Cats are not as well-known for chewing or exploring the world with their mouths as dogs are. However, they can still get into trouble and even damage their teeth! In this blog post, our Pittsboro vets discuss the signs and symptoms of fractured teeth in cats and when it is considered an emergency.
How do cats get broken teeth?
Our vets at Hope Crossing Animal Hospital often see fractured teeth in cats.
The canine, the longer, sharper tooth at the front corners of the mouth, is commonly broken in cats. These tooth breaks usually result from fights with other cats, chewing on hard objects, and even car accidents.
A chipped or broken cat tooth is considered a fracture, and the severity determines the type of treatment the veterinarian requires. If you bring your cat in for a tooth fracture, the vet will perform a dental examination and choose the best treatment, ranging from tooth fillings to dental surgery.
Given these injuries' prevalence, cat owners must know how to recognize tooth fractures in their cats.
How to tell when a cat has a broken tooth?
There are four main types of tooth fractures in cats and dogs:
- 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 tooth's enamel (outer protective layer).
- Roof fracture. A tooth breakage that reaches the root.
While the different types of tooth fractures range in severity, they often present themselves similarly.
Signs & Symptoms of Broken Teeth in Cats
The first step in getting help for your cat's fractured tooth is recognizing the problem. Below are some signs and symptoms of broken teeth in cats that you might notice.
If you observe any of these symptoms in your feline friend, please get in touch with our Pittsboro veterinarians immediately for a dental examination.
- 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 a fractured cat tooth an emergency?
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.
Treating every tooth fracture and crack as an emergency is generally good practice. A veterinarian can best assess the condition of your kitty's tooth to determine if emergency treatment is required.
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.