Your dog comes in from outside and has a swelling under his eye. You might think it’s a tick or an insect bite, so you take them to the vet, who diagnoses a tooth infection or tooth root abscess. What can you do to deal with this infection?
What is dog tooth infection?
A tooth infection in dogs is also called a tooth root abscess. Typically, dogs develop tooth root abscesses secondary to periodontal disease, but it can also occur with trauma, where a tooth is damaged or broken and allows bacteria to enter.
With a tooth root abscess, an infection builds up under the root of the tooth. This pocket of infection can cause swelling under your dog’s eye and be incredibly painful. Dogs with dental infections may chew their food terribly or be tender when you stroke their head.
What are the signs of dog tooth infection?
Root infections in dogs are often diagnosed when a swelling appears under the dog’s eye. Sometimes, this swelling will burst, oozing pus. Sometimes, however, your dog won’t show any outward signs of infection, and your vet will judge that an infection is present with dental x-rays.
There are signs to look for that could indicate a root infection in your dog, such as:
- You only want soft food or treats because it’s easier or less painful to chew
- Drooling, especially from one side of your puppy’s mouth
- Chewing on one side of their mouth because the other side hurts if your dog tries to chew it
- He does not eat, especially if the pain is terrible
- You don’t want to play with toys because it hurts your dog’s mouth
- Bad breath or halitosis, usually caused by bacteria in the mouth
- Swelling under both eyes because the infection is swelling in an area with less resistance
- Stepping or rubbing their face because it hurts, including rubbing their face along the carpet
- Swelling under the jaw, which may indicate swollen lymph nodes, especially the submandibular lymph nodes
What are the causes of dog tooth infections?
1. Bacteria
Dogs with periodontal disease are at high risk of developing dental infections because bacteria in their mouths can travel under the gums and settle around the root of your dog’s teeth. And just because your dog’s teeth don’t look bad doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk. About 80% to 90% of dogs three years of age and older have periodontal disease.1
2. Plate
Plaque is the main problem for dogs with dental disease. It is a biofilm of bacteria and adheres to the tooth. It can migrate below the gum layer and cause inflammation, weakening the periodontal structures and setting your pooch up for infection.
3. Trauma
Trauma to your dog’s mouth can also cause tooth root abscesses. It can be an even more important cause of tooth root abscesses than periodontal disease, as 1 in 4 dogs have traumatic injuries to their teeth. While your dog’s teeth are hard, they are not impervious to damage. If your dog likes to chew on hard objects, it can easily break teeth. Dogs chewing on bones or antlers is a common way they can develop a crown fracture.
If your dog’s tooth breaks, bacteria that would normally be prevented from reaching the root of the tooth can enter the pulp cavity and the root. In many cases, a tooth fracture leads to a tooth root abscess. Dogs hit by a car can suffer broken teeth. Other forms of blunt force trauma can also result in a fractured tooth or teeth.
4. Dental disease
Sometimes, teeth can be weakened by other conditions. Enamel hypoplasia may occur. Significant periodontal disease can also weaken teeth and increase the likelihood of tooth decay.
Other causes of a tooth root abscess include:
- Dental cavities
- Odontogenic cysts
- Odontogenic tumors
How do I take care of a dog with a tooth infection?
If your dog has problems with his teeth or a strange swelling appears on his face, you need to have your canine friend evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not attempt to treat a tooth root abscess at home.
Unfortunately, surgery is the surest way to deal with a tooth infection. There are two main options: surgical extraction or root canal.
Your vet can put your dog on antibiotics to help treat the infection, but it is difficult for antibiotics to penetrate and fully treat the infection. The tooth could become infected in the same way it did in the first place, such as through a fracture in the enamel or bacteria traveling below the gum line from infected pockets. Common antibiotics include clindamycin and Clavamox, a type of amoxicillin antibiotic.
Your dog will need surgery under anesthesia. If your dog is not a good candidate for surgery, your vet may try a longer course of antibiotics. Usually, they will do screening tests, such as blood tests, to make the anesthesia as safe as possible.
Once anesthetized, your vet will take x-rays of the affected tooth to understand what may be going on below the gum line and crown. To be safe, they will generally recommend full-mouth images to evaluate all teeth. These x-rays are essential for dogs with periodontal disease.
Depending on the location of the tooth and the underlying disease, your veterinarian will create a plan to extract the tooth or teeth. Multi-rooted teeth often need to be sectioned into individual roots to be extracted. Your vet may need to create a gum flap to help the tooth come out with the least amount of trauma or difficulty. They will clean the site, rinsing it thoroughly. After taking more x-rays to ensure the entire tooth has been removed, your vet will sew the socket closed to help with healing.
Sometimes, veterinarians will refer you to a veterinarian for evaluation and surgery. If you want to try to save the tooth by doing a root canal, this procedure usually needs to be done by a specialist.
Preventing dental infections in dogs
Root infections in dogs can be difficult to prevent because injuries can happen when you least expect it. You should prevent your pet from chewing on hard objects such as antlers. Talk to your vet about suitable alternatives for your puppy.
Effective dental care at home is one way you can help your dog. From the time they are puppies, brush their teeth with pet-safe toothpaste regularly, ideally every day.
There are other useful things you can use for your dog’s oral health, such as the following:
Helping to fight tartar and plaque can greatly reduce the chance of your dog developing dental disease and tooth root abscesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just use antibiotics to treat a tooth infection in a dog?
No, in most cases, your dog will need surgery to treat a tooth infection. While the antibiotic can treat the initial infection, it can easily recur, especially when bone changes occur around the root, creating a great place for bacteria to hide.
Is dog tooth infection an emergency?
Yes, a tooth infection in a dog is an emergency. Besides being incredibly painful, the infection can spread through the bones and affect other tissues, including the eye.
Which teeth are usually involved in a tooth root abscess?
The most common teeth involved in a tooth infection or abscess are canine and canine teeth. Carnassial teeth are the large teeth in the back of the upper and lower mouth. They are the maxillary fourth premolar and the mandibular first molar on each side.
conclusion
A tooth infection in a dog can be a scary thing. If you notice that your dog is having trouble chewing or eating, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately for an examination.
Featured image credit: Eric Isselee / Shutterstock
