Dog Dental Care
Help stop pet dental pain
Do Dogs Show Dental Pain?
- People often complain to their dentist about how bad it is to live with dental pain. Anyone that's had a toothache knows just how miserable it is, 24/7.
- Many people don't get to the a dentist and have to live with dental pain. All day long they live with dental pain, and no one knows unless they say something about it.
- Dogs can’t talk. They don’t understand that the painful problem can be fixed. They are also much more stoic than people. So most dogs hide their dental pain.
- If your dog shows any signs of dental pain, it’s time for a visit to your veterinarian ASAP!
Dogs Are Stoic
“But my dog doesn’t act like it hurts?”
Stoic (stow’ik): Enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining.
Dental Infections cause Dental Pain
A Link Between Dental Pain and Infection
- With time and inflammation, painful dental problems become infected and dental infections become painful.
- Bacteria from dental infections enter the bloodstream and can infect other parts of the body.
- Professional dental care that includes dental X-rays is needed to treat the pain and infection.
Help stop pet dental pain
How Bad Is It?
- We all know how miserable a bad toothache is.
- The pain nerves of the teeth and gums of dog and people are the same.
- Anything that would make your teeth or gums hurt make your dog’s teeth or gums hurt.
Veterinarian Checkups
Usually Dogs Don't Show Signs of Pain!
- Dogs mostly show NO SIGNS of their dental pain and infection
- That’s why your dog needs to visit your veterinarian every year for a complete dental examination.
- A complete dental examination includes dental probing and dental X-rays so must be done under anesthesia.
- Dental X-rays are the only way to find causes of dental pain and infection that are hidden under the gums.
The Signs That We Can Look For
Signs of Dental Pain and Infection in Dogs
Although dogs typically show no signs of having a bad toothache and living with dental pain, there still are some things that you can look for. If you notice any of the symptoms below, please take your dog to the veterinarian ASAP!
Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath is often a sign of dental infection. Bad breath in dogs is easy to notice because they pant. All “dog breath” jokes aside, persistent bad breath is not normal!
Tartar, Discoloration
Notice the brownish-yellow tartar and red swollen gums (gingivitis). Definitely time for a dental cleaning!
Broken Tooth
Compare the broken lower fang tooth (arrow) with exposed nerve to the normal fang tooth on other side. The broken tooth must be extracted or have a root canal to avoid lifelong pain.
Gum Disease
Receding gums, overgrown gums, swollen gums, red gums and gums that bleed easily are all signs of gum infections and dental pain.
More Tartar On One Side Of the Mouth
The side of your dog’s mouth with the heavier tartar isn’t being used because it hurts.
Reluctant To Eat
If your dog doesn’t want to eat, especially dry food, and/or you notice they are eating slowly or dropping food, this is a good sign that it’s time to see a veterinarian for a dental checkup!
Swelling On The Face
This is often caused by tooth root abscess.
Mouth Shy
Your dog doesn’t like its mouth or face touched. Also, look for facial tension and distracted eyes.
Frequent Sneezing
Frequently licks nose … this is what dogs do when they have a runny nose.
Drooling
If you notice your dog is drooling more than usual, this is a good sign to see a veterinarian for a dental checkup.
Rubbing Face, Pawing Face
If you notice your dog rubbing or pawing his face excessively, it’s a good sign you need to see a veterinarian for a dental checkup.
Behavior Changes
Sleeping a lot, grouchy, restless, neediness or hiding, avoidance or aggression are all good signs to see your veterinarian for a dental checkup.
The Three Common Causes
Common Causes of Dental Pain and Infection in Dogs
Broken Tooth, Crooked or Crowded Teeth, Gum Diseases
VETERINARIAN CHECKUPS
Questions To Ask
Your Veterinarian
- Does my dog have any broken, discolored, or chipped teeth?
- Does my dog have any crooked or crowded teeth?
- Does my dog have infected gums or bone loss?
- Will my dog have a complete dental treatment including dental X-rays?
True Stories
You will notice how much better your dog feels after their dental pain is gone!
Check out some of the comments we get from dog owners after their dog has a complete dental treatment including dental X-rays!
