What are Fractured Teeth in Dogs?

Introduction

During a lively game of fetch at the local dog park, Jack couldn’t help but admire his energetic German Shepherd, Thor, as he enthusiastically chased after the ball. As the sun began to set, they headed home, both tired but content. As Jack refilled Thor’s water bowl, he noticed a tiny piece of what appeared to be a tooth. Alarmed, he checked Thor’s mouth and discovered a fractured tooth, causing him concern for his beloved companion’s well-being.

Fractured teeth are small pieces of bone that break off inside a dog’s mouth. They usually occur when a dog bites hard on another animal or object.

They’re not painful unless the dog continues to chew at them. The most common cause of fractured teeth is excessive chewing. But sometimes, a dog may bite down too hard on its tongue or cheek.

Because fractured teeth are often found during routine oral exams, many veterinarians recommend examining your pet every six months. This allows your vet to catch any problems early before they become serious.

Types of Fractured Teeth in Dogs

Tooth fractures are common in dogs. They can cause severe pain and discomfort, especially when chewing. Here are the three types of tooth fractures in dogs:

1. Pulp exposure – The pulp chamber becomes exposed through a crack in the enamel. This injury usually occurs when a dog bites hard enough to break the enamel.
2. Enamel fracture – The enamel cracks, exposing the dentin. This injury typically results from the excessive force being applied to the teeth during play.
3. Dentinal fracture – The dentine breaks away from the root surface. This type of injury often happens when a dog chews down on its teeth.

Causes of a Fractured Teeth in Dogs

“Fractures of the enamel,” says Dr. Brian K. Johnson, DMD, MS, DACBN, DACOI, “are usually caused by external trauma.” He explains that enamel is the hardest substance found in the body. “Enamel is very brittle, and it breaks easily under stress. So when you bite down hard enough, you can crack it.”

The most common cause of enamel fracture is a dog’s aggressive behavior. For example, if a dog bites another animal, he may accidentally damage his tooth enamel. Another reason for enamel fractures is excessive playtime. For example, a playful puppy might chew on toys too roughly, resulting in broken teeth.

If a dog chews on something sharp like a stick or bone, he could injure himself. Unfortunately, this frequently happens with puppies, especially those raised around cats. They learn how to use their teeth to eat cat food and bones, and they don’t always know how to control their jaws. As a result, they sometimes cut themselves.

Dr. Johnson adds, “Sometimes, a dog gnaws on a tree limb or fence post, causing a small chip in the enamel.” Sometimes, a dog may swallow or inhale a foreign object, such as gravel or stone. Once lodged inside the throat, the thing causes irritation and inflammation, leading to infection. Eventually, the object becomes trapped, and the dog begins to choke. His mouth fills up with saliva, and the pressure builds. Finally, the thing popped out, and the dog stopped.

A third possible cause of fractured teeth is dental disease. “When bacteria build up inside the mouth, they produce acids that erode the enamel,” Dr. Johnson says. “This process is called caries or decay. Sometimes, the decay spreads into the pulp chamber. If left untreated, the pulp cavity becomes infected, and the nerve endings die off.”

Another way to destroy healthy canine tooth structure is through overexertion during exercise. Running, jumping, playing rough games, and swimming can put a lot of strain on the jaw muscles,” Dr. Johnson warns. “If you’re doing any of these activities, frequently rest to prevent injury.”

Finally, certain diseases can affect a dog’s infected teeth. For example, hypothyroidism can weaken the jaw muscles, making them susceptible to injury. In addition, hyperadrenocorticism can lead to hyperactivity of the salivary glands, which produce excess saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that soften the enamel, making it easier to break.

Affected Breeds

Brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, Shih Tzu, and Boston terriers are susceptible to complicated fractures of the upper incisors because of their short snouts. This makes it difficult for them to chew food properly and causes them to develop dental problems. These breeds are also prone to respiratory issues due to their narrow nasal passages. They often suffer from heat stroke during exercise and require constant attention.

Symptoms of Fractured Teeth in Dogs

Scrutinizing him is the best way to tell if your dog has a broken tooth. Look for swollen gums, pus around the gum line, and tenderness. A fractured tooth usually causes pain when the dog bites down on something. This is why he refuses to chew on the affected side. In addition, your dog will probably show other signs of discomfort or pain, such as excessive drooling, salivation, and even restlessness.

If you find a cracked tooth, clean it gently with warm water and baking soda. Then apply hydrogen peroxide or iodine to help stop the infection. If there is still pain, take your dog to the veterinarian.

Other clinical signs include bleeding gums, loose teeth, swollen jaw, and chewing pain. These symptoms may be accompanied by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis of Fractured Canine Teeth

To diagnose this condition, veterinarians use x-rays to determine whether there is any damage to the bone beneath the tooth’s enamel layer. They also examine the gums and surrounding soft tissues to identify signs of inflammation.

X-ray images help determine whether a canine tooth requires surgical extraction or can be preserved. A radiograph is used to detect fractures, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and infections. Radiographs are helpful because they allow us to see what we cannot feel. They provide information about the size, shape, location, and number of infected teeth.

If the fracture extends through the root canal, the veterinarian will remove the damaged portion of the tooth and fill the space with dental cement. The dog will need regular visits to monitor progress until the tooth heals completely.

Treatment Options for Fractured Canine Teeth

Extraction or root canal therapy is the most common option when treating a fractured canine. Root canal treatment aims to preserve the tooth while extracting the diseased portion of the tooth. This allows the owners to keep the tooth and avoid replacing it. While many believe root canal therapy is painful, studies show it is less painful than extraction.

Root canal therapy is often recommended for cases where the pulp chamber becomes infected or decayed. Root canal treatment in dogs is effective at least 95 percent of the time.

If the pulp space becomes infected, oral bacteria develop and cause swelling. Inflammation causes the nerves to become inflamed and irritated. In some cases, the nerve endings die off completely. Without proper care, the infection spreads into the surrounding soft tissues and leads to pain.

Most veterinarians are trained in tooth extraction. However, only a few are trained to do root canals. To ensure success, you must seek a veterinary professional specializing in both procedures.

Prevention of Fractured Teeth in Dogs

If you notice cracks in your dog’s teeth, you must immediately take him to the vet. While some shots aren’t severe, others can lead to painful infections and tooth loss. Here are five things you can do to help keep your dog’s healthy teeth.

• Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Regularly

Brushing his teeth regularly is the best way to keep your dog’s mouth healthy. Brushing removes plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause gum disease and tooth decay. You can use a canine or a human toothbrush designed specifically for dogs. Make sure to brush every surface of your dog’s mouth, including the tongue and gums.

• Feed Healthy Food

Your dog needs a balanced diet to maintain strong teeth and good overall health. Choose foods high in calcium and phosphorus, such as canned salmon, chicken liver treats, and cooked eggshells. Avoid foods that contain sugar, especially those that come in hard candy form, because they can damage enamel over time.

• Keep Toys Clean

Toys can harbor bacteria that can cause infection in your dog’s toothing. Wash toys frequently in hot water and dry them thoroughly. Store toys away from your dog’s bedding and food bowls. Also, make sure to clean his toys daily.

• Limit Snacks

Snacking between meals can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, feed your dog small amounts of nutritious snacks throughout the day. For example, give him pieces of cheese, rawhide chews, or frozen fruit treats.

• Take Care When Playing Rough

Playing too roughly with your dog can injure his teeth. So never hit, bite, or wrestle with your dog. Instead, play gently and carefully, so you don’t risk damaging his teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions