Why a broken canine tooth matters
The canines are the long pointed teeth at the front corners of the mouth. If one breaks, the inner part of the tooth (the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels) may be exposed. That can be painful and can allow infection to develop. Even a break that has not reached the pulp can leave the tooth sensitive. Because cats hide pain (see signs a cat is in pain), a cat with a broken tooth may still eat normally.
What to do right away
- Stay calm and avoid forcing your cat’s mouth open. A painful cat may bite.
- Look briefly from the side if your cat allows it. Do not probe the tooth.
- Call your vet and describe what you see. Most vets want to examine a broken canine, even if it looks small.
- Do not give human painkillers. Many are toxic to cats.
- Save any piece of tooth you find, in case it helps.
Signs of a broken tooth or mouth pain
- Drooling, sometimes with blood
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
- Dropping food or chewing on one side
- Bad breath
- Swelling on the face or under the eye (see cat abscess on cheek)
- Reluctance to be touched around the head
For more general signs, see what healthy cat teeth look like and cat grinding teeth.
Is it an emergency?
It is not usually a life-threatening emergency, but it should be examined promptly. Contact your vet sooner if there is heavy bleeding, facial swelling, a refusal to eat, or signs of significant pain.
How the vet diagnoses it
The vet will examine the mouth, and usually recommends sedation or general anesthesia with dental X-rays to see the depth of the fracture and the condition of the root. See what to expect from a cat dental procedure.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on how deep the break is and whether the tooth is infected:
- Monitoring: Only for very minor chips where the pulp is protected, and only if your vet advises it.
- Extraction: A common and reliable choice when the pulp is exposed or infected. Recovery is covered in cat tooth extraction recovery.
- Root canal or vital pulp therapy: Done by some veterinary dental specialists to save the tooth, and not suitable in every case.
What does it cost?
Costs vary widely with location, the clinic, the need for X-rays and anesthesia, and the treatment chosen. Ask your vet for an estimate before the procedure.
Aftercare and prevention
Follow your vet’s instructions about pain relief, soft food, and rechecks. To lower the risk of future fractures, avoid giving hard items such as bones, and keep your cat safe from falls. Regular exams help catch problems early; see how often a cat needs dental cleaning.