🦷 Fractured Teeth in Dogs and Cats: A 2025 Vet Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention 🐶🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Fractured teeth are a common dental issue in both dogs and cats. Often caused by chewing hard objects or accidents, tooth fractures can be painful and may lead to infections if untreated. In this guide, I’ll help you recognize the signs of a fractured tooth, understand treatment options, and prevent future problems. 🩺🪥

💥 What Causes Tooth Fractures in Pets?

Tooth fractures happen when pets experience trauma to the mouth, which might occur during:

• 🪵 Chewing on hard objects (bones, antlers, rocks, hard toys)
• 🐕 Rough play or fights with other animals
• 🚗 Accidents or falls

These fractures can range from minor chips to deep cracks that expose the pulp (the sensitive inner layer). Pulp exposure is especially painful and puts your pet at risk for infection or tooth abscess. 🚨

🔍 Recognizing the Signs

Pets with fractured teeth may show no outward signs at first. But you might notice:

• 🍽️ Chewing on only one side of the mouth
• 🐾 Dropping food while eating
• 👋 Avoiding having their face or mouth touched
• 🤕 Pawing at the mouth
• 💨 Facial swelling (especially under the eye)

Even if your pet seems to eat normally, don’t assume they’re pain-free. Many pets hide discomfort. 😔

🩺 How Are Fractured Teeth Diagnosed?

If you suspect a fracture, your veterinarian will begin with a thorough oral exam. If your pet doesn’t tolerate the exam, sedation may be necessary for a clear view. 🧐

🔬 Additional Diagnostics May Include:

• 🩻 Dental X-rays: To check for pulp exposure, infection, or root damage
• 🧪 Oral probing: To detect hidden cracks or abscesses

🛠️ Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how deep the fracture goes:

🟢 Minor Chips (No Pulp Exposure)

• 📋 Monitor with annual dental checkups and X-rays
• 🪥 Regular brushing and home dental care

🔴 Major Fractures (Pulp Exposed)

• 🦷 Root Canal Therapy: Performed by a board-certified veterinary dentist. Saves the tooth but requires follow-up monitoring
• 🪓 Tooth Extraction: Often recommended if the tooth is loose or severely damaged

Both procedures require general anesthesia and are considered minor to moderate surgical procedures. Most pets recover quickly. ✅

🧼 Aftercare and Recovery

After surgery or extraction:

• 💊 Pain relief and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed
• 🍲 Soft food for a few days
• 🧼 Gentle mouth care to keep the area clean

Most pets bounce back within a week and show . 💖

🛡️ Preventing Tooth Fractures

🚫 Avoid Unsafe Chew Toys

Use the “thumbnail test” — if you can’t dent the chew with your nail, it’s likely too hard. Avoid:

• 🦴 Bones (especially cooked bones)
• 🦌 Antlers and hooves
• 🏐 Rocks or hard plastic toys

🪥 Promote Oral Health

• 🪥 Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste
• 🦴 VOHC-approved dental treats
• 📅 Regular dental checkups

💡 Dogs love to chew — provide safe options like rubber toys or soft dental chews. 🧸

📈 Prognosis

• ✅ Good prognosis if treated early
• 🔁 Untreated fractures can cause ongoing pain, infection, and loss of surrounding teeth or bone

With the right treatment, your dog or cat can return to normal eating and play behavior — pain-free! 🐾

📱 Ask A Vet for Support

Not sure if it’s a fracture? Need help managing a dental recovery? Use the Ask A Vet App to:

• 📷 Upload photos of suspected dental damage
• 💬 Get advice on treatment plans
• 📆 Track recovery and medications

Visit AskAVet.com for personalized help and peace of mind. 🐶🐱

🧠 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Fractured teeth in dogs and cats are painful — even if they seem “fine.” Prompt care makes all the difference. 🦷

By avoiding hard chews, monitoring for subtle signs, and maintaining great dental hygiene, you can protect your pet’s smile for life. 🐾🪥