Abscess Tooth in Cats

A tooth abscess is a painful and serious condition in cats. It is usually caused by injury or progressive tooth decay. If left untreated, it can damage the heart, liver or kidneys. Treatment involves antibiotics and usually extraction.

  1. Definition

    • A tooth abscess is an infection encased within a cavity, usually in the core of the tooth or at its base. It is characterized by pus, redness and swelling around the root of the tooth.

    Causes

    • A dental abscess may be caused by a fractured tooth, decay, or a build-up of plaque that creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL)--plaque-related lesions that start in the bone tissue--also can lead to abscesses.

    Symptoms

    • Pawing at the face is one symptom of an abscess

      Symptoms include bad breath, swelling, pawing at the face, excessive drooling, bleeding gums and loss of appetite.

    Treatment

    • Antibiotics are used to treat abscesses.

      Treatment begins with antibiotics. Extraction may be a necessary follow-up if the tooth is fractured or severely decayed.

    Prevention

    • Tooth brushing may help prevent future abscesses.

      Teeth cleaning--either by brushing at home or professional cleaning in the vet's office--is a primary means of preventing feline dental disease. Foods and treats that remove plaque also can be beneficial.

    Warning

    • Feline dental disease can spread internally, damaging vital organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart.