How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Dealing with Tooth Pain

If you have ever experienced tooth pain, then you know it can be pretty debilitating. And if your pet experiences tooth pain, it is equally as debilitating for them. In fact, the pain of a toothache can be so severe that it affects your dog’s quality of life. Dogs experience tooth pain for many different reasons, including severe dental disease.

 

Over 85% of pets have signs of dental disease by age 3, and many suffer from painful conditions like gingivitis or periodontal disease as well.

 

Dental Problems That Cause Tooth Pain In Dogs

Dogs may experience a range of painful conditions in the mouth, including: 

• Gingivitis
• Oral lacerations
• Periodontitis
• Broken teeth
• Jaw fractures 
• Cancer of the oral cavity 

 

Some of these conditions are easy to recognize, but most go undetected because our pets tend to mask their pain. Even though they may be in pain, many pets continue to eat and behave normally—it's only when the disease processes are advanced that we begin to notice any outward signs of suffering.

 

Signs Of Toothache In Dogs

Dental pain may be difficult to detect in some dogs, but your veterinarian can examine the mouth and jaw with a dental probe to locate any sore spots.

 

However, you may notice signs of oral pain in your pet at home. These symptoms may include:

• Drooling  
• Resisting pats on the head
• Bad breath (Halitosis)
• Whimpering 
• Reduced activity
• Decrease in appetite (eating slowly or dropping food from the mouth)
• Red or swollen gums

 

Preventing Oral Pain In Dogs

Your dog should receive regular home dental care and professional veterinary treatment to prevent dental pain.

 

Home dental care: The best way to care for your dog's teeth is to brush them every day. The purpose of brushing is to remove plaque or the accumulation of food particles and bacteria that develops on teeth.

 

Brushing your dog's teeth daily is essential because once plaque sits on your pet's teeth for approximately 24 hours, it can begin to harden into tartar.

 

If your dog is distressed by regular brushing, talk to your vet about how best to make the process more pleasant for both of you. Your veterinarian can recommend oral rinses or medicated chews to help promote your dog's dental health.

 

Professional veterinary treatment and assessment: Regular veterinary dental care is essential for maintaining your dog's oral health. Most dogs should have a comprehensive oral hygiene assessment and treatment or anesthetized dental cleaning once yearly.

 

If you don't provide regular dental care for your young dog, he may develop problems with his teeth and gums, making it difficult or impossible to give him the dental cleanings he needs as an adult.

 

Pet parents should treat current issues and prevent future ones by scheduling routine veterinary visits.

 

All Community Animal Hospital Can't Wait To Give Your Pet The Brightest Grin!

The team of veterinarians at All Community Animal Hospital can help you turn your pet's smile into the brightest grin in Porter, Kingwood, or Humble. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our professional dentists and talk to us about how we can improve your furry pal's smile!