Dogs use their teeth a lot. When it comes to chewing, it seems like some dogs can’t ever get enough. Whether they’re obsessed with tug-of-war or gnawing their way through a series of chew toys, dogs need strong teeth for most of their favorite hobbies.
But since they use their teeth so much, dogs are also more prone to tooth fractures. In fact, broken teeth are one of the most common dental problems in dogs. Unfortunately, tooth fractures can also cause a lot of pain. Here’s how to tell if your dog has a broken tooth.
Dog Tooth Fractures Can Be Dangerous
Some chips and cracks are only superficial, and won’t cause your dog any pain. But if the tooth fracture exposes the dentin inside, it can lead to serious and extremely painful infections. Tooth fractures also allow infections to spread to other parts of a dog’s body. If the root of the tooth becomes infected, a tooth extraction and antibiotics may be necessary.
A Broken Tooth Is Extremely Painful
Dogs are usually pretty good at hiding their pain—it’s not until the pain becomes too extreme to bear that they start acting like something hurts. A tooth infection could make your dog lose interest in the toys and games they usually love. They might shy away from your touch when they were very affectionate before. Pain from a broken tooth can even make a dog refuse treats or stop eating altogether.
Broken Tooth Symptoms in Dogs
- Loss of appetite or refusing to eat
- Whimpering when eating or chewing on one side
- Behavioral changes like shying away from touches on the face, refusing treats, or ignoring their favorite chew toys
- Drooling, bad breath, or bloody saliva
- Facial swelling, pawing at the mouth, or teeth grinding
When you brush your dog’s teeth, keep an eye out for obvious cracks and chips, and check for dark spots on their teeth as well. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, make an appointment with your vet. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not your dog has a broken tooth and advise you on the best treatment.
Dogs Need Dental Care, Too
It’s always a good idea to schedule a teeth cleaning for your dog at least once a year. Regular cleanings can prevent tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, and dangerous infections, sparing your dog a lot of pain. However, many people hesitate to schedule dental cleanings because they don’t want their pet to have to go under anesthesia.
If you’re anxious about sedated dental care, it’s important to talk to a veterinarian that you trust. Teeth cleanings for dogs are a very common procedure, and a good vet will be able to answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease.
Expert Veterinary Dental Care in Gilbert, Arizona
Not only does Anasazi Animal Clinic offer superior veterinary dental care, we also have a reputation for kindness. We want all pets and their owners to feel safe in our clinic, and we treat all our patients with the same loving care that we give our own pets. If you would like to make an appointment, please send us a message or give us a call at 480-497-0505 today.
Photo by Camilo Fierro on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 1/16/2024.