05 Nov Common Canine Dental Emergencies and How They Are Treated
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dental emergencies that require immediate attention. Canine dental health is often overlooked, but untreated dental problems can lead to pain, infection, and even systemic illness. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common health issues in adult dogs. Understanding the signs of dog dental emergencies and knowing what treatments are available can help you act quickly to ensure your dog gets the care they need.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common dog dental emergencies, what causes them, how they’re treated, and what you can do to prevent them.
6 Most Common Dog Dental Emergencies
1. Fractured or Broken Teeth
Causes:
Broken teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies in dogs. This can happen when a dog chews on hard objects like bones, antlers, rocks, or even hard plastic toys. Trauma, such as being hit by a car, falling, or altercations with other dogs or animals, can also lead to fractured teeth.
Signs:
- Visible cracks or missing pieces of a tooth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Drooling or difficulty eating
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Reluctance to chew
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture.
Fractures that expose the pulp (the tooth’s nerve and blood supply) are painful and can lead to infection. These typically require either:
- If the fracture is known to have happened in the last 48 hours, vital pulp therapy may be an option to keep the tooth alive
- Root canal therapy to preserve the tooth
- Extraction if the tooth is too damaged or if root canal therapy isn’t an option
- Pain management may also be prescribed.
2. Tooth Root Abscess
Causes:
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Tooth root abscesses often occur due to untreated periodontal disease or trauma that allows bacteria to enter the root canal.
Signs:
- Facial swelling, especially under the eye
- Foul-smelling breath
- Pain when eating
- Pus or discharge in the mouth or from a draining tract in the skin
- Lethargy or decreased appetite
Treatment:
- Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to control the infection
- Extraction of the affected tooth is often necessary
- In some cases, a root canal can save the tooth
At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan is typically used to confirm the diagnosis, assess the extent of the infection, and help determine viable treatment options
3. Oral Trauma
Causes:
Oral trauma can result from car accidents, dog fights, falls, or getting hit in the face. It may involve injuries to the teeth, gums, tongue, or jaw.
Signs:
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Broken or dislocated jaw
- Loose or missing teeth
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Whimpering, whining, or refusal to eat
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the injury’s severity and location:
- Wound cleaning and sutures for lacerations
- Jaw stabilization or surgery for fractures
- Dental extractions if teeth are beyond repair
- Pain management and supportive care are crucial during recovery.
4. Avulsed and Luxated Teeth (“Knocked Out” or Dislocated Teeth)
Causes:
Avulsions (completely knocked-out teeth) and luxations (partially dislocated or loosened teeth) typically result from sudden trauma, like being hit by a car, falling, or suffering a bite wound.
Signs:
- Missing or visibly out-of-place tooth
- Bleeding from the socket
- Swelling or bruising around the mouth
- Pawing at the face or obvious discomfort
- Reluctance to eat or chew
Treatment:
Time is critical for avulsed and luxated teeth.
For avulsed teeth (completely knocked out):
- Do not clean or scrub the tooth—this can damage critical root cells.
- Keep the tooth moist (ideally in milk, saliva or saline solution).
- Seek emergency veterinary care within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of successful re-implantation.
- Re-implantation will be followed by splinting of the tooth to stabilize it.
- A root canal will be needed for this tooth at the time of the splint removed due to the blood supply being severed.
For luxated teeth (dislocated but still in the socket):
- The vet may reposition and splint the tooth using a composite material.
- Follow-up includes pain management, possible antibiotics, and monitoring for viability.
- A root canal will likely be needed at some point for this tooth due to the blood supply being severed.
Teeth that can’t be saved may need to be extracted.
5. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull, allowing movement for chewing and opening the mouth. TMJ disorders in dogs can be caused by:
- Trauma, such as being hit or falling
- Congenital malformations
- Dislocation or luxation of the joint
- Arthritis or degenerative joint disease
- Tumors or infections affecting the joint
Signs:
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Pain when chewing or yawning
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Facial asymmetry or swelling
- Behavioral changes (reluctance to play, eat, or be touched near the head)
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Manual reduction for dislocated jaws
- Surgical intervention for severe trauma, joint instability, or tumors
- Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relief for arthritis or soft tissue injuries
Prompt diagnosis, often involving advanced imaging like cone beam CT (CBCT) scans, is essential for effective treatment and minimizing long-term damage.
6. Foreign Objects Stuck in the Mouth
Causes:
Dogs are naturally curious and often chew on things they shouldn’t. Sometimes, pieces of toys, sticks, bones, or fabric can become lodged between teeth, in the gums or penetrate structures in the mouth
Signs:
- Pawing at the mouth
- Sudden refusal to eat
- Drooling or gagging
- Bad breath
- Whining or visible discomfort
Treatment:
- Immediate removal of the foreign object
- Treatment of any resulting wounds or infections
Always avoid giving your dog small, sharp, or easily breakable toys.
How to Prevent Dog Dental Emergencies
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk of dental emergencies:
- Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Annual or biannual veterinary exams should include an oral health check. Dental cleanings should be done every 6 to 12 months depending on the dog.
- Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Daily brushing with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste is the gold standard for preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Every other day brushing is also effective but less than every other day becomes ineffective.
- Dental Chews and Toys
Offer safe, vet-approved dental chews or toys that help reduce plaque without risking tooth fractures.
- Monitor for Signs of Trouble
Watch for changes in eating habits, bad breath, or facial swelling. The sooner you catch a problem, the better the outcome. If you can brush daily, you’ll likely notice changes sooner since you are looking at the teeth every day.
- Avoid Unsafe Chews
Stay away from hard items like bones, antlers, hard plastics, and hooves that can fracture teeth.
Some good rules of thumb are that toys should be able to be bent or flexed, and you should be able to make an indent in the toy using your fingernail.
Care for Dog Dental Emergencies in Colorado
Dental emergencies in dogs can be painful and dangerous if not treated promptly. Whether it’s a fractured tooth, an abscess, or a stuck object, knowing the warning signs and getting veterinary help right away can save your dog from prolonged discomfort—and possibly save their life.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s teeth or suspect a dental emergency, you can call Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery in Colorado Springs to schedule a dental exam today. With proper care, most dogs recover well from dental issues and go on to lead happy, healthy lives. Early intervention is key!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/05/2025) Photo by David Kanigan on Pexels
