You notice your cat chewing differently, avoiding food, or pawing at its mouth. Then you look closer—and see a cracked or missing tooth. Should you panic?
This guide will explain whether a broken cat tooth is an emergency, what causes it, and how to treat it. We’ll also show you when it’s time to visit a 24-hour emergency vet to protect your cat from pain or infection.
Is a Broken Cat Tooth an Emergency?
A broken cat tooth is not always a life-threatening emergency, but it is a painful and time-sensitive issue. If the tooth is bleeding, the root is exposed, or your cat shows signs of pain or infection, it should be treated as an urgent dental emergency.
Delaying treatment can lead to severe complications like abscesses, tooth decay, or even jaw bone infections. If your regular vet is unavailable, contact a 24-hour emergency vet clinic for immediate help.
Common Signs of a Broken Cat Tooth
Cats hide pain well, but dental problems often come with clear warning signs. Watch for:
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling, sometimes with blood
- Bad breath
- Decreased appetite or reluctance to eat dry food
- Facial swelling
- Visible crack, chip, or missing tooth
- Behavioral changes like hiding or aggression
Even if your cat seems okay at first, broken teeth can expose sensitive nerves and cause severe pain over time. Early care makes a big difference.
What Causes Broken Teeth in Cats?
There are several reasons a cat’s tooth might break or crack:
- Trauma: Falls, fights, or accidents can fracture teeth
- Chewing hard objects: Bones, toys, or even metal
- Tooth resorption: A painful condition where the body breaks down the tooth
- Tooth decay: Cavities and weakened enamel can lead to cracks
Some cats—especially older ones—are more prone to dental issues and need regular checkups to catch problems early.
When to Treat a Broken Tooth as an Emergency
You should seek emergency vet care if:
- The tooth is bleeding or appears fractured at the root
- Your cat is in visible pain or stops eating
- There’s swelling near the mouth or jaw
- You see pus, abscess, or drainage around the gum
- Your cat’s behavior changes suddenly
Even if the break looks small, dental pain can be intense. A 24-hour emergency animal clinic can help relieve your cat’s discomfort and avoid more serious issues.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat It?
Ignoring a broken tooth can lead to complications such as:
- Infection spreading to the jaw or bloodstream
- Chronic mouth pain or dental disease
- Tooth abscesses and pus buildup
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
What seems like a minor break can become a major health issue. That’s why early treatment is always the safer—and kinder—choice.
What Will the Vet Do?
Once at the clinic, the vet will examine your cat’s mouth and may take dental X-rays. Treatment options may include:
- Dental extraction: Removing the damaged tooth to relieve pain
- Root canal (rare in cats): Preserves the tooth but isn’t always practical
- Antibiotics: To treat or prevent infection
- Pain relief medication: To keep your cat comfortable during healing
Most cats recover quickly after a tooth extraction and often feel better within a few days once the pain is gone.
Can You Do Anything at Home?
While waiting to get to a vet, here’s how to help your cat at home:
- Feed soft food to avoid further pain
- Don’t try to touch or clean the broken tooth
- Keep your cat indoors and calm
- Avoid giving human painkillers—they’re toxic to cats
Your best bet is to get professional help quickly. If it’s after hours, use our emergency vet locator to find a clinic that’s open now.
How to Prevent Future Tooth Injuries
Here’s how to lower the risk of future dental emergencies:
- Schedule regular dental checkups with your vet
- Brush your cat’s teeth with a cat-safe toothpaste
- Provide safe chew toys made for cats
- Avoid letting cats chew on bones, metal, or hard plastic
Healthy teeth lead to a healthier—and happier—cat.
Conclusion: A Broken Cat Tooth Is Urgent—Don’t Wait
If your cat breaks a tooth, it may not be a midnight emergency, but it’s still serious. The pain is real, and the risks of infection are high. Don’t assume your cat will be fine just because they’re hiding it well.
Use 24 Hour Emergency Vet to find a clinic open now. Quick care means less pain, fewer problems, and a faster recovery for your cat.
Your cat depends on you—don’t let a broken tooth go untreated.