Could your dog have a tooth abscess? How to spot the signs and what to do

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your dog’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 5 October 2026.

A tooth abscess in dogs occurs when bacteria enter a damaged or diseased tooth and cause an infection around the tooth root. It’s a painful condition, and while it can sound alarming, the good news is that there are treatment options available.

The tricky part? Dogs don’t always show obvious signs when they’re in pain. That’s why knowing the signs to look out for can make a real difference.

In this article, we’ll cover what causes a tooth abscess in dogs, the signs to watch for, how vets diagnose and treat it, and what you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

Table of contents

• What is a tooth abscess in dogs?
• What causes a tooth abscess in dogs?
• Signs of a tooth abscess in dogs
• How is a tooth abscess in dogs diagnosed and treated?
• What can happen if a tooth abscess in dogs is left untreated?
• Tips to help prevent tooth abscesses in dogs
• Pet insurance and its role in your dog’s dental care

What is a tooth abscess in dogs?

A tooth abscess forms when bacteria get inside a tooth or work their way below the gum line, causing an infection around the tooth root. As that infection develops, it can cause swelling, pain, and the formation of a pus-filled pocket called an abscess.

Dental disease is much more common in dogs than many pet parents might expect, with around 80% of dogs showing some level of dental disease by the time they’re three years old. A tooth abscess can often develop as dental disease progresses, or as the result of a tooth injury, rather than appearing suddenly.

What causes a tooth abscess in dogs?

There are two main ways a tooth abscess can develop in dogs: through a damaged tooth or long-term gum disease.

A fractured or damaged tooth

Dogs can crack or fracture a tooth by chewing on things that are simply too hard for their teeth, such as bones, antlers, hooves, or ice cubes, or as a result of an injury or accident.

There’s a simple way to check whether something might be too hard: if you can’t make a dent in it with your fingernail, it may be too hard for your dog to chew. If you’re choosing dental chews for your dog, look for products that have been assessed for their dental benefits, such as those listed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), and always select a chew that is an appropriate size for your dog’s age, size and chewing habits.

When a fracture is severe enough to expose the pulp (the tissue containing the tooth’s nerves and blood supply), bacteria can reach it directly. The pulp can then become inflamed or infected and eventually die, which can lead to an abscess forming at the root, along with swelling and pain.

Periodontal (gum) disease

A tooth abscess can also develop as a complication of periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support the tooth, including the gum and the bone underneath.

As periodontal disease progresses, the infection can travel down towards the root and eventually form an abscess.

Other contributing factors for periodontal disease include genetics, tooth crowding, diet, and how consistently a dog’s teeth are cleaned.

Signs of a tooth abscess in dogs

A tooth abscess isn’t always easy to spot. Your dog may seem like their usual self at first, so it’s worth paying attention to small changes in how they eat, behave, or use their mouth.

Some signs to look out for include:

• Bad breath.
• Reluctance to eat, or eating more slowly or carefully than normal.
• Chewing only on one side of the mouth.
• Pawing or rubbing at the face or mouth.
• Swelling on the face, sometimes below or around the eye.
• A tooth that looks discoloured (pink, purple, grey, or dull).
• Visible drainage or a small lump on the gum near a tooth.
• Excessive drooling or sensitivity around the mouth.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth arranging a vet visit so your dog can be assessed, rather than waiting to see whether things settle down on their own.

How is a tooth abscess in dogs diagnosed and treated?

Your vet will start by taking a thorough look inside your dog’s mouth. Because a full dental examination and any imaging usually require your dog to stay still and pain-free, this is generally done under general anaesthesia.

Dental X-rays can help your vet see what’s happening below the gumline, including signs of infection around the tooth’s root. If an abscess has only recently developed, though, it may not always show up on an X-ray straight away.

Treatment will depend on your dog and the affected tooth. Your vet may discuss options such as root canal treatment or removing the tooth, and will recommend an approach based on your dog’s individual needs.

Medication, including antibiotics, may also be recommended in some circumstances. However, antibiotics alone don’t address the underlying problem with the affected tooth, so your vet will advise you on the most appropriate treatment for your dog.

What can happen if a tooth abscess in dogs is left untreated?

Unfortunately, a tooth abscess is unlikely to get better on its own. The infection can continue to damage the bone and tissue supporting the tooth, potentially affecting neighbouring teeth as well.

There’s also the pain itself to consider. Dogs can’t tell us when something hurts, so an abscess that goes unnoticed could leave your dog experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort.

Tips to help prevent tooth abscesses in dogs

While not every tooth abscess can be prevented, looking after your dog’s dental health can help reduce the risk of problems that may lead to one:

• Brush your dog’s teeth regularly using a pet-safe toothpaste. Daily brushing is ideal where possible.
• Have your dog’s dental health checked regularly by a vet to help identify any problems before they become more serious.
• Avoid giving your dog very hard chew items, such as bones, antlers, hooves or ice cubes, which can crack teeth.
• Ask your vet whether a dental diet could be appropriate for your dog.
• Consider dental chews or toys designed to help manage plaque and tartar. If you’re choosing dental chews for your dog, look for products that have been assessed for their dental benefits, such as those listed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) and ask your vet what’s suitable for your dog.

Pet insurance and its role in your dog’s dental care

Dental problems, including tooth abscesses, can mean an unexpected trip to the vet. Research commissioned by RSPCA Pet Insurance found that one in three Australian pet owners have delayed a vet visit due to financial pressure, which can be a difficult position to find yourself in when your dog is in pain.

That’s where pet insurance can help, covering a portion of eligible vet bills, so you don’t have to face them alone.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can also customise your dog’s cover to suit their needs and your budget by choosing the annual cover limit, benefit percentage, excess, and optional extras that work for you, all while supporting the RSPCA’s animal welfare work.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your dog, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can get a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

 

References

[1] RSPCA Australia. Importance of dental health. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/importance-dental-health/

[2] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Risks from a fractured tooth. Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/risks-fractured-tooth

[3] Merck Veterinary Manual. Endodontic Disease in Small Animals. Available from: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/dentistry-in-small-animals/endodontic-disease-in-small-animals

[4] Merck Veterinary Manual. Periodontal Disease in Small Animals. Available from: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/dentistry-in-small-animals/periodontal-disease-in-small-animals

[5] American Animal Hospital Association. Therapeutic antimicrobial use in the clinical setting. Available from: https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aafpaaha-antimicrobial-stewardship-guidelines/therapeutic-antimicrobial-use-in-the-clinical-setting/

Further sources

[1] RSPCA Australia. How should I take care of my cat or dog’s teeth? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-should-i-take-care-of-my-cat-or-dogs-teeth