Canine Fractured Teeth in 2025: Vet-Approved Guide 🦷🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

📌 What Is a Fractured Tooth in Dogs?

A fractured tooth happens when the enamel and underlying structures of a dog's tooth break or chip. These injuries often involve the dentin or even the pulp—the soft, inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp is exposed, it’s not only painful but also an open invitation for infection. 🚨🦠

🔍 What Causes Dog Teeth to Break?

Common culprits include:

• Chewing overly hard items like bones, antlers, rocks, or ice 🪨🍖
• Facial trauma—falls, car accidents, or blunt force 🚗😥
• Pre-existing dental disease that weakens the tooth 🦷🧬

👀 Signs Your Dog Might Have a Broken Tooth

Dogs are experts at hiding pain, so be on the lookout for:

• Visible cracks, chips, or blood at the gumline 😬
• Discoloration—gray, brown, or pink teeth 🎨
• Reluctance to eat, especially hard food 🐕🍽️
• Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or head shyness 🐾🤕
• Bad breath (a sign of infection) 🦠👃

🩺 Diagnosis: What Will Your Vet Do?

Diagnosing a fractured tooth typically involves:

• Oral exam (sometimes under sedation or anesthesia) 🛌🔎
• Dental X-rays to assess root and pulp damage 🩻
• Bloodwork to ensure your pup can safely undergo treatment 🧪❤️

🔧 Treatment Options

Treatment depends on whether the pulp is exposed:

✅ Minor Fractures (No Pulp Exposure):

• Smoothing rough edges
• Dental bonding or sealants for protection 🛡️🦷

🚨 Major Fractures (Pulp Exposed):

• Vital pulp therapy: ideal within 48 hours of injury
• Root canal: preserves the tooth while removing infected pulp
• Tooth extraction: necessary if the damage is too severe

🏥 Tooth Extraction: What to Expect

For multi-rooted teeth like molars, extraction may involve sectioning the tooth and suturing the site. Most dogs go home the same day with antibiotics and pain relief. 🩹💊

🔄 Recovery & Home Care Tips

• Offer soft food for 10–14 days 🍲
• No hard toys or chews during recovery 🧸🚫
• Administer pain meds and antibiotics as prescribed 💊⏱️
• Monitor for swelling, bleeding, or unusual behavior 🩺

🛡️ How to Prevent Broken Teeth

• Use the thumbnail test—if you can't press your nail into it, it's too hard! 👍🦴
• Choose safe chew toys (look for VOHC-approved options) ✅🎾
• Brush your dog’s teeth daily 🪥
• Schedule professional cleanings with dental X-rays 📆🦷

📈 Prognosis: What’s the Outlook?

With early intervention and proper care, most dogs recover quickly and comfortably. Untreated fractures, however, can lead to chronic pain, abscesses, and systemic infection. Don’t delay—your dog deserves a pain-free smile! 😁🐾

📞 When to Call Your Vet Immediately

• Visible pulp or a red/pink dot in the tooth center 🟥
• Facial swelling or drainage from the mouth 😷
• Sudden loss of appetite or mood change ⚠️

Need quick answers or worried about a possible tooth fracture? Connect with a vet anytime on the Ask A Vet app 📱. It's a fast, stress-free way to get professional advice from your home 🏡.