Puppy Tooth Turning Black, What Should I Do?
Dental health is as important to dog as it is to humans. So if you got a puppy tooth turning black, you have to consult your pet’s veterinarian immediately.
A puppy’s teeth should always be pearly white. So when it started to develop a different color, much so a black one, you have to be concerned.
In this post, I discussed why puppy teeth develop a black color, what you can do about it, and how you can prevent it in the future.
Why is my puppy’s tooth becoming black?
Tooth discoloration among puppies is a common thing. Others develop yellowish, purplish, and even pinkish teeth.
However, if your pet has a grayish or black tooth, the following might be the reasons why:
1. Decay
Decay is the main reason why a puppy’s tooth will turn black. The combination of plaque and poor dental health will make your pup’s teeth rot fast.
Take note that it’s not normal for puppies to have tooth decay, especially if deciduous teeth are involved. Still, your little doggo isn’t invincible to dental problems like periodontitis and gingivitis.
Remember that tooth decay and other dental diseases in puppies will not go away on their own. So if you notice that your dog’s tooth is starting to darken, you should seek the vet’s advice as soon as possible.
As with humans, treating dental problems early in puppies will save you from hefty vet bills.
2. Trauma to the tooth
If your puppy is free from dental problems, one thing you should consider next is trauma to the affected tooth.
A tooth has blood vessels on its innermost layer called the pulp. If your puppy sustains dental trauma, bleeding can occur on this portion, which will look like a dark discoloration from the outside.
This is fairly common among puppies since they put random things in their mouth. Aside from that, being hit by a blunt object and falling from an elevated space can trigger this same injury.
3. Infection
Lastly, you shouldn’t discount the possibility that your puppy is suffering from a dental infection.
Dental abscesses can occur if your pup’s tooth root becomes infected. While tooth darkening isn’t an immediate sign of a dental abscess, it will soon develop if the infection isn’t contained or treated right away.
Aside from dental abscesses, advanced periodontal disease can also lead to a darkened tooth. This will ultimately cause decay and the affected tooth to fall off.
What to do if your pup’s tooth is turning black
If you noticed any discoloration in your puppy’s teeth, you should contact the vet for advice. Take note that only the vet can properly diagnose and treat your pet’s dental problem.
Never try to self-medicate your puppy’s darkening tooth at home. In the long run, these home remedies may cause more harm than help.
How to prevent tooth discoloration in puppies
Prevention is always the best cure for dental problems in dogs. With this, the following will help prevent tooth discoloration in your pup:
1. Observe proper dental hygiene
Proper dental hygiene at home is crucial to avoid problems with your puppy’s teeth. Regular brushing and inspecting your pup’s mouth will prevent or diagnose any present infections.
Take note that you should only use toothbrushes and toothpaste made for canines. Unlike our xylitol-filled formulas, toothpaste made for dogs are safer and have a delicious flavor.
2. Invest in yearly canine dental checks
Yearly oral exams are important, whether you have a young pup or a senior dog. Dental problems spare no canine, so it’s important to get this examination even if your pooch seems healthy.
With annual dental checks, the vet can diagnose problems before they took hold of your dog’s health. In the long run, it will be cheaper to treat and your dog will be saved from further discomfort.
3. Provide chew toys
Chew toys help a lot in preventing the formation of plaque and tartar in a dog’s mouth. As your dog chews, the toy scrapes any leftover food before it rots and hardens.
Just make sure that the chew toy has a stiffness that matches your dog’s size. Small breeds often need softer chew toys to prevent damage to their teeth.
4. Consider giving dry food
Lastly, you should consider giving kibble instead of wet food for your puppy. This is because dry food helps reduce plaque buildup as it encourages chewing on the part of your dog.
Nevertheless, this part is optional and it depends on your dog’s needs. If you wish to transition your dog to kibble, make sure that you perform the process slowly.
Can puppies have rotten teeth?
Rotten teeth in puppies aren’t very common because their first set of teeth will fall off within weeks. Nevertheless, the pup’s permanent teeth aren’t exempted from decay and dental diseases.
With that, it’s important to start dental hygiene as early as possible on your dog. This way, your pooch will also get used to the sensation of brushing and having its mouth touched.
How do you know if a puppy’s tooth is infected?
If your puppy’s tooth is turning black, painful, and accompanied by canine bad breath, it’s likely infected. Aside from that, an infected tooth will also cause swelling, drooling, and decreased appetite in your dog.
It’s important to communicate with your pup’s veterinarian if you suspect an infected tooth. Remember that such infections require immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading into the surrounding teeth.
Why is my dog’s mouth turning black?
If your dog’s gums and tongue are turning black, it might be due to hyperpigmentation. It can be due to various reasons, which all require immediate veterinary attention.
First, your dog might be suffering from poor oxygen levels. This can be triggered by respiratory system distress in dogs, exposure to parasites, or a respiratory infection.
Aside from that, gingivitis and periodontal disease can also make your dog’s mouth black. Take note that periodontal disease is progressive and can lead to jawbone destruction if left untreated.
Unless you have a Chow-Chow, Shar-Pei, and other breeds with naturally dark tongues and gums, you should call the vet. Darkening of the mouth is often related to a serious health problem that requires the vet’s attention.
Conclusion
If you notice a puppy tooth turning black, you should consult the veterinarian right away. This might be a case of dental trauma, tooth decay, and other conditions that require immediate treatment.
Take note that your pup’s dental health is as important as any other vet procedure. Having the condition treated immediately will prevent it from worsening and becoming an expensive disease to treat.
