anxious pug wrapped in blanket

How Anxiety in Dogs Can Affect Their Teeth 

/ 2 minutes of reading

Anxiety in dogs can have several negative effects on their dental health. Anxiety in dogs can often manifest in destructive behaviors. These behaviors can have a significant impact on the dog’s teeth. Destructive behaviors typically include chewing on inappropriate items, such as kennels or fences. Anxiety can also manifest in aggression. Dog fights can often result in dental trauma.

4 Types of Tooth Damage That May Occur Due to Anxiety: 

  1. Avulsion: An avulsed tooth is a tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket. 
  2. Luxation: Tooth luxation is characterized by the partial or complete displacement of a tooth from its normal position in the jawbone. 
  3. Fractured Teeth: There are many different types of tooth fractures.
    1. Enamel fracture: A break or crack in the enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of a tooth. 
    2. Uncomplicated Crown Fracture: This type of fracture is characterized by fracture of the enamel and dentin of the crown but the pulp tissue is not exposed.
    3. Complicated Crown Fracture: This type of fracture is characterized by a fracture of the enamel and dentin and exposure of the pulp tissue. 
    4. Crown Root Fracture: This is a type of fracture that includes fracture of both the crown and root. Pulp tissues may or may not be exposed. 
    5. Root Fracture: This type of fracture involves fracture of the root only. 
  4. Worn Teeth (Abrasion): Tooth abrasion refers to the mechanical wear of dental tissue caused by an external factor (such as kennels). 

How to Protect Your Anxious Dog’s Oral Health

To help manage anxiety in pets and protect their dental health, consider the following:

Treating Underlying Anxiety 

If anxiety is severe, a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist can provide guidance on anxiety management strategies and may recommend medications or behavioral therapies.

Treating Damaged Teeth in Dogs

Damaged teeth may require extraction, or in some cases, root canal therapy may be indicated. 

Addressing anxiety in dogs not only improves their quality of life but can also have a positive impact on their dental health.

Dog Dentist in Houston

Is your dog showing signs of dental issues or is due for a dental checkup? Call our office today to schedule an oral exam! 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/14/2025). Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

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