By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A swelling under one eye that appears overnight, sometimes bursting to leave a weeping sore on the cheek, is one of the most recognisable tooth infections in dogs. It usually comes from an abscess at the roots of the large upper cheek tooth (the carnassial tooth), often after a fracture from chewing something hard. Other tooth infections are quieter: a dog that chews on one side, drops food, or has worse breath than usual. Dogs hide dental pain remarkably well, so infections are often advanced by the time they are found. Antibiotics alone rarely fix a tooth infection. The infected tooth needs treatment.
Key takeaways
- Tooth infections usually follow periodontal (gum) disease or a fractured tooth.
- Swelling under the eye, on the jaw, or a draining sore on the face can be a tooth root abscess.
- A discoloured (pink, purple, or grey) tooth often means the pulp inside has died.
- Dental X-rays under anaesthetic are needed to see the roots and plan treatment.
- Avoid very hard chews such as bones, antlers, and hard nylon toys, which commonly fracture teeth.
Common causes
- Periodontal disease. Plaque and tartar inflame the gums and destroy the tissues that hold teeth in place, allowing bacteria down to the roots. Most dogs have some periodontal disease by middle age.
- Fractured teeth. A break that exposes the pulp lets bacteria in. Hard chews, bones, rocks, and cage biting are common causes.
- Worn or damaged teeth. From tennis balls, chewing fences, or grooming habits.
- Retained baby teeth. Crowding traps food and plaque.
- Foreign material. Sticks or grass awns lodged in the gums.
Signs to watch for
- Bad breath that is worse than usual
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Chewing on one side, dropping food, or reluctance to eat hard food
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
- Drooling, sometimes blood-tinged
- Swelling under the eye, along the jaw, or on the cheek
- A draining sore on the face or chin
- A broken, loose, or discoloured tooth
- Sneezing or nasal discharge on one side (upper tooth roots sit close to the nose)
When to see a vet
Go to an emergency vet now if your dog:
- Has rapidly increasing facial swelling with fever, lethargy, or not eating
- Has swelling around the eye that is pushing the eye forward or affecting vision
- Has bleeding from the mouth that will not stop, or a suspected broken jaw after an injury
- Is having trouble swallowing or breathing
Book a same-day or next-day appointment if: there is new facial swelling or a draining sore, your dog has a freshly broken tooth with pink or red showing in the centre, or is in obvious mouth pain.
Book a routine dental check soon if: your dog has bad breath, tartar, or a discoloured tooth but is eating comfortably.
How vets diagnose tooth infections
A conscious examination shows some problems, but most of each tooth sits below the gum line. A full assessment requires a general anaesthetic so the vet can probe around each tooth, chart findings, and take dental X-rays to see roots and bone. This is the only reliable way to confirm a root abscess, find hidden problems in other teeth, and decide on treatment. Pre-anaesthetic checks and blood tests help make the anaesthetic as safe as possible.
How vets typically treat tooth infections
- Extraction. The most common treatment for an infected tooth. Large teeth with multiple roots are sectioned and removed surgically, and the gum is stitched closed.
- Root canal treatment. Offered by veterinary dentists for some important teeth, especially fresh fractures, to save the tooth.
- Periodontal treatment. Scaling above and below the gum line, polishing, and treatment of pockets.
- Pain relief and sometimes antibiotics. Antibiotics can reduce swelling before surgery, but the infection usually returns unless the tooth is treated.
Your vet will tailor treatment to your dog. Most dogs eat well again within days of extractions, often better than before.
At home before and after treatment
- Offer soft or soaked food if chewing is painful.
- Do not give human pain medicines. Many are toxic to dogs.
- Do not try to drain swellings or pull loose teeth.
- After dental surgery, follow your vet's feeding and medication instructions and attend the recheck.
Prevention
- Brush your dog's teeth daily with dog toothpaste. This is the most effective home care.
- Use dental diets or chews with evidence behind them. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) lists accepted products.
- Avoid chews that do not bend or that you could not dent with a fingernail, such as cooked bones, antlers, and hard nylon toys.
- Have a vet check your dog's mouth at least once a year, more often for small breeds.
FAQ
Can a tooth infection clear up with antibiotics alone?
Signs may improve temporarily, but the source of infection remains, so it usually returns. The tooth needs treatment.
Is a broken tooth always an emergency?
A fresh fracture with exposed pulp is best seen within a day or two, as early root canal treatment may save the tooth. It is not usually life-threatening.
Can tooth infections affect other organs?
Ongoing dental infection and inflammation is thought to contribute to problems elsewhere in the body, which is another reason to treat it.
Will my dog cope without teeth?
Yes. Dogs adapt very well after extractions, and removing painful teeth improves comfort.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has a facial swelling, a broken tooth, or worsening breath and you want help working out urgency, our vets can look at photos and talk it through by video. Book a consult at dialavet.com. Dental treatment needs a clinic visit with anaesthesia and X-rays, and rapidly growing swellings or swelling around the eye need prompt in-person care.
References
- American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC). Pet owner information on tooth fractures and periodontal disease.
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Accepted products list.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Dental disorders of dogs.
- AVMA. Pet dental care.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If your dog has rapidly worsening facial swelling or trouble breathing, contact a veterinary hospital immediately.