A tooth abscess is an infection within the pulp of a tooth. It can be extremely serious and require emergency veterinary care and surgery if it is to be properly managed. Tooth abscesses are common in dogs; if you own a dog, he probably has had at least one.
Tooth root decay (caused by bacteria that lodge between the tooth enamel and the nerve of the tooth) or trauma (such as getting hit on its head) can allow bacteria access to this area, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The bacteria cause inflammation and swelling of the tissues surrounding the affected area, including bone, making it difficult for your dog’s immune system to fight off infections.
If left untreated, the abscess can rupture through the tooth or bone and drain into your dog’s mouth.
Treatment for a tooth abscess involves veterinary dental cleaning to remove all infection from around the roots of teeth, followed by long-term antibiotics and pain management. Your pet may need to have his teeth cleaned under anesthesia to control an active tooth abscess or have them extracted if they are severely decayed.
If you think that your dog might have a tooth abscess, please contact us immediately! Early treatment is very important with these infections in order to reduce pain and save lives!
A tooth abscess is an infection inside the root of a tooth. It can be extremely serious and require emergency veterinary care and surgery if it is to be properly managed. Tooth abscesses are common in dogs; if you own a dog, he probably has had at least one or two.
Tooth decay (caused by bacteria that lodge between the tooth enamel and the nerve of the tooth) or trauma (such as getting hit on its head) can allow bacteria access to this area, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The bacteria cause inflammation and swelling of the tissues surrounding the affected area, including bone, making it difficult for your dog’s immune system to fight off infections.
If left untreated, the abscess can rupture through the tooth or bone and drain into your dog’s mouth. Treatment for a tooth abscess involves veterinary dental cleaning to remove all infection from around the roots of teeth, followed by long-term antibiotics and pain management. Your pet may need to have his teeth cleaned under anesthesia to control an active tooth abscess or have them extracted if they are severely decayed.
If you think that your dog might have a tooth abscess, please contact us immediately! Early treatment is very important with these infections in order to reduce pain and save lives!
Can a dog’s tooth abscess heal on its own?
Yes, with proper home care. Long-term antibiotics are usually needed to help control the infection.
How do you treat a tooth abscess in dogs?
Veterinary dental cleaning is necessary to remove all of the infected tissue from around the root of teeth. This includes scaling down under the gum line and polishing the surface of the tooth root.
Long-term antibiotics are usually needed to help control the infection.
“You can’t drain a tooth abscess at home.”
No, you need to go to the vet if that happens! You will need to check with your veterinarian concerning his cost because it’s not cheap. If he doesn’t do root canals and this isn’t the first time you’ll be needing one, it might not be so bad.
Just thinking about your dog having to get teeth cleaned at the vet is enough to make most people cry. The good news is that there are ways you can relieve your pet of pain as he goes through this difficult experience. If your pet is anesthetized at the time of treatment, your veterinarian will give him a sedative to help relax him and relieve pain. He could also prescribe an oral tranquilizer for your pet. Many veterinarians now have digital radiography equipment so they can take x-rays without having to put an unconscious dog under anesthesia.
If you own a dog or are thinking about getting one, you need to know how to prevent tooth decay. The best way is with regular professional cleaning by your vet or groomer. Owning a pet means daily brushing and monthly dental cleanings for the whole life of your dog. It’s impossible to brush away all bacteria under the gum line, so once every six months is not enough!
Unfortunately, tooth decay is impossible to prevent. It’s a normal part of aging for your dog’s teeth. However, it can be easily controlled by regular veterinary dental cleanings and home care. The bacteria that cause tooth decay are almost everywhere – in the air we breathe, our food and water – but they only become harmful when they accumulate on your dog’s teeth.
Let us help you keep your pet healthy, happy and toothless!
How can I treat a tooth abscess on my dog at home?
A: You can’t. If the abscess ruptures through the tooth and drains into your dog’s mouth, it can be very painful for him to eat or drink, so you must take him in right away. You should also take your pet in if he is having a lot of pain or his fever goes up. He might need antibiotics to fight the infection.
Is a dog tooth abscess an emergency?
A: If your pet’s tooth abscess ruptured and he is in pain and not eating or drinking much, you need to take him to the veterinarian right away. The infection can spread quickly if left untreated. Your dog may need antibiotics and pain medication for this condition.
How can you tell if your dog has a tooth infection?
A: He might be drooling more than usual or not eating or drinking much. You may also notice that he has a fever, which is an indication of infection. The best option is to take your pet in for a checkup as soon as you notice something is not right with his mouth. You should do this even if it turns out to be a false alarm. Remember, if your pet needs antibiotics for a dental infection, they have to be taken for the full course of treatment or else he will most likely get re-infected.
We do not recommend that you attempt any home dental care without first consulting with your veterinarian as this can lead to further problems with your
What can I give my dog for a tooth abscess?
A: If your pet has a tooth abscess, he will have pain in his mouth and you may see swelling in the face. He will likely stop eating or drinking, so it’s important for him to get to the veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will sedate your dog with tranquilizers and antibiotics if necessary.
What can I do for my dog’s abscess tooth?
A: Unfortunately, abscesses don’t just go away – they need to be treated. You should take your pet to see a veterinarian right away if he has an abscess tooth because the infection can spread quickly and make him very sick. He may have to stay under anesthesia while the vet numbs up his mouth and takes care of the tooth.