Discolored teeth in dogs and cats can be a sign of various underlying health issues. Here are some common causes of tooth discoloration in pets:
1. Plaque and Calculus Buildup
Color: Yellow or Brown
Cause: Accumulation of plaque and calculus occurs due to poor dental hygiene. This often results in periodontal disease and other dental issues.
Treatment: Periodontal therapy (dental cleaning) performed under general anesthesia can remove plaque and calculus. Providing regular daily dental hygiene such as teeth brushing can slow the rate of plaque and calculus buildup.
2. Staining from Food and Treats
Color: Varies
Cause: Certain foods and treats stain the teeth over time. For example, some pigmented treats or wet foods can contribute to discoloration.
Treatment: Periodontal therapy (dental cleaning) performed under general anesthesia can sometimes lessen the amount staining on teeth.
3. Tooth Decay
Color: Dark Brown or Black
Cause: Cavities (caries) can develop in cats and dogs, leading to darkened areas on the teeth. Dental caries are less common in dogs and cats than in humans.
Treatment: Depending on severity, cavities can be treated via extraction of the affected tooth, removing affected dental tissue and replacing the tissue with a restorative material or in certain cases endodontic therapy (root canal therapy).
4. Dental Trauma
Color: Purple, Pink, Gray or Tan
Cause: Trauma to the teeth can cause internal bleeding within the pulp canal. This bleeding causes pulp tissue death. Soon after the trauma has occurred the tooth can appear pink or purple in color. Overtime the tooth will darken to a gray or tan.
Treatment: Affected teeth will require extraction or if applicable, endodontic therapy (root canal therapy).
5. Enamel Problems
Color: Tan or Brown
Cause: Common enamel problems are enamel defects, underdeveloped enamel, enamel fractures or worn enamel. These conditions typically appear as darkened areas on teeth.
Treatment: If affected teeth are alive and healthy, the rough or irregular areas of the tooth can be smoothed and a light cured bonded sealant placed. If affected teeth are non-vital (dead) they will be extracted or in certain cases endodontic therapy (root canal therapy) may be performed.
6. Medications
Color: VariesCause: Some medications can cause discoloration of teeth as a side effect, especially if given during developmental stages. Tetracycline, for example, can stain teeth in young animals.
Treatment: If the affected teeth are alive and healthy, often treatment is not warranted.
Treating Discolored Dog & Cat Teeth in Houston
It is important to note that treatment for discolored teeth does not typically restore teeth to their “normal” white-colored appearance. The goal of treating discolored teeth is to provide a healthy, pain-free oral cavity.
If you notice your pet has discolored teeth, give our office a call today to schedule an oral exam.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/21/2025). Photo by Steve Smith on Unsplash