Tooth Infection: Know When Your Pet is Suffering from One
Dogs can excel in a range of jobs. They ease our anxieties, ease our pain, and add joy to our lives. They also are silent. It’s something they do naturally. Predators are known to prey on weak wild animals; consequently, animals hide any signs of illness, discomfort, or injury. The urges to hide are strong, even if your dog happens to be an affectionate pet with no fear within the safety at home. Dental problems are usually not noticed until there is a mouth infection and the discomfort that follows becomes extreme.
Dental care for dogs is an aspect where pet owners often fail. Even with regular cleaning, there are instances of illness that can be present in a dog’s mouth. Oral diseases are now considered among the most common health issues.
Manifestations of a Possible Tooth Infection
To ensure that your pets’ dental health is in good shape and healthiest, we’ve provided a list of indicators to help you detect the beginning of a possible dental infection. If left untreated, bacteria and other diseases can spread through the bloodstream and gums and trigger serious health issues, and it’s crucial to get it checked whenever you can.
1. Bad Breath
When your pet’s breath is smelly bad, it could indicate that they’re experiencing periodontal problems. Because of the formation of tartar and plaque within your dog’s mouth, there’s a surge in the number of bacteria present. This results in decay that produces smelly sulfur compounds. The smell of bad breath can be confused with “doggie breath,” a common myth. But dental diseases are the leading reason for bad breath.
Dental health is vital in maintaining your pet’s wellness. To take good care of your pets, you need the help of a vet that offers comprehensive service. Facilities like Des Moines Veterinary Hospital can give you overall treatment and assessment of your pet’s health.
2. Refusal to Eat
If your dog is suffering from tooth infection, it can be difficult for him to chew, and consequently, he may spill food onto the floor. It is possible to examine your dog’s teeth when they suddenly drop more food than they usually do. Another sign of dental disease is a decrease in your dog’s appetite and the inability to eat dry foods. The dog is more selective about what they eat and will often take away the more significant portion of its food.
Why wait for your pet’s oral condition to worsen, when we all know that “prevention is better than cure”. A preventative pet dental care facility can help you monitor and maintain your pet’s dental health.
3. Facial Swelling
Upper jaw infections can cause swelling of the face and should be examined by your doctor whenever possible. Certain dental diseases can trigger upper respiratory symptoms since the upper jaw teeth are close to nasal passages. But, a lower premolar or tooth root infection could cause swelling in the lower jaw. This could rupture and result in an injury if it is not treated that may need veterinary surgery.
4. Red Swelling or Bleeding Gums
The healthy gums’ color is pink. When your finger is taken off the gums, the gum color will return to its typical pink hue. The dog’s gums could be red due to a range of causes. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis can cause bright red gums. Your dog’s gums may be more sensitive and susceptible to bleeding because of dental diseases. The pet owners might find blood in their dog’s saliva, chewing toys, or bedding.
5. Discolored Teeth
Another method to test the health of your dog’s teeth can be to raise their lips and observe the color of the teeth. Are their teeth white, or do they show an orange or brown hue to their teeth? It is common to observe these changes in color on the back teeth of your dog as an indication of tartar accumulation. The periodontal condition can progress and get more severe as tartar accumulates around your gum line.
