A discolored dog tooth can be a concerning finding for pet owners and can occur for a number of different reasons. Discolored teeth can be seen in younger dogs as well as older dogs. Even if you suspect you know the cause, your pup’s discolored teeth should be evaluated by a veterinarian trained in dentistry.
This article provides information on the types and causes of discolored dog teeth and the impact this health issue could have on your pet.
Understanding Discolored Teeth in Dogs
Discolored dog teeth can be an array of colors, including grey, pink, purple, brown, yellow, or black. It is estimated that over 90% of discolored teeth in dogs are dead, which means that a discolored tooth of any color should be evaluated if intervention is needed. A dead tooth is referred to as a nonvital tooth. Nonvital teeth are most commonly pink or grey in color.
When a dog tooth dies, the soft tissues inside the hollow part of the tooth (pulp cavity) die. Necrosis of the pulp tissue sets up inflammation of the root tip or apex, frequently leading to damage to the surrounding bone. This is often referred to as a periapical abscess and can take months or even years to manifest. This is an exceedingly long time for oral discomfort to be present.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Discoloration
There are two different types of tooth discoloration. Intrinsic discoloration occurs when there is an internal health issue with the tooth, causing internal discoloration of the entire tooth. Extrinsic discoloration is caused when stains accumulate on the outside of the tooth. Surface staining is common in older patients and not usually a sign of a significant health problem.
Yellow and Brown Teeth—Extrinsic Discoloration
Extrinsic discoloration is caused by an outside source. Some things that can cause extrinsic discoloration, which usually presents itself as yellow and brown teeth, include:
- Calculus (tartar) stains
- Stains from materials in the food or water
- Stains from medications
- Infections or severe stress when the teeth were developing
- Aging changes
Pink, Purple, Grey, or Black Teeth—Intrinsic Discoloration
Intrinsic discoloration occurs inside the tooth. The most common cause of intrinsic staining is concussive trauma of the tooth, which causes the tooth to become dead or non-vital. Intrinsic staining can be caused by trauma or Injury to the tooth, causing pulpitis.
Pulpitis is inflammation of the pulp inside the tooth, secondary to trauma to the tooth. Some forms of trauma may be getting hit, bumping the tooth, or biting down on something hard that does not fracture the tooth but traumatizes it all the same.
Discolored teeth due to pulpitis are considered painful. It is recommended to see your veterinary dentist right away when you notice a discolored tooth so it can be treated appropriately. Pulpitis is considered irreversible in the majority of cases.
Treating a Discolored Dog Tooth
If the staining is only on the surface, the discolored dog tooth may not require treatment. However, discolored teeth that are dead or painful are treated with endodontic (root canal) therapy or extraction. Depending on the severity of the problem and the type of tooth affected, your veterinary dentist will recommend one of these three treatments:
- Endodontic therapy is also known as root canal therapy. This treatment involves removing the dead pulp within the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the hollow area inside the tooth, and filling the inside of the tooth with materials that prevent any re-entry of bacteria inside the tooth. Root canal therapy is actually a less traumatic procedure than extraction and allows the tooth to remain in your dog’s mouth.
- Surgical extractions are recommended in severe cases where a root canal is not an option. Surgical extractions are more invasive than root canal therapy, as the roots of a dog’s teeth go deep into the jaw bone. Unfortunately, sometimes surgery is the only available option.
- Tooth Restoration. Enamel defects can be present. The diseased enamel rods can be removed, followed by placement of a composite restoration to protect the underlying tooth structure from future infection.
Veterinary Dentist in Montana
If you are concerned about your dog’s discolored tooth, give us a call today to schedule a visit to Montana Pet Dentistry and Oral Surgery with Dr. Melissa Guillory. We are available Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
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