February is Dental Health Month, and we want to make sure you have the complete picture of your pet’s oral health! While everyone focuses on brushing your pet’s teeth, we want to educate you on preventing fractures with your pet’s teeth. Part of your pet’s annual wellness exam at Brodheadsville Veterinary Clinic will include checking on the health of their gums, mouth, and teeth. Our veterinarians and staff will take the time to instruct you on proper at-home dental care, including brushing and providing your pet with dental chews and treats.

Now let’s chat about protecting your pet’s teeth from being fractured!

#1: Pets can break their teeth in a variety of ways

Dogs most often damage their large upper premolar, or carnassial tooth, as well as their back molars when they chew on objects that are too hard. Dogs can also fracture teeth if they chew on wire kennels or experience blunt trauma, including getting hit by a car or simply attempting to catch a frisbee or fetch a stick.

Cats suffering from feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) have damaged, weak teeth that are more susceptible to fracture. Trauma can also cause a cat to break teeth when she jumps down from a high object and her front legs absorb the shock from the landing, causing her head to lower and hit the ground.

#2: A swollen lump under your pet’s eye may indicate a fractured tooth

While pets may show signs of pain when the tooth breaks, there are other signs pet owners may notice:

  • Drooling
  • Diminished appetite
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth
  • Having a swollen lump under the eye, which can indicate an oral abscess

#3: Treatment for a pet’s fractured tooth will depend on the type of fracture and the animal’s age

If your pet fractures a tooth, we’ll obtain X-rays to determine how far the break extends down the tooth and whether the roots or jawbone are affected. Depending on the severity of the fracture and your pet’s age, treatment may include:

  • Resin bonding
  • Root canal
  • Vital pulpotomy therapy with pulp capping
  • Extraction

#4: Most fractured teeth can be prevented

Other than the fractures caused by FORLs in cats, most tooth fractures in pets can be prevented by:

  • Avoiding toys and treats that are too hard for you to bend, like animal antlers, bones, and even synthetic bones
  • Ensuring your pet has a veterinary oral exam at least once per year
  • Limiting games of fetch with hard items

If you have any questions about your pet’s oral health, please reach out! Our team is here to help.

Have questions? Need to make an appointment?

The Brodheadsville Veterinary Clinic team is here to help!

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