Has Your Cat Got A Broken Tooth? What You Need to Know As A Cat Owner 

Have you recently noticed your cat has stopped eating? Or maybe they seem pained while they eat? This could be a sign that one of their teeth is broken. 

Your cat’s dental health is as important as every other part of its well-being. A broken tooth can cause pain for your cat and lead to other health issues. Let’s look at some of the signs that your cat’s teeth may be damaged, how you can prevent this from happening, and what steps you can take to help your cat recover. 

Can a Cat Live with a Broken Tooth?

Cats are very resilient creatures, and so they can definitely live with a broken tooth. However, their resilience shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of discomfort. Your cat may still be in pain from their broken tooth even if they are still eating. 

Their condition can also worsen over time. An untreated broken tooth is quite similar to having an open wound; if left untreated, it can get contaminated or inflamed and lead to complications like irritated gums or bacterial infection. 

This can seriously affect your cat’s quality of life and their overall health. Dental issues like gum inflammation and infections can also spread, meaning that an untreated broken tooth could lead to your cat having to have other teeth removed as well. 

What To Do If You Think Your Cat Has A Broken Tooth 

1. Examine their mouth 
Open your cat’s mouth and check their teeth to see if there are any obvious signs of damage to their teeth or inflammation/swelling/bleeding. Some cats will be more cooperative than others when it comes to letting you examine their mouth. If your cat is resisting, I find it useful to have somebody else wrap them in a towel so they can’t scratch/struggle while you examine them. 

2. Monitor your cat for symptoms  
If your cat displays any of the following symptoms, it can be a sign that they have some dental issue (which could be a broken tooth but could also be gum disease or an abscess). 

• Bleeding from the mouth 
• Pawing at their mouth 
• Refusing to eat 
• Excessive drooling 
• Swelling around the mouth  

3. Take them to the vet as soon as possible 
If you suspect that your cat has a broken tooth, you should make a vet appointment as soon as possible. The earlier that a broken tooth can be treated, the lower the chance of complication and the quicker you can alleviate your cat’s pain. 

How to Fix a Broken Tooth on a Cat

Before I go on, I should make it very clear that you should NOT try to perform any dental procedures on your cat yourself. The following are some of the treatments that a vet may prescribe but should not be attempted yourself. 

Diagnostic procedures at the veterinarian’s office

Your vet will most likely start with a visual examination of your cat’s mouth to check for obvious signs of damage to their teeth. If they suspect that there is an infection, they take a swab of their gums to analyse. If they suspect that there is a more serious infection that has spread or an underlying issue like mouth/jaw cancer, they may take an x-ray. 

Treatment options for broken teeth

The treatment options for broken teeth in cats are much the same as they are for humans. Namely…

• Extraction 
  If the tooth cannot be repaired, the vet may remove the tooth. This is almost always done under anaesthesia. 
• Root Canal 
  In some cases, a tooth can be salvageable but may require a root canal to remove damaged tissue. This involves a root canal procedure being performed to remove damaged tissue from the tooth’s root and seal it.
• Crown restoration 
  For some tooth fractures, a crown restoration can be fitted over the damaged tooth to restore its function and prevent further damage. 

Post-treatment care and recovery tips

The most important part of helping your cat recover will be managing their pain and getting them to eat food again. 

• Pain medication 
  Your vet may prescribe pain management medication to reduce your cat’s discomfort.
• Sot diet 
  It is best to feed your cat soft food after they have had any dental work done. The last time one of my cats had a tooth removed, they ate mostly “cat yoghurt” (which is really more like a soft liver pâté) for a week. 
• Antibiotics 
  Antibiotics can help reduce the chance of infection after dental surgery. Remember to always finish the entire course of antibiotics your vet prescribed, even if your cat appears to be fine after a few days. 

Fractured Teeth in Cats: Causes and Prevention 

The most common causes of damage to a cat’s teeth are from trauma like fighting with other animals. However, there are other causes that aren’t as obvious. Some cats will use their teeth while climbing and can end up chipping their teeth by trying to support too much of their weight on them. Cats can also break their teeth by biting hard objects like bones or by trying to get into food containers. One of my cats once chipped their tooth trying to get into the tin where I keep their catnip treats. Oral disease can also cause your cat’s teeth to decay and crumble. Cat’s teeth can also degrade over time as they age (just like humans). 

You can help prevent your cat from damaging their teeth by providing them with cat-appropriate toys, avoiding giving them food with bones in it, and providing them with plaque-reducing treats like “DentaBites”. 

Older cats may need help maintaining their oral hygiene, so you may need to brush their teeth manually. As with giving them medicine, some cats will be compliant, whereas others may need to be wrapped in a towel by another person to stop them from struggling while you clean their teeth. 

You should always take your cat in for a check-up at your vet at least once a year, which should include a dental examination and, if necessary, a dental cleaning. 

Final Thoughts: Has Your Cat Got A Broken Tooth? 

A broken tooth can be painful for your cat and, if left untreated, can lead to further health complications. By recognizing the signs of dental damage, seeking prompt veterinary care, and implementing preventive measures, you can help protect your cat’s oral health and ensure their overall well-being. Remember to schedule regular dental check-ups and avoid giving your cat hard or inappropriate objects to chew on. With the right care, your feline friend can enjoy a pain-free and healthy life.

I also have a whole article about brushing your cat’s teeth, which can help you to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. 

FAQs

How can I tell if my cat has a broken tooth?
Signs that your cat may have a broken tooth include refusing to eat, pawing at their mouth, excessive drooling, swelling around the mouth, and visible bleeding. If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s essential to examine their mouth and consult a vet for an accurate diagnosis.

What should I do if I think my cat has a broken tooth?
If you suspect your cat has a broken tooth, schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. The vet will conduct a thorough examination and may perform diagnostic procedures like x-rays or tissue swabs. Early treatment can prevent further complications and alleviate your cat’s pain.

What treatment options are available for a cat’s broken tooth?
Treatment options for a broken tooth in cats include tooth extraction, root canal therapy, or crown restoration, depending on the severity of the fracture. Your vet will determine the best course of action based on the extent of the damage and your cat’s overall health.

How can I prevent my cat from breaking their teeth?
Prevent broken teeth by ensuring your cat does not chew on hard objects like bones, providing cat-friendly chew toys, and avoiding letting them access food containers that could cause damage. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining oral hygiene can also help prevent dental issues.