In most cases, when something is wrong, we look it up.
Here are some pictures that can help you identify if your dog has teeth problems.
And you might save their life.
Pictures of Dog Teeth with Problems
- Identifying Oral Disease
- Recognizing Tooth Decay
- Detecting Gingivitis
Identifying Oral Disease
Oral disease in a dog is not hard to detect.
They show a lot of symptoms.
Their appetite decreases because most diseases cause pain.
They also may chew on one side if the pain is on one side.
Tartar is also known as calculus.
It is hardened mineralized plaque on the gumline and teeth.
It usually has a sticky bacterial film.
Over time it hardens and starts to smell bad.
The more it builds up the more problems it can cause.
This buildup can cause gingivitis.
This is the most common cause of another oral disease.
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.
This means that it’s the beginning of the inflammation process.
The first telling sign is red and swollen gums.
At this time, the dogs start avoiding food because of pain.
Periodontal disease follows after gingivitis.
This is a more advanced gingivitis.
It affects the supporting structures of the teeth, not just the gums.
This includes the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament.
The gums start to recede.
The teeth and gumline are covered in plaque.
The gums bleed heavily in both previous cases.
This can be noticed during dental cleaning.
With progression, the teeth will become loose and fall out.
Dog tooth abscess pictures can help identify this condition.
If you see it, take your dog to the vet. [1]
An abscess forms on the gums as a pocket of puss.
The gums around it are red and the top of the abscess is white.
Clinical signs are the same in humans and animals.
It can affect the root of the tooth.
This is a dangerous situation.
Bacteria in the pus pocket can travel through the blood.
This can cause problems for other organs.
The heart and kidneys are the most sensitive.
Checkout why certain dog teeth are doomed through these pictures.
Tooth decay and tooth loss are the last steps to infection.
The weakened structure can cause tooth loss.
At this point, the teeth are dark brown or black.
They are covered in tartar and smell bad.
They are loose and painful.
The teeth that can’t be saved with cleaning need to be extracted.
Recognizing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or cavities. [2]
A cavity is a common dental problem in dogs, just as it is in humans.
It’s crucial for dog owners to be vigilant and watch out for signs of dental issues.
The first thing you might notice is the difficulty while eating.
They will chew on one side only.
On the other side, the gums will be swollen.
The tooth itself will cause bad breath.
It will also be discolored. [3]
Because of the pain, your dog might display behavioral changes.
It’s best to extract this tooth.
Teeth extraction complication symptoms and be similar.
Keep that in mind after a procedure.
To notice these changes, it’s best to compare a photo of healthy teeth to diseased.
Detecting Gingivitis
Gingivitis is easy to detect.
Detecting it early is important to prevent other problems. [4]
Inflamed and warm gums are the key symptom.
They’re warm and painful to the touch.
The teeth surrounding it are usually covered in plaque.
The plaque is the reason for the inflammation.
The worst outcome in a dog is a carnassial tooth abscess.
This can lead to pain and guaranteed extraction. [5]
Importance of Professional Dog Dentistry
- Regular Check-ups
- Professional Cleaning Procedures
- Diagnostic Imaging
Regular Check-Ups
| Normal Tooth Root | Abscessed Tooth Root |
|---|---|
| Dental exam | 55-90$ |
| Dental cleaning | 170-350$ |
| Anesthesia and Tooth extraction | 600-1200$ |
| Pain medications | 5-50$ |
| Antibiotics | 10-20$ |
Help your dog by doing regular dental check-ups.
The vet will know what to give them to lower the pain. [6]
They will check all the teeth and mouth.
Dog teeth are usually resilient, especially with good dental care.
By doing this, you will prevent an abscessed tooth.
Check the gums above every incisor and canine tooth.
This is where you have easier access as an owner.
Professional Cleaning Procedures
Professional cleaning procedures start with a check-up. [7]
Then, if the pet is fully healthy, they’re put under anesthesia.
While under anesthesia, they’re monitored.
The anesthesia ensures the comfort of the pet.
You can do many things if your dog’s tooth falls out.
The first thing is to take them to the vet.
Once the dog is under anesthesia, a thorough examination is done.
This includes the gums and teeth.
It’s much easier for the vet to diagnose a problem this way.
They may also order an X-ray for more details.
The procedure usually starts with scaling.
It’s done with dental instruments.
These instruments clean the gum line and the tooth surface of the plaque.
This way, gingivitis, and periodontal disease are avoided. [8]
When the teeth are clean from plaque, probing starts.
This is how they check the gums.
Healthy gums usually don’t bleed.
The next step is polishing.
This is done to remove any residual plaque and make the teeth smooth.
Fluoride treatment is the last step.
Fluoride is used to strengthen the teeth and reduce sensitivity.
In severe dental cases, extraction and cleaning can be done with one anesthesia.
Recovery is done at home.
It takes 2 weeks for the wound of tooth extraction to heal.
Take them home to help with the healing process.
They will feel more comfortable in a place they know.
If your dog is still showing signs of pain after day 3, take them to the vet.
Diagnostic Imaging
For a detailed and correct diagnosis, an X-ray may be needed.
There is a variety of dental X-rays that can be done. [9]
Intraoral dental X-rays are done for a single tooth.
This is useful for diagnosing root abscesses.
A dog tooth abscess is a serious thing and should be treated immediately.
Extraoral X-rays have the same principle in humans and dogs.
Extraoral X-rays cover the jaw and skull.
They’re done to evaluate more teeth. [10]
Digital dental radiography is becoming more common these days.
It has more advantages.
The radiation levels are lower, and the image it gives is clearer.
Computed tomography is the most expensive of all techniques and gives 2D and 3D images.
Effects of Disease on Dog Jaw Structure
- Damage from Chronic Gingivitis
- Impact of Tooth Decay
- Consequences of Untreated Oral Disease
Damage from Chronic Gingivitis
Gingivitis is one of the leading causes of other dental problems.
Chronic gingivitis grows into periodontal disease.
The gums are infected and inflamed.
The infection can spread to the alveolar bone and the periodontal ligaments. [11]
The bacteria in the plaque releases acid.
That acid can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
The inflammation can grow to be so severe that the gums recede.
They become more sensitive as well.
In severe cases, abscesses can form.
Although this is a picture of humans, it is the same in pets.
Make sure to prevent tooth root infections and abscesses.
This is a threat to the systemic health of the animal. [12]
Impact of Tooth Decay
A painful tooth can reduce the quality of life.
It can lead to systemic issues and behavioral changes.
The side effects of bad teeth in dogs are also visible to the owners.
If a decaying tooth isn’t fixed or extracted, your dog can suffer.
Eating will become difficult.
They can become malnourished. [13]
Gingivitis and abscesses are possible as well.
The decaying tooth almost always leads to halitosis.
Consequences of Untreated Oral Disease
Consequences can be dire. [14]
Aside from gum infections and pain, your pet can have other side effects.
Sinus infections are common, especially in decaying teeth and abscesses.
Oral bacteria can also travel through the blood and cause heart and kidney disease.
They can be life-threatening.
Behavioral changes and eating difficulty should be your sign to go to the vet.
We are aware that surgical procedures like tooth abscesses can cost a lot.
But, sometimes, it is the only solution.
Are Pictures of Serious Dog Problems Important?
Yes, pictures of serious dog problems are important.
This will help you determine some underlying health issues.
However, vet checking is the most recommended approach for dental issues.
References
