How dogs get fractured teeth
Owning a dog is incredibly fun, entertaining, and cosy. But it also comes with a lot of responsibility, especially when it comes to your dog's health and well-being.
Dogs are individuals with minds of their own. As they can't tell us what they need, they often show us by simply doing things. This means they can be prone to accidents. Fractured teeth, for example, aren't uncommon. Here's everything you need to know about fractured teeth in dogs!
Your dog's teeth
Let's start with how a dog's teeth are structured. Like a cat's, a dog's teeth have enamel and dentin. In the centre is the pulp, containing nerves and blood supply. Think of it like your dog's claws, with a protective 'shell' around the sensitive core.
When part of a dog's tooth breaks off, it's called a fracture. The consequences can vary depending on how severe it is – the deeper the break into the tooth and pulp, the more serious the issue.
Why do teeth fracture?
So what causes these fractures? Dogs love to chew, but surely it takes a lot for a tooth to actually break or get damaged?
Actually, dogs' teeth are quite sensitive. A single bite or chew on a hard object can cause a fracture. Dogs can also fracture their teeth by chewing on very hard bones, rocks, or sticks.
Can I reduce the risk of fractures?
A good rule of thumb to reduce the risk of fractures: if you can make a dent in an object with your thumbnail, it's likely safe for your dog to chew. If you can't make a mark without it hurting your nail, the object is too hard and could cause a fracture.
Of course, you can't always monitor or test everything your dog chews, especially outdoors when they find interesting things on the ground. Just do your best to prevent them from biting into anything too hard.
Symptoms of a fractured tooth
How do you know if your dog has a fracture, or if it's just a minor injury? Often, you'll see the damage immediately if they bite down on something hard while you're watching.
Another sign is if your dog seems to be struggling to eat due to pain, which isn't usually a problem. If they're eating less than normal, have an unusual chewing pattern, or show irritation in their mouth, contact your vet for an examination. Remember that fractures can present differently depending on the injury.
If you suspect a tooth fracture, a good first step is to compare the damaged tooth to the corresponding one on the other side. As a Lassie customer, you also have unlimited access to our digital vet service.
