Understanding Dog Tooth Fracture Types and Risks

Dog tooth fractures can be a real concern for pet owners, and it's essential to understand the different types and risks involved. There are three main types of dog tooth fractures: vertical, horizontal, and root fractures.

A vertical fracture occurs when the tooth breaks in a straight line from the gum line to the top of the tooth, often caused by biting on something hard. This type of fracture can be painful for your dog and may require surgical extraction.

Horizontal fractures, on the other hand, occur when the tooth breaks across the width of the tooth, often due to a blow to the jaw or a fall. These fractures can be more challenging to treat and may require more extensive dental work.

Root fractures, which occur when the tooth breaks at the root, can be particularly problematic as they can lead to infection and abscesses if left untreated.

Broken teeth are a common issue for dogs, and it's essential to understand the causes and risks involved.

Dogs can get broken teeth from chewing on hard objects, such as toys, bones, or chews. Chewing on rocks or sticks is another common cause of broken teeth in dogs.

A broken tooth can occur from getting hit in the mouth by a toy or chew, or even from getting hit by a car. Falling from a height is also a risk factor for broken teeth in dogs.

The most common teeth to break are the canines (fangs) and the upper fourth premolar, a larger, pointy tooth farther back in the mouth.

Broken teeth in dogs are unfortunately quite common. One of the main reasons is chewing on hard toys, bones, or chews. Chewing on rocks or sticks is another common cause. Chewing on a crate can also lead to broken teeth. Getting hit in the mouth by a toy or chew is a possible cause as well. Getting hit by a car or falling from a height can also result in a broken tooth.

Any tooth can be broken, but the two most common are the canines (fangs) and the upper fourth premolar (the larger, pointy tooth farther back in the mouth). This is according to the statistics.

Here are some common causes of broken teeth in dogs:

Leaving your dog's broken teeth untreated can lead to serious problems. A fractured tooth can expose the dentin, making your dog sensitive to temperature and pressure, causing them to avoid eating and drinking.

If the pulp is exposed, bacteria can enter and cause an infection that can spread to the jawbone and other parts of the body. This can be a major issue, even with antibiotics, as your dog's immune system may not be able to clear the infection.

A fracture can be as simple as a chip, but it's crucial to catch it early. If left untreated, a broken tooth can lead to oral pain, infections, and even more severe health issues.

Here are some signs that may indicate your dog has a broken tooth:

It's essential to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as you suspect a fracture or notice any of these symptoms.

Fracture classifications can be a bit confusing, but they're essential to understanding the severity of a tooth fracture in dogs.

Until recently, there wasn't a uniform classification system for tooth fractures in veterinary dentistry, with different sources using letters, numbers, and words to describe the different types of fractures.

In 2007, the American Veterinary Dental College finally established a standardized classification system, categorizing tooth fractures into five distinct types based on the anatomical part of the tooth affected.

These classifications are crucial in determining the best course of treatment for a fractured tooth in dogs.

On a similar theme: Dog Different Types of Ticks

Your dog may not always show obvious signs of a broken tooth, but there are some telltale indicators to look out for. A fracture can be as simple as a chip, but a more severe fracture will expose the pulp (nerve), where you may see a red or black spot on the tooth.

Avoiding eating or chewing is a common sign of a broken tooth. Your dog may also chew on one side of their mouth or exhibit messy eating habits with food falling from their mouth.

Excessive drooling is another sign to watch out for. You may notice your dog pawing or rubbing their mouth, or facial swelling. Enlarged lymph nodes, feeling like lumps under the jaw or on the underside of the neck, are also a concern.

Lethargy and behavioral changes are also possible signs of a broken tooth. Your dog may react to petting around the face or head, or refuse to play with chews or toys.

Here are some common signs of a broken tooth to look out for: