pink tooth ?

[HappyPuppy]

I know I don't look in Ruby's mouth as often as I should... we're playing tug right now and I noticed that one of her teeth looks pink - almost gum color. It's not the longest top K9(?) tooth but the half as long one to the inside (not a nibbly front tooth).

What might this mean? We're not really due for a vet visit soon and it's not bothering her... is this an emergency?

[Murfins]

Could it be her gums are overgrowing the tooth? I can't remember the technical term for this.

[HappyPuppy]

No, I touched it and it's not overgrown gums... it's pinkish-brown. Sigh.........

[Murfins]

Found this - don't know how reliable the site is or anything like that.

"Initially the pulp becomes inflammed or bleeds. The result is a pink color of the tooth. This is often called pulpitis. Occasionally the pulpitis will resolve and the tooth returns to normal color. This however is very uncommon."

Via http://www.mypetsdentist.com/site/view/113063_DiscoloredTeeth.pml

[Misskiwi67]

Its pulpitis. Most of these teeth die and will eventually need extracted. Keep an eye on it and show your vet at the next scheduled visit.

[HappyPuppy]

Well, darn.... thanks for the feedback. Off to read more about pulpitis and make and appointment. I haven't hit her with any baseball bats (as the link above suggests = trauma) so this is an interesting development.

[HappyPuppy]

So, our Vet wasn't too worried - didn't want to do anything until/if ever it starts to bother her.... Also said there was no tartar - guess the raw meals are doing their job since I don't want to be a dog-toothbrush-er!!

[Murfins]

So, our Vet wasn't too worried - didn't want to do anything until/if ever it starts to bother her.... Also said there was no tartar - guess the raw meals are doing their job since I don't want to be a dog-toothbrush-er!!