Fractured teeth are relatively common in cats. The most common fractured teeth are the canine or “fang” teeth. These canines most often fracture as a result of fights or other incidents involving facial trauma. The second most common fractured teeth in cats are the premolars, typically due to chewing on something too hard or as a secondary result of a decay process such as tooth resorption.
The Importance of Treating Fractured Cat Teeth
The crown of a normal tooth is covered with a hard substance called enamel. When enamel is broken or fractured away, the layer beneath the enamel, called dentin, is exposed. Exposed dentin can make the tooth painful or sensitive. The tooth may become non-vital (dead), increasing the risk of local infection. These risks become more substantial depending on how much damage there is to the tooth.
Common signs of oral pain or tooth sensitivity include:
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Dropping food while eating
- Pawing or rubbing at the face
- Facial swelling
- Refusing to eat hard food.
Contact a Houston Cat Dentist
If you notice any signs of oral discomfort or suspect that your cat, please contact our office to schedule an oral examination!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/29/2025). Photo by Caio Silva on Unsplash