ABSTRACT: Tooth fracture is commonly seen in practice although a lot of owners may not be aware that their pet has a fractured tooth. It is often only after treatment that owners appreciate how much pain and discomfort their pet was suffering. While chew products can be a good way to help maintain a dog’s oral hygiene, not all chews would be considered safe. Any chew or toy that does not break under the maximum load reported may have the potential to cause tooth fracture, resulting in potential pain and infection for the pet. Client education is also important as many dog owners are unaware of the incidence of tooth fractures as well as the potential harm of some chewing behaviour or products. Nurse clinics provide the ideal opportunity to discuss all aspects of oral care including the risk of certain products to cause tooth fracture.

Author

Lisa Milella BVSc DipEVDC

Lisa Milella is a European specialist in veterinary dentistry and a trustee of International Animal Rescue. Since first becoming involved with the charity in 2005, when she operated on a dozen rescued dancing bears in India, Lisa has performed dental surgery on numerous exotic animals in its care, including orangutan.

Keywords: Bite forces; chewing behaviours; tooth fracture

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 35 (02) • February 2020 pp30-32

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