While cats are not as known for chewing or exploring the world with their mouths as dogs are, they can still get into trouble and damage their teeth! Here, our Perry vets discuss the signs and symptoms of fractured teeth in cats, what to do if your cat has broken a tooth, and when to consider it an emergency.
How do cats get broken teeth?
In cats, fractured teeth are something that our veterinarians at Perry Animal Hospital see quite frequently.
The most commonly broken tooth in cats is the canine tooth; the longer, sharper teeth at the front corners of the mouth. When these teeth break, it's usually the result of fights with other cats, chewing on hard objects, and even car accidents.
A chipped or broken tooth in cats is considered a fracture, and the level of severity dictates the type of treatment required by the veterinarian. If you bring your kitty in for a tooth fracture, the vet will perform a dental examination and determine the best treatment, ranging from tooth fillings to dental surgery.
Given how common these injuries are, it is important for cat owners to know how to recognize tooth fractures in their cats!
How to Tell When a Cat has a Broken Tooth
When it comes to cats, there are four primary types of tooth fractures:
- Uncomplicated crown fracture. A tooth fracture in the crown that does not expose the pulp.
- Complicated crown fracture. A crown fracture that does expose the pulp.
- Enamel fracture. A fracture or chip to the enamel (outer protective layer) of the tooth.
- Roof fracture. A tooth breakage that reaches the root.
While the different types of tooth fractures range in severity, they often present themselves in the same way: pained symptoms in your cat.
Symptoms of a Broken Tooth in Cats
The first step to getting your cat help for their fractured tooth is recognizing the problem in the first place. Below are some signs and symptoms of broken teeth in cats that you might notice.
Please get in touch with our Perry veterinarians as soon as possible to schedule a dental examination for your feline companion if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Food avoidance or chewing on one side of the mouth
- Drooling
- Teeth grinding
- Facial swelling
- Food falling out of the mouth when eating
- Squirming or running away when the face is petted
- Pawing at the mouth
Is it an emergency if my cat chipped a tooth?
In general, it is sound practice to treat every tooth crack, chip, and fracture as if it were an emergency situation. A veterinarian will be in the best position to evaluate the condition of your cat's tooth and determine whether or not it is necessary to require immediate medical attention.
If your cat has a severe tooth fracture, the breakage could reach the pulp in the center of the tooth, which contains the soft tissue and nerve endings. This could lead to infection of the mouth and severe pain. In this scenario, your cat's tooth fracture is an emergency.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.