Treats and chews
Can chewing break a dog's teeth?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes, chewing on hard items is one of the most common causes of a broken tooth in dogs, particularly the large upper fourth premolar, known as the carnassial tooth, which takes the brunt of forceful chewing. Bones, antlers, hard nylon toys, and ice are the items most frequently linked to these fractures, sometimes called slab fractures, which usually need veterinary dental treatment.
Why one tooth is especially vulnerable
The large upper premolar positioned toward the back of the mouth bears the most force during aggressive chewing, since dogs naturally position hard items there to crack them, making this tooth the single most common site for a chewing related slab fracture across breeds and chew types.
The items most commonly involved
Antlers, weight bearing bones, ice cubes, and extremely hard nylon or hard rubber toys are consistently cited by veterinary dentists as the highest risk items, since none of them flex or give under pressure the way a softer rawhide alternative or a rubber toy with some compressibility does.
Recognizing a break early
A dog with a fractured tooth often shows subtle signs before an obvious problem appears, including chewing preferentially on one side, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, or a visibly discolored or rough edged tooth, any of which is worth a dental check rather than assuming it will resolve on its own.
Key takeaways
- The upper fourth premolar, or carnassial tooth, is the most common site of a chewing related fracture.
- Antlers, weight bearing bones, ice, and very hard nylon toys carry the highest fracture risk.
- Chewing on one side, dropping food, or pawing at the mouth can signal an existing fracture.
- A broken tooth usually needs veterinary dental treatment rather than resolving on its own.