Can A Dog's Tooth Abscess Heal On Its Own?

Dental hygiene is very important, both for us and for our pets. You might not know this, but a dog’s teeth are very important for their health as dental issues pave the road for all sorts of health problems down the road. The first thing to go is their diet and digestion, and from there, it is all a steep path downwards. It is because of this that every owner’s task is to keep their dog’s chompers in pristine conditions. Fail to do so, and issues can soon begin appearing.

Of course, there are various issues that could be the result of subpar oral hygiene, but one of the worst dental problems for dogs is a tooth abscess. If you’ve noticed something that looks like an abscess and wonder if you can do anything to make it go away or heal on its own by yourself, you’ll be disappointed to learn that this issue requires professional treatment. A tooth abscess needs to be looked at and treated by a veterinarian. 

 What Causes Tooth Abscess in Dogs and How to Treat It

While some minor dental issues in dogs can potentially resolve on their own, a tooth abscess typically requires veterinary attention. An abscess indicates a serious infection, and without proper treatment, it can worsen and lead to numerous complications. Your veterinarian can assess the severity of the abscess and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, dental cleaning, and possibly tooth extraction. It's essential not to delay treatment, as dental infections can cause pain and discomfort for your dog and may even lead to systemic health issues if left untreated. However, the question still remains – what causes a tooth abscess in dogs?

Dental abscesses are typically caused by bacterial infection, which can spread rapidly if not addressed promptly. Without proper treatment, the infection can affect surrounding tissues, leading to more extensive dental and oral health issues. It goes without saying that one such abscess can be very painful for your dog. It will lead to discomfort during eating, reluctance to eat or chew, excessive drooling, stress, and many other behavioral issues. If left untreated, an abscess can potentially wreak havoc on your pet. Not only can the infection spread to other parts of their body, but the nasty bacteria from the abscess can enter into the bloodstream and can ultimately affect vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or heart. Because of this, an abscess needs to be dealt with promptly. 

But how do you spot a tooth abscess? In many cases, it will be easy to spot that your pet is in discomfort. For example, you can spot changes in their eating habits. They might suddenly chew on one side only, avoid hard foods, or decline eating altogether. Another key sign is if a dog is suddenly pawing at their face as if trying to scratch themselves. Such rubbing and pawing is their attempt to alleviate the pain and discomfort they feel. You can also feel a foul odor on their breath or spot excessive drooling from the mouth. Needless to say, your dog will show signs that they are in pain, and might whimper or seem sad. In either of these cases, you should check their mouth cavity and try spotting the abscess to confirm that this is what ails them.

Of course, it is mandatory for every dog owner to maintain good hygiene of their pet’s teeth. Doing so in the first place and regularly will certainly reduce the chances of an abscess forming. To maintain good oral health you should brush your pet’s teeth regularly, using a special  dog toothbrush and toothpaste. This will remove plaque buildup and prevent bacteria from multiplying. 

Additionally, you can also offer  tasty dental treats that can keep their breath smelling fresh and help prevent tartar from forming in the first place.