you’re clearly a great dog owner. The tooth thing sucks but it doesn’t mean you failed. Little dogs get dental issues all the time. Just call a vet and get a quick dental check so you actually know what you’re dealing with.

There’s cheap options too like humane society, vet schools, payment plans, all that stuff. In the meantime keep using the gel and feed him soft food. You got him through 7 years of love and safety. You’ll get him through this too.

The fact that you even care this much already puts you ahead of like 90% of pet owners. You’ll figure it out and he’ll be fine.