If you notice discoloration on one or more of your dog's teeth, see a veterinarian or animal dentist. Discoloration is not normal and, left untreated, can lead to infection and even death.
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Causes
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Discolored teeth can occur when a dog chews too enthusiastically or persistently on a hard object, from certain medications, as a result of developmental problems or when he suffers a trauma to the tooth.
Diagnosis
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The veterinarian or animal dentist will examine the tooth in three ways: he will visually inspect it, probe it with dental tools to search for spongy or damaged areas and finally X-ray the tooth to look for problems in the root or inside the tooth itself.
Treatment
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Depending on the cause of the discolored tooth, the veterinarian may recommend extracting the tooth, performing a root canal, placing a crown on the tooth, adding a seal called a dentinal seal or restoring the tooth.
Prevention/Solution
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Your dog needs dental checkups just like her owner does. The veterinarian knows what to look for and can often prevent or treat problems before they become more severe. The recommended schedule is as follows: have your puppy's teeth examined at each vaccination up to the age of four months, and then again at the age of six months. Take your dog for an exam every year when she is between one and three. From age four to six, once a year is fine if your dog is healthy and you brush her teeth; otherwise, begin an every-six-month regimen at this time. From age seven and up, the dog's teeth should be inspected every six months.
Fun Fact
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The human "canine" tooth is considered the most stable tooth in the mouth.
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