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Why is my dog's broken tooth grey, shaky, and bleeding gums?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 18 days old | 45 lbs

My pup has bleeding gums below one of her pre molar (next to the canine in the lower jaw), and a small fragment of the tooth was also broken. There is no swelling though. And the tooth itself is shaky and a bit greyish in color. What could be the reason and should I see a vet?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on July 25th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This does warrant a visit to your veterinarian as that color of the tooth suggests that the tooth may be dead and needs to be removed. I recommend that you have Luna evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to look at this closely and decide what would be best. Good luck and have a great day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 25th, 2018
Hello, sorry to hear about Luna. It’s likely that she could have a tooth root infection. She may require antibiotics and an oral exam.

Your veterinarian may likely then recommend X-rays of her teeth and then an extraction if necessary.

Please have her evaluated by a veterinarian soon as this is likely painful for Luna. Hope this helps and best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on July 25th, 2018
Hi there. At this age, Luna is teething. It's likely that you are seeing the baby premolar becoming loose and getting ready to fall out, as the adult tooth begins to come in above it. This is a normal process, so you shouldn't need to do anything.

If you want to be sure, I would recommend taking Luna in to a local veterinarian for a quick exam - he/she can confirm whether or not this is a normal baby tooth, or if there is some other problem.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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