Canine dental health is an important part of overall canine health. An infected tooth in a dog is dangerous and even deadly if left untreated as infection from the tooth may spread to the bloodstream.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of an infected tooth include bad breath, loose tooth, discoloration of tooth, excessive drooling, facial swelling, swollen or red gums and reluctance or refusal to eat.
Causes
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Causes of dog tooth infection include but are not limited to accumulation of plaque or tartar, periodontal disease, broken teeth, exposed roots of teeth and overcrowding of teeth.
Diagnosis
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A veterinarian performs an examination of the dog's mouth, looking for symptoms of tooth infection to determine the severity of infection. Sedation may be required to do a full exam, especially if the dog's mouth is tender or painful.
Treatment
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Treatment may include antibiotics for the infection, root canal provided the infection has not damaged the tooth, or tooth extraction to remove the diseased tooth.
Prevention/Solution
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Regular brushing of the dog's teeth at home will prevent many dental diseases, including infection. Keep the dog on a healthy diet or a diet specifically prescribed for dental health, and provide chew toys for the dog to remove debris from the teeth.
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