It can be worrying to look into your pet’s mouth and notice that one tooth looks different to the others. A tooth that has turned pink, purple, grey or brown is more than a cosmetic change. It is often a sign that something painful is happening inside the tooth, even if your pet is hiding it well.
At McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery, we see many pets who continue to eat, play and behave normally despite having a diseased or dead tooth. Animals are incredibly stoic, so it is completely understandable that owners may not realise something is wrong. We are here to help you understand what is happening and what the best treatment options are.
Why do teeth change colour?
A healthy tooth is nourished by the pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. When a tooth suffers an injury, such as trauma, a knock to the mouth, or chewing something too hard, the pulp can bleed or become severely inflamed.
Over time, the blood pigments and tissue breakdown products soak into the tiny tubules within the tooth. This causes the tooth to change colour.
Most discoloured teeth are unfortunately non-vital, meaning the pulp has died. Even though the outside of the tooth looks solid, the inside can be painful or infected.
What does this mean for your pet?
A dead tooth may not cause obvious symptoms at first. Many owners tell us that their pet is still eating normally, and this is true. Pets are very good at coping. However, beneath the gum line, a dead tooth can:
- Become a source of chronic pain
- Develop an infection inside the root
- Cause swelling or an abscess in the jaw
- Affect nearby teeth and bone
- Lead to ongoing health problems if the infection spreads
These changes can be uncomfortable and sometimes serious. Your pet may not show signs of pain, but the pathology inside the tooth is significant.
How we diagnose a discoloured or dead tooth
To properly understand what is happening, we perform the following:
- Assessment of history - Trauma, chewing behaviour, previous fractures or developmental problems may contribute. In many cases, there is no known injury and the colour change is the first sign of disease.
- Full oral examination under anaesthesia - This allows us to safely check every tooth and gum surface.
- Dental X-rays - These are essential. They show the root, the internal structure of the tooth and whether infection or bone loss is present.
Treatment options
Once a tooth is confirmed to be non-vital, two appropriate treatments exist. Both aim to remove pain and prevent infection.
- Extraction - This is the most common and effective treatment. Removing the tooth eliminates the source of pain and infection.
- Root canal treatment - This is an option for selected teeth, such as the large canine or carnassial teeth, if the owner wishes to preserve the tooth. This may require referral to a veterinary dental specialist.
- Monitoring alone is not recommended
Research shows that more than 90 percent of discoloured teeth are already dead or dying. Even if the tooth looks only slightly pink or grey, the changes inside are significant and often irreversible.
What you can look for at home
A dental examination is recommended if you notice:
- A tooth that is pink, purple, grey or brown
- A tooth that is darker than the others
- Reluctance to play tug-of-war or chew toys
- Bad breath
- Pawing at the mouth
- Swelling under the eye or on the jaw
- Bleeding gums
- Behaviour changes such as reduced enthusiasm or irritability
You know your pet best. Even small changes can indicate discomfort.
Your pet’s comfort is our priority
Discoloured teeth can be confronting to discover, but with timely treatment we can remove pain and prevent more serious problems from developing. Most pets feel much more comfortable once the diseased tooth is treated. Many owners tell us they did not realise how much happier their pet could be.
If you have noticed a tooth that looks unusual, or you are unsure, please contact us.
Our team at McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery is always here to help with gentle, thorough dental care.