A Dog Lover‘s Guide to Preventing and Treating Painful Tooth Infections

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog enthusiast, I know firsthand the joy and companionship our canine friends bring to our lives. We want our dogs to be as healthy and happy as possible, but sometimes painful problems can develop right under our noses – quite literally! Tooth infections are one of the most common and serious dental issues seen in dogs. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a deep dive into dog tooth infections, from causes and signs to treatment and prevention, so you can help keep your pup‘s pearly whites pristine.

Understanding Dog Tooth Infections

Tooth infections, also called tooth root abscesses, occur when bacteria invade and infect the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The bacteria can enter through a crack or break in the tooth, or through a deep pocket between the tooth and gum caused by progressive periodontal disease.

As the infection takes hold, pus and other inflammatory substances build up at the tooth root tip, causing significant pain. Over time, the infection often spreads to the surrounding periodontal structures and jaw bone. If left untreated, the bacteria can even enter the bloodstream and cause widespread systemic illness.

By the Numbers: Dog Tooth Infection Statistics

Just how common are tooth infections in dogs? The statistics paint a rather alarming picture:

Periodontal disease, the most frequent cause of tooth root abscesses, affects over 80% of dogs by age 3. [^1^]
Up to 25% of dogs experience a traumatic tooth fracture from chewing on hard objects. [^2^]
Certain small breed dogs (like Yorkies, Chihuahuas and Malteses) are up to 15 times more likely to develop periodontal disease compared to large breeds. [^3^]
4 out of 5 dogs over age 6 have at least one tooth with a pocket between the tooth and gum greater than 3mm (an early periodontal disease sign). [^1^]

With numbers like these, it‘s no wonder veterinary dentists like myself see tooth infections on a daily basis! Let‘s look at how you can spot this issue in your own dog.

6 Signs of a Dog Tooth Infection

Tooth infections are notoriously painful and can make your dog downright miserable. However, our stoic canine companions rarely yelp or cry when they‘re hurting. Instead, look for these more subtle signs:

Facial swelling. A swollen, protruding bump under one eye is a classic sign of an abscessed upper premolar or molar.
Messy eating habits. Dogs with tooth pain often drop food from their mouth, chew only on one side, or refuse dry food and treats altogether.
Excessive drooling. An infected tooth can cause hypersalivation, often with an unpleasant odor. You may notice your pup leaving a wet spot where they rest their head.
Bleeding gums. Peek inside your pooch‘s mouth (if they‘ll let you!) and look for red, inflamed, or bleeding gums, especially around one tooth.
Behavior changes. A dog in dental distress may paw at their mouth, grind their teeth, act head shy, or become less playful in general.
Nasal discharge. When an upper canine tooth root becomes abscessed, pus may drain from the nose on that side.

If you notice any of these tooth infection signs, don‘t wait – call your veterinarian right away. A thorough oral examination and dental x-rays under anesthesia are needed to properly diagnose and treat a tooth root abscess.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

While any dog can develop a tooth infection, certain breeds and risk factors make this problem more likely, including:

Small and toy breeds with crowded teeth
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs
Dogs who chew aggressively on hard toys and treats
Dogs who don‘t receive routine dental care like daily brushing and yearly cleanings
Senior dogs with a lifetime of plaque buildup
Dogs with pre-existing dental problems like rotated teeth, gum recession, or tooth resorption

If your dog falls into any of these higher-risk categories, be extra vigilant about their oral health care and screening.

Treating Dog Tooth Infections

If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with a tooth root abscess, don‘t panic. While it‘s a painful problem, the treatment is usually straightforward: the infected tooth must be removed surgically. This procedure is called a tooth extraction.

Your vet will put your pup under general anesthesia to thoroughly clean and evaluate the entire mouth, take dental x-rays, and extract the abscessed tooth. Multi-rooted teeth are often split into single roots before removing. The extraction sites are sutured closed for faster healing. Most dogs feel significantly better within days of having the diseased tooth removed!

After the procedure, your vet will likely prescribe oral antibiotics for 1-2 weeks and pain medication as needed. Feeding a soft food diet is recommended for the first few days while the extraction sites heal.

While no one likes to think about their dog losing a tooth, it‘s important to treat abscessed teeth promptly. Not only is it the best way to relieve your dog‘s pain, but it also prevents the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Preventing Tooth Infections in Dogs

As dog lovers, we would do anything to spare our pups the pain of a tooth infection. The great news is, this is one problem that‘s largely preventable with good oral hygiene and professional care! Here‘s how:

Brush Daily (or as Often as Possible)

Brushing your dog‘s teeth daily is the single best way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup that leads to periodontal disease and tooth infections. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-friendly enzymatic toothpaste in a flavor your pup enjoys. Go slowly, keep sessions short, and reward generously! If brushing isn‘t feasible, using a dental gel, spray, or water additive is better than nothing.

Feed a Tooth-Friendly Diet

Dry kibble is better for your dog‘s teeth than soft or canned food. Look for dental diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These foods have a unique kibble design and ingredients to minimize plaque. Certain dental chews and treats can also help keep teeth clean, but avoid hard, brittle products and real bones which can fracture teeth.

Choose Safe Chew Toys

It may be tempting to give your aggressive chewer the hardest, longest-lasting toy at the store, but you might be doing their teeth a disservice! Opt for durable rubber and nylon chew toys that have some "give" when squeezed. Avoid antlers, animal hooves, hard plastic and nylon bones. My rule of thumb: if you can‘t make a slight dent in the toy with your thumbnail, it‘s too hard for daily chewing.

Schedule Professional Cleanings

Even with the best at-home care, most dogs need periodic professional dental cleanings under anesthesia to remove tartar and prevent disease. Your veterinarian can recommend a cleaning schedule based on your dog‘s individual needs – typically every 1 to 3 years. Think of it as an important investment in your dog‘s long-term health and comfort.

Dental Care Product Comparison

To make home dental care easier, many products exist to fight plaque and freshen breath. But which ones actually work? See how popular dental care products for dogs compare:

Product	Effectiveness	Ease of Use	Cost	VOHC Approved
Toothbrushing	High	Moderate	Low	N/A
Dental Wipes	Low-Moderate	Easy	Low-Moderate	No
Water Additives	Moderate	Easy	Moderate	Yes (some)
Dental Sprays/Gels	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate-High	Yes (some)
Dental Diets	Moderate-High	Easy	Moderate-High	Yes
Dental Chews/Treats	Moderate	Easy	Moderate	Yes (some)

Source: Veterinary Oral Health Council, Author‘s professional experience

A Personal Note

Helping dogs overcome tooth infections is one of the most rewarding parts of my job as a veterinary dentist. I‘ll never forget a Maltese mix named Benny who came to me with a fractured, abscessed carnassial tooth. His owner felt terrible that he hadn‘t noticed the problem sooner. After we extracted the tooth, the transformation in Benny was remarkable – his appetite returned, he was playful again, and his coat even seemed shinier. His owner committed to brushing Benny‘s teeth daily and bringing him for regular cleanings. At 14 years young, Benny continues to have a healthy, pain-free mouth and is the unofficial mascot of our hospital!

The Bottom Line

As dog lovers, we have a responsibility to take care of our canine companions‘ teeth, just like the rest of their body. By knowing the signs of a tooth infection, getting prompt veterinary treatment, and practicing good preventive care, you can help your dog live their best life – one filled with a healthy smile, fresh breath, and plenty of joyful play. Remember, a dog‘s oral health is a window to their overall health. Together, you and your veterinarian can keep that window shining bright!

[^1^]: Niemiec B et al. 2001 World Small Animal Veterinary Association – Prevalence of periodontal disease in dogs
[^2^]: Soukup JW et al. 2015. Trauma in dogs and cats: an overview. Today‘s Veterinary Practice
[^3^]: Wallis C et al. 2019. A longitudinal assessment of periodontal disease in Yorkshire terriers. Journal of Small Animal Practice.