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My puppy has a black tooth, bad breath, and red gums. Vet needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | unspayed

My 4 and a half month of dachshund puppy had a black tooth. It is a tooth further back, I think a moler and I think is making her breathe smell. Her gum around it looks a bit red and sore. Does anyone know what this is? And if I need to take her to the vets? Thanks Jenny

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2017

Poor Minnie. The black tooth is likely infected and the red gums indicate periodontal disease. She needs to go to your vet for a mouth exam and likely will need to have this area cleaned well and potentially have to have the tooth extracted. The vet may recommend dental x-rays for optimal care.
Until you can get her in you can rinse her mouth with pet formulated mouth wash to help with the odor and cut down in the infection. Best of luck at the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 27th, 2018
This sounds like your dog has either severe gingivitis or dental disease or a painful ulcer or injury in her mouth. I suggest you make an appointment with a vet to check her mouth and teeth. She may need a dental cleaning or other treatment too stop this pain. She may have to be sedated for the vet to be able to thoroughly examine her mouth. Please make an appointment with your or another vet on Tuesday.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident
Published on April 28th, 2018
Hello, and thanks so much for your question. So, yes without pictures I’m just going on experience and most common possibilities. The first to things that come to mind are severe gingivitis or mucositis. Mucositis usually is also accompanied by excessive, ropey drool, tight lips that are difficult to pull back, and also very painful.

What I can tell you is if Ella had bad breath, she needs to have her mouth evaluated. Doggie breath is a myth; no animal is supposed to have bad breath. Just like with people, it is an indication something is wrong.

A proper dental and oral evaluation of a pets mouth should include all the same things you have done at the dentist with the exception of general anesthesia. Unfortunately, there is not way to properly evaluate the mouths of patients without general anesthesia.

You can check www.avdc.org to locate the nearest veterinary dentist. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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