Tooth Abscess in Dogs

Tooth abscesses can be as painful for dogs as they are for humans, and as costly. Because dogs cannot tell their owners when they are in pain or discomfort, tooth abscesses often go unnoticed by owners for long periods of time. This is especially true for outdoor dogs and long-coated breeds. Because of the pain, and the potential for serious side effects, owners must be vigilant and provide their dogs with regular veterinary check-ups and dental care.

  1. Development

    • Canine tooth abscess occurs when bacteria gain access to the root of a tooth. They either work their way under the gum line or are transported there via the bloodstream. By destroying the root's attachment to the jaw, the bacteria deprive the root of its blood supply. This leads to the death of affected tissue. The dog's body sends millions of white blood cells into the area to dissolve the dead material or to expel it in once piece from the body. The accumulation of white blood cells at the infection site is called pus, or abscess.

    Symptoms and Signs

    • Symptoms of tooth abscess in dogs, according to the Pet Health & Care website, include a swollen nose, a dog scratching at his nose, swelling near the eyes, bad breath, bloody or discolored teeth and decreased food consumption. PetEducation.com says that carnassial (fourth premolar) tooth abscesses are unique, causing swelling under the eye that grows as large as a golf ball and eventually drains pus or pink fluid. They warn that owners often confuse this condition with eye infection, insect bite or puncture wound. Untreated, carnassial abscess can cause blindness or additional tooth loss.

    Treatment

    • Two treatments are available for canine tooth abscess: tooth extraction and a procedure similar to human root canal. Extraction is the conventional treatment where the tooth is cut in half and removed along with surrounding tissue. Infection recurs if any infected areas are left behind. The root canal saves the tooth and protects it by scaling, removal of plaque and polishing. Both treatments require long-term antibiotics. PetEducation.com advises that in determining which treatment to elect, owners should consider cost, their dogs' dental and overall health, and the effect of a missing tooth on their animals.

    Prevention

    • While prevention of canine tooth abscess is not always possible, owners should attempt to prevent its primary causes including trauma from a blow to the tooth, fighting with other dogs, chewing on hard objects and mainly, bacterial infections such as streptococcus and E. coli. Dogs must be kept current on vaccinations and be provided regular veterinary examinations. Dental care should be a priority as oral disease is the No.1 health problem diagnosed in pets, according to PetEducation.com. A good dog dental care program includes regular veterinary dental cleaning as well as home brushing by dogs' owners.

    Expert Insight

    • Canine tooth abscess can have serious consequences. "Dog dental problems do not limit to the damage of the dog's teeth and gums. Dental problems in dogs can also have adverse systemic (whole body) effects, causing problems to major organs, such as lungs, heart, and kidneys," according to the Dog Illnesses & Symptoms website. The Natural Dog Health Remedies website warns, "Every other tissue and organ that has a blood supply (e.g. the lungs, the brain, muscles, etc.) is potentially at risk from bacterial infection spread by blood."