What happens when a tooth is broken?

The outer portion of the tooth is the white enamel we all brush daily and try to keep clean. Underneath, there is a layer of dentin and then the pulp chamber, which contains the tooth root.

When fractures occur, the affected portion of the tooth’s surface becomes rough, and this can cause a faster buildup of tartar than the normally smooth surface of the enamel.

For example, a “slab fracture” is when a piece of the side of the tooth chips off. But more concerning than that is if the fracture extends into the pulp cavity, causing nerve pain and exposing the tooth root to further infection and potentially a tooth root abscess or other complications.

Causes of Tooth Fractures in Cats

• Chewing on hard objects, bones, antlers, rocks (mostly dogs)
• Accidentally hitting their face on a hard surface when jumping down from a height (mostly cats)
• Dental disease that weakens the tooth and compromises its stability and integrity, predisposing it to being fractured more easily

Clinical Signs of Broken Teeth in Pets

• No signs if mild, may not even be noticed by owners
• Pain - most commonly exhibited as the following symptoms:
  • Dropping food
  • Not chewing properly
  • Avoiding chewing on one side of the mouth
  • Not wanting to eat hard food, chew on hard toys/bones
  • Not wanting to eat at all
• Excessive drooling
• Blood around the mouth or bloody saliva
• Bad breath
• Swelling under eye or around jaw (may indicate a tooth root abscess)

How are Broken Teeth Diagnosed in Cats?

• Oral exam by a vet (much more thorough under general anesthesia)
• Dental x-rays (performed under general anesthesia)
• Skull x-rays (may be helpful, but not as diagnostic as dental x-rays)

Treatment of Fractured Teeth in Pets

• Extraction (under general anesthesia):
  • If the fracture extends into the pulp cavity, the tooth should be removed to prevent pain, infection, abscesses, and other complications.
  • Board-certified veterinary dentists can fill a tooth by performing a root canal or similar procedure, instead of removing it, just like in human dentistry.
• Pain medication (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication)
• Antibiotics
• Soft food

How to Prevent Broken Teeth in Cats

Brushing your pets’ teeth can help prevent tartar and calculus buildup, dental disease, fractures of unhealthy teeth, and tooth root abscesses. Veterinary dentists advise brushing your pets’ teeth twice daily. For helpful tips on brushing your pet's teeth, check out this article:

Brushing Your Cat's Teeth: Step-by-Step Instructions

Dental prophylaxis (scaling and polishing of the teeth) - helps prevent dental disease just as it does in humans. Often performed every few years in many pets.

Do not give your dog hard bones or antlers to chew on. These do NOTHING to help the teeth remain clean and can cause fractures, pain, and even obstruction and other gastrointestinal complications if large chunks are swallowed.

For information on veterinary-approved dental products and treats visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council website.

Read more:

Everything You Need to Know About Your Cat’s Dental Health

Tooth Resorption in Cats

Is it normal for cats to lose their teeth?

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your pet's teeth or another condition?

Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.