Fractured Teeth in Dogs: An Overview
Dog Breeds
Broken or fractured teeth are not uncommon in active dogs. The teeth are very hard, but rock chewing and traumatic impact commonly lead to breakage. Chewing on wire fences, cage doors, or ice cubes sometimes also result in tooth fractures.
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Introduction
Obviously, “fractured teeth” are teeth that are broken in some part or fashion. Fractured teeth are not uncommon in domestic dogs. Teeth are tough, but rock chewing and trauma can chip or otherwise fracture canine teeth.
How Fractured Teeth Affect Dogs
A dog’s canine tooth has a very long root below the gum line. Infections of the teeth of the upper arcade can extend deep into underlying tissues, and can even infect the nasal cavities that lie directly above. Nasal discharge, sneezing and even a “bloody nose” can occur. Affected teeth, whether in the upper or lower arcade, may fall out or need to be extracted after being fractured. Fractured teeth normally cause significant pain in dogs. They may drool excessively, chew on the side of their mouth away from the fractured tooth, shake their head, rub their face with their paws, and perhaps have a reduced appetite or change in general attitude. Not all dogs show obvious signs of discomfort from a fractured tooth.
Causes of Fractured Teeth in Dogs
Tooth fractures are caused either by trauma or by chewing rocks, wire fences, cages or other hard objects. Inside each tooth is a passage-way called the “pulp canal.” A tooth fracture may only involve the outer tooth layers (enamel and dentin), but if a break results in loss of the crown of the tooth or goes deeper, the pulp canal can be left open to the mouth and provide an entry point for bacteria. Bacteria from the oral cavity can travel through the opened pulp canal to the tooth root, and from there can gain entry into the surrounding tissues and blood vessels. Through circulation, bacteria can travel throughout the body and cause systemic infection. Usually, however, they remain locally and cause infection in and abscess of the tooth root. If a local infection occurs, or if a heavy impact led to the tooth fracture, the tooth often will lose vitality and die. When a tooth “dies”, its normal white color will turn a dull grayish-brown. Once this happens, the tooth normally is no longer painful for the dog.
Preventing Fractured Teeth in Dogs
Dogs normally only fracture their teeth by chewing on something hard or having trauma to their face. Prevention of fractured teeth requires preventing these predisposing causes.
Special Notes
If you notice a fractured tooth in your dog’s mouth, please seek veterinary advice. If only a small tooth tip is lost, sometimes a filling of amalgam or acrylic can be used to restore or cap the tooth crown. Metal may be chosen since it withstands canine wear and tear. Sometimes, the tooth can be saved by a root canal. If the tooth is just chipped on the outer surface, your veterinarian may use a dental bur or sander to smooth the sharp margins so that the ragged tooth edges do not cut the dog’s tongue.
Symptoms and Types