Introduction
If you’re a cat owner, you know that your feline friend can sometimes get into trouble. One common issue that cats face is a broken tooth. A broken tooth can cause pain and discomfort for your cat, and if left untreated, it can lead to further complications. Here’s what you need to know about broken teeth in cats and what you can do to help him.
Symptoms of a Broken Tooth in Cats
A broken tooth can cause a range of symptoms in cats, such as pain, reluctance to eat or drink, drooling, bleeding, and swelling. But in a lot of cases an owner doesn’t even notice anything. A broken tooth may not be immediately life-threatening, but it can cause serious pain and discomfort for your cat. In the middel of the tooth is a root canal. This is an open canal that goes into the bone of the jaw. Bacteria can also go through this canal into the jawbone and cause an infection in the jawbone. But only in the first couple of days this may happen.
Is a Broken Cat Tooth an Emergency?
While a broken tooth may not be a life-threatening emergency, it is still a serious issue that should be addressed promptly. If your cat has a broken tooth, it’s best to seek veterinary care as soon as possible to prevent further complications. But in most cases the body just repairs (read: closes) the opening in the root canal. When the root canal is closed there is no further action needed. Don’t forget to check the rest of the mouth. In a few cases a broken tooth is not the only thing that is wrong in your cat’s mouth. For instance, after a car accident a cat can have a broken jaw as well as a broken tooth.
What Vets Do for a Broken Tooth
When you take your cat to the vet for a broken tooth, they will likely perform a dental exam and take X-rays to assess the damage. Depending on the severity and location of the broken tooth, your vet may recommend dental work such as an extraction or a root canal treatment. Your vet will determine the best course of treatment for your cat based on their individual needs. Painkillers are also prescribed in most of the cases.
Can a Cat Live with a Broken Tooth?
When an incisor is broken off, a cat can live with it without further problems. But if a canine tooth has broken off from a cat that always has to catch its own prey, this may be extra difficult for your cat. For cats that are simply offered food by an owner, missing a (part of a) canine tooth is no problem at all. But that is only if no infection has occurred. If your cat has a broken tooth, it’s best to seek veterinary care to determine the best course of action.
Home Remedies for a Broken Tooth in Cats
While it’s important to seek veterinary care for a broken tooth, there are some things you can do at home to help your cat feel more comfortable. You can offer your cat soft or wet food to make it easier to eat, and you can keep their mouth clean by gently wiping it with a soft cloth.
You can also give your cat some aspirin to lower his pain. WATCH OUT! NO PARACETAMOL OR OTHER ANTI INFLAMMATORY DRUGS SHOULD BE GIVEN SINCE THEY ARE LETHAL TO CATS!! Only aspirin can be given to a cat. A cat can have a half of a tablet only once in two days of a 81mg tablet.
Do Cats' Broken Teeth Grow Back?
No. Teeth in a cat do not grow back if they have broken off. Some animals have teeth that keep growing and renewing themselves. Like rabbits for instance. But cat’s teeth do not grow back unfortunately. So they better take good care of them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you suspect that your cat has a broken tooth, it’s adviced to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. A broken tooth can cause pain and discomfort for your cat. And if left untreated, it can lead to further complications like infections. Your vet will be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment for your furry friend. In a lot of cases the vet just removes the tooth and gives your cat a painkiller.