Introduction

Dogs handle pain much differently than humans do, so often times fractured teeth will go unnoticed for years. Symptoms of a fractured tooth may not be obvious until the tooth is causing severe pain or infections throughout the body. This is yet another reason why it is so important to periodically check the health of your dog’s teeth and gums.

A fractured tooth in dogs can occur after a traumatic injury to the head, or a tooth can fracture if the dog is chewing on something particularly hard, or if the tooth has just decayed over time and has finally reached the breaking point. Once a tooth is fractured, the break in the tooth paves the way for bacteria to enter the tooth, the gums, and even the rest of the dog’s body, causing serious infections.

Symptoms of Fracture Teeth

The most commonly fractured tooth in dogs is the canine tooth followed by the upper fourth molar; the upper fourth molar is the largest tooth in the back on the top of the dog’s mouth. Symptoms that may appear include a swollen jaw, an obvious fracture in the tooth that can be seen, or an abscess on the gums that noticeably swells. Infections caused by fractured teeth can lead to lethargy, the inability to eat, overall feelings of malaise, and irritability.

Fractured teeth need to removed or repaired as quickly as possible to prevent further infections from developing. As part of your dog’s yearly check-up, ask the veterinarian to check the dog’s teeth. At home, periodically lift the lips and look around the dog’s teeth and gums to ensure that you do not miss an impending infection, or abscess, caused by a fractured tooth.