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Dog Tooth Infection Home Treatment (Remedies and Preventions)

Key Takeaways

  • Taking care of dog tooth infection with home treatment can be done, however, this is not really advisable. Like with humans, vets will most likely recommend tooth extraction.
  • Some home remedies pet owners can try to soothe a dog’s pain from the infection includes warm compress and rinsing the mouth with salt and water solution.
  • Dog tooth infection is caused by broken teeth or periodontal disease. Providing good chew toys and proper dental care are ways to prevent this.

Like people pets also get teeth infections because the bacteria fills the dog’s mouth. If you do not brush your dog’s teeth regularly, there will be a build-up of tartar and plaque which eventually results in an infection. The quickest and simplest dog tooth infection home treatment is by giving your dog warm compress to soothe the pain. Rinsing your dog’s mouth with a salt and water solution also helps kill bacteria. But remember that a vet should first perform a dental examination to check the severity of tooth infection before you can give the right home remedy to your dog.

The idea of vet bills and seeing my dog in pain is enough to push me to care for my dog’s wellbeing, and this includes dental health. Did you know that a dog tooth abscess can happen because of periodontal disease or if your pup breaks a tooth? The dog can even break a tooth without them even knowing it—and this happens a lot. One typical cause could be continual chewing on objects that are too hard for the teeth. Check out my guide to the best dog tooth infection home treatment options you can try, and other tips to better care for your pup’s teeth.

Symptoms of Dog Tooth Infection

Dogs instinctually try to hide their pain because animals that show weakness in nature can become victims to other predators. However, there are signs that a canine companion will not be able to hide as the abscessed tooth is very painful. The first is oral discomfort, which is still hard to pinpoint as showing weakness is not in their nature.

The second is drooling. Because of the pain and difficulties that come with tooth infection, your pup may start drooling though that is more common for cats than dogs. Bad breath can also be a potential symptom as tooth decay tends to cause halitosis [1]. That is the most usual complaint from dog owners. Even though your dog is opposed to showing pain, though, they will most likely not want to eat.

Dog tooth infection home treatment.

Alternatively, they may eat the food more slowly when dealing with such an infection. However, their instinct not to show weakness is very strong, they might power through the pain and not give up the eating tempo.

Swelling in the face is also a potential symptom. Dental disease from tooth decay in the upper jaw may even lead to signs of respiratory disease because of the proximity of the teeth in the upper jaw to the nasal passages. The majority of dogs tend to have an infection at a young age.

Why a Broken Tooth May Lead to an Abscess

Broken teeth are a common occurrence in dogs especially when they keep chewing on very hard materials. That includes such things as bones, hard plastic toys, and metal dog crate doors.

Dogs’ teeth have enamel which is the protective surface that stops the bacteria from getting to the tissues within the tooth. A broken tooth, though, will allow foreign material to access the sensitive tissues, and the bacteria will be able to travel to the root.

Dogs that have periodontal disease also have inflamed gums that are infected with bacteria. Gum disease happens when bacteria go along the outside of the teeth to the root. That may cause an infection of the bone along with the soft tissues around the teeth.

Home Remedies for Dog Tooth Infection

Taking care of the tooth abscess at home is not the recommended approach, but it is possible. A tooth root abscess diagnosed by the vet will most likely end up being pulled. Taking out the entire infected tooth is a common solution because it is the cheapest option. Root canal treatment may solve the matter, but that is usually the case if the owner wants to save the tooth. Should the veterinarian give the okay to take care of the dog at home, you can start with a saltwater solution. That means rinsing the infected area with a syringe each two to three hours. In case of severe infection, the vet may prescribe pain medication.

You may also try rubbing coconut oil on the infection. Coconut oil contains agents which are anti-bacterial. It also works in such a way to soothe the infected tooth while reducing the swelling. If a dog eats coconut oil by mistake, he will likely be fine provided it is not in large quantities.

Alternatively, you can use a warm compress on the dog’s tooth to soothe it. That will entail warm water and a clean cloth which would be applied five to ten times every day. Due to the irritation that comes over time, your dog is probably going to want to scratch the area or rub its face on the floor. Prevent them from doing this as it only worsens the condition.

It is important to note that home remedies such as coconut oil and warm compresses are not cures for the infection. You will still have to go to the vet, especially if dental surgery or root canal therapy is required.

How to Prevent Dog Tooth Infections

Dog with pink cap and toothbrush.

There are two main reasons why dogs tend to get abscesses. The first is fractured teeth because of chewing on materials that are too hard for the dog. Periodontal disease is the second reason why it may happen.

It would be advisable to stop the dog from chewing on items that could break their teeth. Please find only the best chew toys for dogs and ask the vet for advice if they are anxious.

The prevention of periodontal disease is also essential for preventing cases of a dog tooth abscess. That entails caring for Fido’s dental hygiene mainly by brushing the dog’s teeth regularly using the best toothpaste for dogs as a means of prevention. You may also consult the veterinarian on the best diet as approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

FAQs

Can you treat your dog’s teeth infection at home?

It is possible to alleviate the symptoms of your dog’s tooth infection with warm compresses and coconut oil, but this is not a full-proof solution.

Can a dog tooth infection go away by itself?

Considering the affected tooth gets worse over time. Only a veterinarian can help your dog. There are no full-proof remedies once the tooth gets infected.

Can a tooth infection make your dog sick?

An abscess is an infection, and if it is not treated the right way, it can go into the bloodstream. That can cause the pet to get sick and die.

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