So Your Puppy Chipped a Tooth: Here’s What to Do
You’re tossing your pup a toy, and when they catch it in midair, you hear an awful snap. That sound isn’t your heart breaking; your puppy chipped a tooth. While it may seem minor, canine dental health plays a significant role in your dog’s overall well-being. Understanding what to do next is essential, whether the chip is a barely-there crack or a serious break.
Chipped teeth in puppies can happen more easily than you think. From rough play and teething to chewing on hard objects, those tiny chompers go through a lot. But not every chip spells disaster. With the right care and a little foresight, you can prevent complications and keep your puppy’s tail wagging.
Key takeaways
- A chipped puppy tooth isn’t always an emergency, but it does warrant a vet visit to rule out deeper damage.
- A broken baby tooth may not require treatment if your pup is not experiencing pain, but a broken adult tooth often does.
- Look out for drooling, swelling, bad breath, or trouble eating—these could signal infection or pain.
- Veterinary treatment options for tooth fractures include dental bonding, extraction, or a root canal.
- Prevent future breaks by avoiding hard toys and giving your dog safe, age-appropriate chew options.
- Pet insurance with dental coverage can make emergency treatment easier on your wallet and stress level.
Want more help protecting your pup from accidents like this? Learn more about common puppy accidents and how to prepare for them.
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Here is an overview of what to do, what to watch for, and how to help your puppy heal if you think they chipped a tooth.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
What to do if your puppy chips their tooth
Points to consider:
How serious is the chip?
Dental fractures in dogs are surprisingly common, especially in active puppies or those who chew on hard objects.1 Even if your puppy seems fine, a chipped tooth can expose the sensitive pulp beneath the protective enamel. Left untreated, a serious fracture could lead to infection, pain, or an abscess. A veterinary dental exam and x-ray will help determine whether the damage is only cosmetic or something more serious.
Baby teeth vs. adult teeth
Puppies start losing their baby (i.e., deciduous) teeth between 12 and 16 weeks of age. If the chipped tooth is a baby tooth and your puppy isn’t in visible pain, your vet may recommend letting it fall out naturally.
If your puppy chipped an adult canine tooth or molar, your vet may suggest treatment.
Source: Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital3
Symptoms of a chipped tooth in puppies
It may be difficult to tell if your puppy is in pain, but you can identify dental injuries by looking for other signs. Watch for:
- Difficulty chewing or favoring one side of the mouth
- Drooling more than usual
- Swelling around the mouth or face
- Decreased appetite
- Pawing at the mouth
- Bad breath or discharge
Symptoms may not appear right away. Get your puppy checked out by a vet if you suspect they chipped a tooth, even if the injury does not seem painful.
Veterinary intervention
Here’s what to expect when you take your puppy to the vet:
Dental exam and X-rays: These steps will help to assess whether the tooth’s nerve center (i.e., the pulp) is exposed or infected. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends dental X-rays for any dog showing signs of oral pain or damage.2
Treatment options:
- Dental bonding: A composite material can smooth over minor chips to protect the tooth from further damage.
- Tooth extraction: Your vet may remove the damaged tooth if the fracture is deep or infected.
- Root canal: A root canal can save essential adult teeth and relieve pain.
Some of these treatments can get pricey. That’s why many puppy owners turn to pet insurance plans with dental coverage to help manage costs.
Prevention tips
You can’t prevent every accident, but you can minimize the risk of another chipped puppy tooth by taking a few smart steps:
- Skip the bones and antlers—these are too hard for young teeth.
- Provide vet-approved chew toys designed for teething.
- Supervise play, especially when other dogs are involved.
- Schedule routine veterinary dental checkups as your pup grows.
- Brush your puppy’s teeth regularly with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste to promote strong, healthy enamel.
Need help finding safe chew toys? Ask your vet or check out our puppy dental care guide.
Your puppy may be rough and tumble, but their dental health doesn’t have to suffer. If your puppy chips a tooth, swift care can prevent long-term issues and save them from unnecessary pain.
Accidents happen. That’s why thousands of pet parents turn to coverage that can ease the cost of dental treatments like extractions and root canals. Purchase a pet insurance plan with dental coverage before your puppy has an accident to safeguard their grin.
Frequently asked questions about chipped teeth in puppies
My puppy chipped a tooth but isn’t acting painful. Should I still go to the vet?
You should visit the vet for a chipped tooth because puppies often hide pain, and even small chips can expose nerves or create openings for bacteria.
Will a chipped puppy tooth fix itself?
A chipped baby tooth might fall out naturally, but adult teeth won’t grow back or repair themselves. Without proper treatment, a tooth fracture can worsen over time.
Can pet insurance cover treatment for a chipped tooth?
Pet insurance covers treatment for dental accidents if you have a plan that includes dental care. The number of insured pets has grown by more than 20% annually over the last four years,¹ showing how valuable coverage can be when unexpected injuries arise.
What if my puppy’s chipped tooth bleeds?
Bleeding from a chipped tooth could signal a deeper fracture or pulp exposure. Contact your vet immediately to prevent further damage or infection.
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DVM, FFCP
Dr. Angela Beal has worked in private practice and taught veterinary technicians for 15 years. Angela is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time within the veterinary education writing and editing industry. Angela lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and their spoiled Chihuahua mix, Yogi.
