How do dogs get their teeth broken?
Dogs can fracture their teeth in various ways. Chewing on hard objects like bones, antlers, rocks, or even some dog toys can lead to a chipped tooth or a more severe break.
Accidents like rough play or falls can also result in a dog's broken tooth. Additionally, certain dental conditions, like tooth decay or periodontal disease, can weaken teeth and make them more susceptible to fractures.
Symptoms of a Broken Tooth in Dogs
Recognizing a dog tooth fracture can be challenging, especially if the break is not immediately visible. However, there are several signs and symptoms to watch for:
- If your dog is drooling more than usual, it could indicate oral pain.
- A fractured tooth can make eating uncomfortable or painful, decreasing appetite.
- Dogs often paw at their mouth when something bothers them.
- Look for swelling around the mouth or face.
- A broken tooth may appear discolored, indicating damage.
- You might notice bleeding from the mouth or gums.
If you notice any of these, a trip to the vet for a dental examination might be necessary.
Is a broken dog tooth an emergency?
Depending on the severity, a dog tooth fracture can be a dental emergency. If the fracture exposes the tooth's pulp (the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels), it can be extremely painful and prone to infection. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is necessary to prevent further complications.
What are some treatment options for fixing broken teeth?
Most broken teeth require treatment to function painlessly. Ignoring the situation will result in the tooth being sensitive and painful. If the nerve is exposed, there are usually two options: root canal therapy or extraction. The tooth can be repaired without root canal therapy if the nerve is not exposed.
Root Canal: An X-ray of the tooth assesses the surrounding bone and validates the root's integrity. The unhealthy tissue inside the root canal is removed during a root canal. Instruments clean, disinfect and fill the root canal to prevent further bacterial infection and save the tooth. The long-term outcomes of root canal therapy are generally excellent.
Vital Pulp Therapy: In younger dogs (under 18 months), vital pulp therapy may be used on freshly broken teeth. A layer of pulp is removed to eliminate surface microorganisms and inflammatory tissue. A medicated dressing is applied to the newly exposed pulp to promote healing. Teeth treated with this method may require root canal therapy in the future.
Tooth Extraction: The other option is to extract damaged teeth. However, most veterinarians will attempt to avoid extracting cracked but otherwise healthy teeth if possible. Removing huge canine and chewing teeth requires oral surgery, similar to removing impacted wisdom teeth in human patients.
What to Do if Your Dog Fractures a Tooth
If you suspect your dog has a fractured tooth, it's important to act promptly:
- Gently examine your dog's mouth for any visible signs of a fracture.
- Observe your dog for the symptoms mentioned above.
- Prevent your dog from chewing on hard objects that could worsen the injury.
- Maintain oral hygiene by gently cleaning the area around the broken tooth with a soft, damp cloth.
- Watch for any changes in behavior, such as increased pain or signs of infection.
How can I prevent my dog from fracturing teeth?
Examine your dog's chew toys and snacks. Remove all bones, antlers, cow hoofs, nylon chews, and pizzle sticks from the house. Throw away any chews or toys that are difficult to bend. To help you determine what is safe for your dog to chew. or check for items bearing the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.