Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy's baby tooth broke, part in gum. Should I be concerned?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shetland Sheepdog | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 21 days old | 12 lbs

My 4 month old puppy knocked out one of his bottom baby canines when he jumped off the sofa and hit his mouth on the floor. There is a tiny piece of tooth protruding from the gum. Should I be concerned? The area is a bit swollen but he seems to be acting fine, eating and doesn’t seem to be in pain. I’m unable to get a photo as he will not be still. Thanks

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 30th, 2018

Hello!

If the baby canine tooth came all the way out and the piece of tooth coming out is his new adult tooth- then no worries!
If the baby tooth is broken and partially inside the gums, then I would recommend a vet check. Unfortunately, broken baby teeth are a known risk factor for puppies getting tetanus because of all the crazy things they put in their mouths. In this case, we recommend extracting the remaining piece of tooth to prevent this.
If you were planning on having him neutered, you may be able to schedule the tooth removal and neutering during the same anesthetic event.

I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 15th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Drifter!

Is the tooth intact or broken? You can always take a picture for us. If the tooth is intact he will be fine. If it is broken and the root is still present in his jaw then there is a risk of an abscess or the segment affecting the growth of the adult. If it’s broken I would take him to your vet to discuss taking him to surgery to remove the piece.

Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 1st, 2018
Hello,

I would recommend taking Lok into your vet this week to have his tooth checked. They will likely recommend extracting the tooth, as broken baby teeth can lead to severe infections, such as Tetanus. It should not affect his adult tooth growth at all.

I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 21st, 2019
Hello. What I can not tell is if the puppy tooth is just loose or the entire tooth has fractured. You might want to have your vet take a look at this because if the tooth is fractured, the remaining root may not fall out on its own & may affect how the adult tooth comes in. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My puppy's baby tooth got knocked out, another is loose. Is he okay?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the baby tooth that was knocked out came out intact, meaning the entire root is present then he should be fine. If the tooth was broken then it could abscess or affect the adult tooth. The loose one will fall out on its own as that is the normal progression. If you are planning to neuter him you can do it sooner and have the vet X-ray the broken tooth and remove it while he’s under. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy's baby canine tooth broke. Is this normal? What to do?

If you're talking about the baby tooth, as long as he isn't in pain, it should be okay. Give it a day or so, if it doesn't come out on its own, get him in to see your vet. If the remnant stays in, it can cause the adult tooth behind it to become crooked or trap food and cause decay.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 4-month-old puppy has a brown tooth and red gum bump. Should I worry?

I would not be too concerned about the tooth at this time. It is difficult to tell from the picture, but the tooth in question looks as if it is a baby tooth that has broken off. If this is the case, the tooth will fall out sometime between 12-16 weeks of age. If this is an adult tooth, then I would recommend you continue to monitor it for now. If the tooth is still looking abnormal at the time of your dog’s spay (around 6 months of age) then your vet can remove it while she is already under anesthesia. This way it will not cause any future problems. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 7-month-old puppy still has baby teeth. Should I be concerned?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A lot of smaller breed dogs don't lose their baby teeth. Retained baby teeth can affect the adult teeth coming in behind. Also tartar build up between the baby tooth and the adult tooth leading to periodontal disease. The most common retained baby teeth are the canines. If a decent amount of the adult canine tooth has erupted and the baby tooth is still there then the baby tooth is unlikely to come out on it's own. I usually recommend extracting the retained baby teeth when the dog is spayed or neutered. It appears Luca hasn't been neutered yet. If you are planning to neuter him ask the Vet to extract the baby teeth. If you are not planning to neuter him you can schedule anesthesia to just have the teeth removed. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My young puppy has a chipped and rotten tooth. Should I be worried?

Trusty is listed as 4 months old, and in the photo that tooth does look like a baby tooth. These baby teeth often fracture like that then fall out; the root will resorb and the adult toot will grow in. As long as he is eating normally and doesn't seem painful, you don't need to be concerned at this point. It will probably fall out on its own without complication in the next few days. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy broke a tooth. Is it serious, or will it be okay on its own?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Tyson. Most likely this a puppy tooth based on the age you gave for him. I don't think this will cause problems as many of the adult teeth have yet to erupt and fully develop. The cracked or broken tooth will most likely be pushed out as the adult tooth forms. If you have any doubts, I would let your veterinarian take a look at Tyson. The tooth may become discolored also over time which as long as it falls out and is replaced, shouldn't be a problem. Good luck with Tyson. I would monitor it closely and seek help if you need to.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 2-month-old puppy broke a tooth. What health issues could arise?

Unfortunately, broken off teeth predispose puppies to a tetanus infection. So you need to take Tommy to your veterinarian for an exam of the tooth. If the pulpa of the tooth is open, the tooth will need to be repaired or removed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share