Pet Dental Health Month: Emergency Dental Scenarios and the Importance of Routine Care

Pets rely on their teeth for eating, playing, and overall well-being. However, dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, causing pain, discomfort, and serious health risks. At Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield, we treat urgent dental cases that require immediate attention, but many of these emergencies can be prevented with regular dental care.

In recognition of Pet Dental Health Month, we’re highlighting common pet dental emergencies, how to respond, and why routine dental care is essential. If your pet needs a standard dental exam or cleaning, we recommend scheduling a visit with Mobile Vet Care Indiana for convenient in-home veterinary services.

Common Pet Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be painful and distressing for pets. Here are some of the most common situations that require urgent veterinary care:

Broken or Fractured Teeth

Pets can break teeth from chewing on hard objects, trauma, or accidents. A fractured tooth exposes sensitive nerves, leading to pain and infection. In some cases, the tooth may need extraction or a root canal.

Dental Abscesses and Infections

Untreated dental disease can lead to painful infections that cause swelling, bad breath, and difficulty eating. A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to bacterial infection and requires immediate veterinary care to prevent it from spreading.

Oral Trauma

Pets can suffer mouth injuries from falls, fights, or accidents. Cuts, lacerations, and jaw fractures require emergency attention to prevent excessive bleeding, infection, and long-term damage.

Tooth Root Exposure

Gum disease and advanced decay can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth. This condition is extremely painful and can lead to difficulty eating and further infection.

Objects Stuck in the Mouth

Dogs and cats sometimes chew on objects that can become lodged in their teeth, gums, or under their tongue. Common culprits include bones, sticks, and pieces of toys. If your pet is pawing at their mouth or refusing to eat, a foreign object could be the cause.

Excessive Bleeding from the Gums

While mild gum bleeding can occur with early dental disease, excessive bleeding may indicate trauma, infection, or a more serious health condition. If your pet’s gums are bleeding heavily, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

1. Stay calm and assess the situation – Check your pet’s mouth for visible injuries, swelling, or foreign objects.
2. Avoid touching the injured area – Handling a painful mouth can make your pet more anxious or aggressive.
3. Control bleeding if necessary – Use a clean cloth to apply gentle pressure on bleeding gums or wounds.
4. Do not attempt extractions or home treatments – Trying to remove a loose or broken tooth yourself can cause more harm.
5. Seek veterinary care immediately – Contact Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield for urgent cases, or visit a local emergency veterinarian.

Preventing Dental Emergencies with Routine Care

Many pet dental emergencies stem from untreated dental disease, which is why routine dental care is essential. Regular dental checkups and cleanings help prevent infections, broken teeth, and painful conditions.

How to Maintain Your Pet’s Oral Health

• Brush your pet’s teeth regularly using pet-safe toothpaste to remove plaque buildup.
• Offer dental chews and treats that help reduce tartar and freshen breath.
• Schedule professional dental cleanings to catch early signs of disease and prevent long-term problems.
• Monitor for signs of dental issues such as bad breath, red gums, or difficulty eating.

For non-emergency dental care, we recommend scheduling an appointment with Mobile Vet Care Indiana, which offers convenient in-home dental exams and cleanings. Regular dental care can help prevent painful conditions and reduce the likelihood of dental emergencies.

When to Seek Emergency vs. Routine Care

• Emergency Care: Broken teeth, bleeding gums, swelling, infections, or trauma should be treated immediately at Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield.
• Routine Care: Preventative cleanings, exams, and mild tartar buildup should be addressed by a general veterinarian, such as Mobile Vet Care Indiana.

Schedule a Dental Checkup for Your Pet

Emergency dental situations can be painful and stressful for both pets and their owners. By prioritizing routine dental care, you can help prevent emergencies and keep your pet’s mouth healthy. If your pet experiences a dental emergency, contact Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield immediately. For routine cleanings and exams, schedule a visit with Mobile Vet Care Indiana to ensure your pet’s teeth stay in top condition.