Broken teeth in dogs: Identification, causes, and treatment

A broken tooth in a dog is a common injury that can lead to significant discomfort and potential complications if not addressed promptly. Understanding the signs, causes, and available treatments is essential for maintaining your dog’s oral health.

Recognising a broken tooth in your dog

Dogs may not always show obvious signs of dental pain, but indicators of a broken tooth can include:

  • Pain around the mouth
  • Bleeding around mouth, muzzle
  • Continuous licking
  • Inability or unwillingness to eat
  • Bad breath
  • In some cases you may be able to see the exposed pulp cavity (red or bleeding spot in the centre of the tooth).

Common causes of broken teeth

Several factors can contribute to tooth fractures in dogs, including:

  • Chewing on hard objects:
    • Bones, sticks, rocks, or hard toys
  • Trauma:
    • Accidents such as being hit by a vehicle or falling from a height
    • Fights with other animals
  • Dental disease:
    • Weakened teeth due to decay or infection

It’s also normal for deciduous (baby) teeth to fall out during teething; however, if a permanent tooth is broken or lost, it requires attention.

Immediate steps to take if your dog has a broken tooth

  1. Where pulp exposure occurs, seek attention from your veterinarian immediately as the tooth may be saved.
  2. If a tooth falls out of the mouth intact it may be possible for this to be reimplanted by a veterinarian. The tooth should be kept moist – ideally in saline, but if this is not available, low-fat milk can be used).
  3. Tooth fractures and avulsions are painful and veterinary attention should be sought as soon as possible.

Treatment for broken teeth

Veterinary treatment involves inspection of the teeth and oral cavity, often under anaesthesia. Dental x-rays may be performed.

Where pulp exposure occurs, the tooth may be saved by a procedure called vital pulp therapy, or by root canal therapy, ideally performed within 48 hours of pulp exposure.

Where a tooth is avulsed it may be reimplanted and splinted.

In many cases, fractured teeth require extraction under general anaesthesia. This is a good opportunity for your veterinarian to check the other teeth and perform a scale and polish.

Antibiotics and pain relief are prescribed as needed.

 

Concerned about your dog’s broken tooth? Contact Lort Smith for help

If you suspect your dog has a broken tooth, don’t delay. You can also call or book an appointment online for our North Melbourne or Campbellfield clinics.

References

Gracis M (2009) Tooth displacement injuries. In Clinical Veterinary Advisor Dogs and Cats ed. Etienne Cote. St Louis: Mosby Elsevier, pp1090-1091.

Lewis JR (2009) Tooth fractures. In Clinical Veterinary Advisor Dogs and Cats ed. Etienne Cote. St Louis: Mosby Elsevier, pp1091-1092.