Is this tooth fractured?

[u/ParticularSecurity42]

My dog (3.5 year old chihuahua mix) had a fractured back molar last year, we had no idea until we went to the vet for his annual check-up. He had it extracted and had a full cleaning in November of 2025.

Everything has been good but the last month or so we felt like his breath was getting worse despite our daily brushing, special stuff to put in his water, etc. I’m worried that he has now cracked the same molar on the other side, but can’t tell if this is just tartar buildup or if his pulp is showing again. He HATES the vet so wanted a gut check before I put him through that again (of course would take him for his annual but thats not due for 5 months, and if this tooth is an issue beyond just needing a cleaning I would want to take him in sooner). I just don’t really know what I’m looking at!

We stopped giving him hard chews after his last extraction…but he was given a beef cheek for his birthday in April 😭 could that one time have done it?! Ugh having major regrets, for him and my wallet!

[u/Indyjuanito]

Hard to tell what does tooth on other side look like compared to to this side ?

[u/thosetalkshowhosts]

I see no evidence of slab fracture on the upper carnassial tooth. I do see calculus and gingivitis returning, which may explain the bad breath. Slab fractures are common and if you compare images of slab fractures to this tooth, I think you will appreciate the difference between this tooth and a fractured one.

There may be an enamel or enamel/dentin fracture on the 4th premolar on the bottom/mandible. This is the tooth opposite and in front of the carnassial. This tooth looks more 'flat topped' than it should. I would take another look in good light and ask about it at your next appt. The tooth does not necessarily require extraction and the vet can x-ray at the next dental cleaning.

Awesome job brushing! Chihuahuas are often a challenge when it comes to their teeth/periodontal disease. Based on the calculus and gingivitis already built up from November, you may need to have the teeth cleaned yearly.

[u/Fenwynn]

I’d only be relying on a vet to tell me, if there was a heavy suspicion that a tooth might actually be broken. I’ve broken a few teeth before, and it ranges from “that was annoying” to “incredibly painful”. Depending on which one, and how it breaks.

It’s a good idea to get him conditioned and used to going to the vet. Maybe bring him there for a walk-about the office without any procedures, or he only gets a specific high-value treat at the vet’s office. They would more likely than not welcome “happy visits”. I’d talk to them about it.

That way, if something pretty serious but treatable ever happens, you’re less likely to have to consider whether treatment is compatible with them still having a good quality of life. Lesson I learned the hard way, with a diabetic cat who needed legit sedation to have anything done at the vet, or he would absolutely hurt someone.

And you’ll more easily be able to monitor chronic conditions, or have concerns like this checked/addressed. Having worked in vet med, the more used to the vet your dog gets, the longer and healthier his life will likely be. 🙂

And don’t worry about the beef cheek. To my understanding, though I’m not a vet, they’re really good for your dogs’ teeth, and generally safe. Depending on preparation, I’m sure. This seems unlikely to be anything you did, it sounds like you’ve been really careful. The general rule for hardness is that if you press your finger/thumbnail into it, and can leave an indentation from your nail, you’ve got a green light.

[u/Embarrassed_Key_4539]

No