changes in eating habits. Prompt veterinary care is essential for treating abscesses, whether through tooth extraction or root canal, to ensure your dog’s comfort and overall health.
Prevention is key—regular at-home dental care, professional cleanings, and providing safe chew toys can help reduce the risk of abscesses and other dental problems. By making your dog’s oral health a priority, you’re not just protecting their teeth—you’re safeguarding their happiness and well-being for years to come.
