20 Mar Common Types of Pet Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Dental health is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize there’s an issue until their companion is in pain or stops eating. Dental emergencies can arise suddenly, causing distress and discomfort for both pets and their owners. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make all the difference.
Common Types of Dental Emergencies in Pets
A few key points should be made. Pets can have long-standing dental problems that they do not “tell” us about until the pain becomes unbearable. Pets very frequently do not manifest outward signs of pain, especially in the oral cavity. In fact, pets can have severe dental disease, such as end-stage periodontal disease, and still keep eating through the pain. The strong survival instinct to keep eating is not given up, and they keep eating through a world of pain.
- Broken or Fractured Teeth
Pets can break their teeth by chewing on hard objects like bones, antlers, or even ice. A fractured tooth can be extremely painful and may expose the sensitive pulp inside, leading to pain and infection. If you notice a broken tooth, avoid feeding hard foods and seek veterinary care immediately. It is important that your veterinarian first starts your pet on pain relief. Antibiotics are most often not indicated and will not have any impact on preventing infection in a newly fractured tooth.
- Tooth Abscesses
An abscess is a severe infection at the root of a tooth, often caused by untreated dental disease or trauma. Signs include facial swelling, bad breath, and difficulty eating. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. A veterinarian may recommend extraction or referral to a board-certified veterinary dentist for root canal therapy.
- Severe Periodontal Infections
Periodontal disease is common in pets, and if it progresses, it can lead to pain and tooth loss due to the breakdown of surrounding bone and soft tissues. If your pet has swollen, bleeding gums and refuses to eat, you should seek veterinary care immediately. This is not a condition that happened overnight or suddenly. Periodontal disease is something that has been progressing over months and even years.
- Foreign Objects Stuck in the Mouth
Pets often chew on things they shouldn’t, which can result in objects like sticks, bones, or even fabric getting lodged in their teeth or gums. Sharp objects, such as bones or sticks, can even penetrate surrounding soft tissues and be extremely painful. If your pet is pawing at their mouth, drooling excessively, or showing any signs of bleeding from their mouth, you should seek veterinary care immediately.
Do not attempt to remove anything that is deeply embedded—your veterinarian should handle this and will likely require heavy sedation or general anesthesia.
- Jaw Fractures
Trauma from falls, car accidents, or fighting with other dogs can lead to a broken jaw. Pets with a jaw fracture may struggle to close their mouth, show extreme pain, or have difficulty eating. This is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention, as surgery may be needed to stabilize the injury.
Your general practice veterinarian will likely refer you to a board-certified veterinary dentist for evaluation and treatment. There are many treatment options for these fractures, including interdental wiring, acrylic splinting, tape muzzling, and even bone plating. Cats are often treated with a novel technique referred to as labial buttons. All of these procedures are performed best by board-certified veterinary dentists more often than general surgeons.
- Excessive Bleeding from the Mouth
Bleeding can occur due to trauma, gum disease, or even tumors in the mouth. If your pet is bleeding excessively, try to determine the source and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Persistent or heavy bleeding requires urgent veterinary care.
- Dislocated Teeth
Sometimes, a pet’s tooth may become loose or completely dislodged due to an accident or rough play. If a tooth is hanging loosely, do not attempt to pull it out. Instead, keep your pet calm and seek immediate veterinary assistance to prevent infection and further damage. Trauma is the most common cause for these subluxations or avulsions of teeth.
Quite often, these teeth can be saved, particularly when they are canine (fang) teeth, with acrylic splinting and wiring. The wire and splint stay in place for about 4-6 weeks. When removed the previously subluxated tooth is then treated with root canal therapy since the blood supply to the tooth was compromised and exposed causing the tooth to die and be susceptible to infection.
Some luxated or avulsed teeth are due to progressive periodontal disease over an extended period of time. These teeth should not be saved and should be extracted since they are periodontally unsound.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While accidents can happen, regular dental care can significantly reduce the risk of many emergencies. Here are some key prevention tips:
- Schedule routine dental checkups with your veterinarian.
- Brush your pet’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste.
- Provide dental chews that are designed to promote oral health.
- Avoid giving overly hard objects that can break teeth.
- Try to avoid situations where dogs may get into fights, such as dog parks.
- Pay attention to changes in eating habits or signs of discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies in pets can be painful and potentially life-threatening if left untreated. Being aware of the signs and acting quickly can help your pet recover faster and avoid further complications. If you suspect a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us or your primary care veterinarian for immediate advice.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (03/20/2025) Photo by Daniel Lincoln on Unsplash
