The Hidden Dangers of Poor Dental Health in Pets: Grace’s Story & More
- Marivic
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Dental health is just as important for our pets as it is for us, yet it’s often overlooked until a serious issue arises. Today, we’re sharing the story of Grace, a sweet pup who suffered from a tooth root abscess, along with another common dental issue—slab fractures. These cases highlight why routine dental care is essential for our furry friends.
Grace’s Story: A Painful Tooth Root Abscess
Grace’s owners noticed she had been drooling more than usual and seemed hesitant to eat her favourite treats. Upon examination, we discovered she had a tooth root abscess, a painful condition caused by an infected tooth. Left untreated, this could have led to severe discomfort, jawbone damage, and systemic infections.
What possibly caused it?
Bacteria entered a cracked or damaged tooth, leading to infection.
Over time, the infection spread deep into the tooth root, forming an abscess.
Treatment:
Grace underwent dental X-rays to assess the damage.
The affected tooth was extracted to remove the source of infection.
She received antibiotics and pain relief to aid her recovery.
After her treatment, Grace was back to her happy, playful self! Her story is a reminder of how important it is to watch for subtle signs of dental pain in pets.
Another Common Dental Issue: Slab Fractures
Another painful dental condition we frequently see in dogs is a slab fracture of the upper carnassial tooth—a large chewing tooth in the upper jaw. This occurs when dogs chew on very hard objects like bones, antlers, or hooves. A good rule of thumb? If you wouldn’t want it hitting your knee, don’t let your dog chew on it!
Why is this a problem?
A slab fracture often exposes the pulp of the tooth (visible as a pink spot), allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection.
If untreated, this leads to pulpitis, followed by necrosis, abscesses, and chronic pain.
Treatment options:
Vital Pulpotomy – Preserves the living pulp but is only effective in very young dogs (<18 months) and within 48 hours of injury.
Root Canal Therapy – Removes all pulp and seals the tooth, preserving function while eliminating infection.
Extraction – Necessary for severely damaged or infected teeth to prevent further pain and complications.
How to Keep Your Pet’s Dental Health On Top
The best way to avoid dental issues like Grace’s abscess or slab fractures is preventative care! Here’s how:
Annual dental check-ups – Regular vet visits can catch issues early.
Avoid hard chews – Stick to vet-approved dental treats and toys.
Brush their teeth – Daily brushing helps prevent plaque buildup.
Monitor for signs of pain – Watch for drooling, bad breath, or reluctance to eat.
At Paddington Vet, we offer dental check-ups, X-rays, extractions, and advanced treatments to keep your pet’s smile healthy. If you’ve noticed any signs of dental discomfort in your pet, don’t wait—book a dental assessment today!
📞 Call us at +61 7 3367 3294 to schedule a consultation.
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