Do Dogs Get Toothaches: 10 Causes, Signs, Prevention & Treatment

Do Dogs Get Toothaches? Ever wondered if dogs can get toothaches? Toothaches in dogs are more common than you might think.

In this post, we’ll explore ten causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of toothaches in our furry companions.

Let’s dive in and learn how to keep those canine smiles healthy and pain-free.

Do Dogs Get Toothaches

Yes, dogs can experience toothaches. Just like humans, dogs can develop dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and infections that can lead to toothaches.

It’s important to pay attention to signs of dental discomfort in dogs, such as reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth, drooling more than usual, or exhibiting signs of pain when chewing.

Regular dental care, including brushing your dog’s teeth and providing dental chews, can help prevent toothaches and maintain good oral health for your furry friend.

Causes Of Toothaches In Dogs

The following are causes of toothaches in dogs:

1. Plaque and Tartar Build-Up: Accumulation of plaque and tartar can lead to periodontal disease, causing toothaches in dogs.

Plaque and tartar build-up are common causes of toothaches in dogs.

When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on a dog’s teeth, it can harden into tartar.

This build-up can lead to gum inflammation, tooth decay, and ultimately toothaches.

Regular dental care, such as brushing your dog’s teeth and providing dental chews, can help prevent the formation of plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of toothaches and promoting overall dental health for your furry friend.

2. Tooth Fractures: Broken or fractured teeth can expose the sensitive inner layers, leading to pain and discomfort.

Tooth fractures in dogs can be caused by chewing on hard objects like bones or rocks.

The pressure exerted on the teeth can lead to cracks or breaks, causing pain and discomfort for the dog.

Regular dental check-ups and avoiding giving dogs hard objects to chew on can help prevent tooth fractures and subsequent toothaches.

3. Gum Disease: Inflammation of the gums can progress to periodontal disease, causing toothaches. Gum disease in dogs is a leading cause of toothaches.

It occurs when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums.

This can progress to periodontal disease, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor bacteria.

Over time, this can cause tooth decay, pain, and potential tooth loss in dogs.

Regular dental care and professional cleanings can help prevent gum disease and its associated toothaches in dogs.

4. Tooth Abscess: Infections in the tooth can result in abscesses, causing severe pain for dogs.

Tooth abscess in dogs can be caused by advanced periodontal disease or a cracked tooth.

Bacteria can enter through the tooth’s enamel, causing infection and inflammation.

This can lead to severe pain and discomfort for the dog, often resulting in difficulty eating or chewing.

Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene can help prevent tooth abscesses in dogs.

5. Tooth Decay: Similar to humans, dogs can also experience tooth decay, leading to toothaches.

Tooth decay in dogs is often caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on their teeth.

This can lead to bacterial infections that damage the enamel, resulting in cavities and toothaches.

Poor dental hygiene, such as a lack of regular brushing or dental cleanings, can exacerbate the problem.

It’s essential to monitor your dog’s dental health and address any signs of tooth decay promptly to prevent further complications.

6. Foreign Objects: Objects stuck between teeth or lodged in the gums can cause toothaches for dogs.

Foreign objects can be a common cause of toothaches in dogs.

This can include items like sticks, bones, or toys that can get lodged in between teeth or even break a tooth.

When foreign objects are left in the mouth, they can lead to inflammation, infection, or dental fractures, causing discomfort and pain for the dog.

Regular dental check-ups and providing appropriate chew toys can help prevent these issues and keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

7. Oral Tumors: Tumors in the mouth can put pressure on surrounding teeth, resulting in toothaches.

Oral tumors in dogs can be a common cause of toothaches.

These tumors can develop in various parts of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, or palate.

As they grow, they can put pressure on nearby teeth, leading to pain and discomfort for the dog.

Regular dental check-ups and early detection are crucial to address oral tumors promptly and prevent further complications.

7. Tooth Eruption: Pain can occur when new teeth are erupting in puppies or due to retained deciduous teeth.

Tooth eruption is a common cause of toothaches in dogs.

Just like in humans, when puppies are teething and adult teeth are erupting, it can cause discomfort and pain.

This process can lead to inflammation and sensitivity in the gums, resulting in toothaches for our furry friends.

8. Misaligned Teeth: Crooked or misaligned teeth can cause abnormal pressure, resulting in toothaches.

Misaligned teeth in dogs can lead to toothaches. When a dog’s teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause pressure and discomfort in the mouth, leading to pain and potential dental issues.

Regular dental check-ups and proper dental care are essential to address misaligned teeth and prevent toothaches in dogs.

9. Bruxism: Excessive grinding of teeth can wear down enamel, leading to toothaches in dogs.

Bruxism in dogs, the grinding or clenching of teeth, can lead to toothaches.

This behavior is often linked to stress, anxiety, or dental issues.

Dogs may grind their teeth in response to pain or discomfort, causing tooth sensitivity and potential dental problems.

Regular dental check-ups and addressing underlying stress factors can help alleviate toothaches caused by bruxism in dogs.

10. Infections: Infections in a dog’s mouth can lead to toothaches.

These infections are often caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can result in gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Bacteria from these infections can then spread to the tooth roots, causing pain and discomfort for the dog.

Regular dental care, such as brushing your dog’s teeth and providing dental treats, can help prevent these infections and reduce the risk of toothaches.

Read more: Can Dogs Get Cavities: 9 Causes, Symptoms & Dental Care For Dogs

Symptoms Of Toothaches In Dogs

The following are the symptoms of toothaches in dogs:

Difficulty eating: Dogs may show reluctance to eat or chew on one side of their mouth, indicating discomfort.
Pawing at the mouth: Dogs may paw at their mouth or face to try to alleviate the pain.
Drooling: Excessive drooling is a common symptom of dental issues in dogs.
Bad breath: Foul breath can indicate tooth decay or gum disease in dogs.
Swollen or bleeding gums: Inflamed or bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease.
Tooth discoloration: Discolored teeth can signal underlying dental problems in dogs.
Chattering or grinding teeth: Dogs may exhibit abnormal teeth grinding or chattering due to pain.
Facial swelling: Swelling around the face or jaw can indicate a severe toothache.
Loss of appetite: Dogs with toothaches may lose interest in their food.
Lethargy: Dental pain can make dogs feel unwell and lethargic.

Prevention Of Toothaches In Dogs

Prevention of Toothaches in dogs are as follows below:

Regular Brushing: Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help prevent plaque buildup and toothaches.
Dental Chews: Providing your dog with dental chews can help reduce tartar and plaque, reducing the risk of toothaches.
Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet can help catch any dental issues early on, preventing toothaches.
Proper Diet: Feeding your dog a balanced diet can support dental health and prevent toothaches.
Water Additives: Using water additives designed for dental health can help reduce bacteria in your dog’s mouth, preventing toothaches.

By incorporating these preventative measures into your dog’s routine, you can help keep their teeth healthy and reduce the chances of them experiencing toothaches.

Treatment Of Toothaches In Dogs

Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate your dog’s discomfort from a toothache.
Dental Cleaning: Professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian can address the underlying causes of toothaches.
Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, extraction of the affected tooth may be necessary to relieve the pain.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat any infections associated with the toothache.
Soft Food Diet: Switching to a soft food diet can help reduce discomfort while eating.
Dental Chews: Chewing on dental treats or toys can help improve dental health and alleviate toothache symptoms.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help prevent toothaches by addressing dental issues early on.
Home Care: Maintaining good dental hygiene at home, such as brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, can help prevent toothaches.
Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help soothe the pain.
Consulting a Veterinarian: If your dog is experiencing persistent toothache, it is essential to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment options.