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My dog's back tooth is discolored and swollen. Is it fractured from chewing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed

Hi my dog doesn't chew dental chews and is now 3 years old. She only recently let's me brush her teeth. And now I have found she likes to eat yakers yak milk chews so I buy them to help her teeth. I noticed today whilst she was chewing her back tooth is discoloured. I have attached a photo below. It is only that one side and that one tooth. Although her fangs have alittle discoloration at the top. Was wondering if you could tell me how I can best treat this please?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 16th, 2019

That tooth is the upper 4th premolar (carnassial tooth) and it appears fractured (broken) and the gum above it is very swollen. Your vet needs to check it and it probably needs to be extracted. This happens a lot if they chew on hard bones but can happen from any trauma.

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