Hi everyone, I've only just got my first dog and the drama has already started! While playing with another dog, my little 2-month-old Akita Inu puppy bit his lip and completely snapped a canine right at the gum line. He doesn't seem to be in any pain, his gums aren't inflamed, and he hasn't lost his appetite; as far as he's concerned, everything is fine. But I'm incredibly stressed about it! Will this affect his adult canine? Will it still be able to grow in properly even though the puppy tooth was broken off? Will the adult tooth come through sooner now, or will it only appear around the 5-month mark? And finally, is it quite common for a puppy to break a tooth? Could you please share your experiences to help put my mind at ease? Thanks!
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Right, just a heads up, this shouldn't be taken lightly.
A tooth broken that low down (if that is the case) exposes the pulp and the nerve; it’s not just a simple wound that'll heal over. It’s essentially a 'channel' which, on top of the pain, can get infected and cause a deep abscess (in the jaw, sinuses, etc.) along with all the complications that come with it.
If the entire tooth has come out, it’s not a problem, but only an X-ray or at least a proper check-up will be able to tell you for sure.
Plus, even if he doesn't seem to be in pain, he could still be hurting depending on the situation, or it might come and go. Spending two or three months with a pain he doesn't understand, especially at an age where he's learning everything, really isn't good for his development.
Basically, get him to the vet! 😁
Thanks for your quick replies :) I’m feeling a bit more reassured now. I’ll follow your advice and pop to the vet anyway. I’m not really sure if the whole tooth came out with the root or if it just snapped off, as I couldn't find the tooth, but I can’t see any bit of it sticking out from the gum. Thanks!!
I’m not quite sure I follow—is the tooth snapped off at the gum line or has it been knocked out completely?
It won’t stop the adult tooth from coming through, and it won’t make it grow any faster either. But if there’s a bit of the broken tooth left behind, it could potentially cause some discomfort or even lead to an infection. Your best bet is to give the vet a ring and see if they think it’s an emergency (I doubt it is), and they can take a proper look when he’s in for his boosters.
At the end of the day, if you’re in any doubt, it’s always best to ask the vet—a quick phone call doesn’t cost a penny! ;)
Or you could even pop in and show them a photo.
I used to go to the vet’s all the time when my dog was a puppy, sometimes for actual appointments but also just for a visit. Or even just to weigh him. Going there when nothing is wrong is a great idea as it makes it less of a big deal for the dog; since he isn’t getting poked and prodded every single time, he won’t be so reluctant to go in.
Hi there,
I’m no vet, but I reckon everything is fine. It was just a milk tooth, so it won't affect the adult tooth which is tucked away safely underneath in the jaw (you can find diagrams of a dog's mouth showing milk teeth online).
It won't grow back immediately, though. The adult tooth will come through... along with all the other permanent ones 😁 so in a few months' time. (Just my personal opinion!)
While they've still got their milk teeth, it's the best time to go breaking a few gnashers 😁 because once the adult ones are in, they don't grow back again 😛 (I'm only joking!)
It's just my view, but I wouldn't be worried at all. Plus, it's a canine; I don't think they'll miss it too much for eating and stuff while waiting for the adult one to come through.
