The vast majority of pet owners are very attentive to the needs of their companion, but many pet parents are unable to tell when their pets may be experiencing medical issues because animals are very adept at hiding pain. Periodontal disease, including tooth infections, are one of the most common health issues seen in pets, but it can be hard for owners to identify early, as there are rarely any symptoms until the disease or infection is advanced. This article outlines the possible symptoms of your dog having a tooth infection so that the problem may be solved sooner.
How do I know if my dog has a tooth infection?
Because dental disease in dogs can be silent, with no common outward signs or symptoms until it is more severe, a pet can suffer from chronic pain, eroded gums, and even tooth loss without an owner even being aware there was ever a problem. This is a very common scenario and many owners are surprised and shocked when tooth extraction or other periodontal therapy is needed.
Symptoms Your Dog has a Tooth Infection
Becoming aware of the biggest signs and symptoms can help you to know when it’s time to take your dog to a veterinary dentist and save your pet from unnecessary pain and suffering.
Similar to human dental issues, your dog’s tooth infection will likely cause him to be in a lot of pain. However, he can’t communicate his discomfort as humans can, and many dogs won’t outwardly show signs of pain.
The reason pets tend to avoid outwardly showing discomfort is because they instinctively think that to show pain is to show weakness. Even though they are likely not prey to any predators in your domestic home environment, this instinct remains strong.
Occasionally owners do notice some changes that might signal the presence of dental disease. Here are 3 possible dog tooth infection symptoms to watch for:
1. Decreased Appetite
Some dogs tend to have a decreased appetite or prefer only soft food when dealing with painful dental issues, because it may be painful for them to eat. In addition to a decrease in appetite, dogs may also eat their food more slowly to avoid pain or discomfort with chewing. Some dogs, though, will eat through the pain, due to their strong survival instincts. As with most predators, the majority of dog teeth have pointed cusps and their mouths are designed more for grabbing, ripping, and swallowing, with minimal chewing. It can be easy for a dog to bypass a painful tooth or teeth with swallowing due to the natural design of their oral cavity.
Another sign to look out for is your dog only eating on one side of their mouth OR only using one side of their mouth to play with toys. This can help you to identify where the problem area may be. If they are chewing more on one side of their mouth, there will be more calculus (tartar) on the side of the mouth they are not using. It is easy to pull the lips back to compare the amounts of calculus on the larger back teeth on each side. If there is more calculus on one side, there is probably a painful problem on that side.
2. Jaw Swelling
While the vast majority of abscessed teeth never show any sign of swelling in that area, facial swelling is occasionally seen in infections of the teeth in upper jaws. Occasionally, lower jaw swelling can occur secondary to tooth root abscess. If you notice facial swelling in your dog, we encourage that you schedule an appointment to be seen by your veterinarian or veterinary dental specialist as soon as possible. If left untreated, infections of the jaw may spread into the nasal passages and surrounding tissues.
3. Bad Breath (Oral Malodor)
Oral malodor is the most common sign of dental disease noted by many pet owners. Dental infections can cause halitosis, or bad breath because the types of bacteria change as dental infection progresses. The bacteria involved in more severe dental disease are much more destructive and smell a lot worse!
How to prevent dental disease?
Causes of dental disease can be multifaceted and include a genetic and familiar predisposition, lack of oral home care, other health conditions that have taken priority over routine dental care, and tooth trauma.
Regular Dental Cleanings are Key to Avoid Tooth Infections in Dogs
Catching infections early and bringing your pet in for treatment is the best way to keep your dog from experiencing any unnecessary pain. You should regularly check your dog’s mouth for any signs of infection, and schedule regular appointments to have their teeth cleaned at Montana Pet Dentistry and Oral Surgery every 12 months. Smaller dogs tend to need dental attention more often than larger dogs and might even benefit from cleanings every 6 months. This can vary tremendously from individual to individual and we can help guide you in the cleaning interval appropriate for your pet. Regular dental cleanings are the most effective way to prevent tooth infections from occurring in the first place.
Veterinary Dentist in Montana
Dr. Melissa Guillory is our board-certified veterinary dentist and is highly experienced in treating dental disease—and the good news is that you don’t need a referral to have your pet seen by Dr. Guillory. If you suspect that your dog has a dental infection, all you need to do is call our Bozeman office and schedule an appointment. Dr. Guillory is on-site here in Bozeman full-time to handle all of your dog’s dental needs.
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