Black Tooth

[Nici]

A few weeks ago I noticed a really bad smell with one of my rats, coming out of her mouth. And I soon saw the cause: her right front tooth is almost fully black. It doesn't hurt her in any way or anything, I don't even think she knows that there's something wrong with her tooth. But I don't think it will go away on its own now. Anyone who had this before? Should I visit a vet or just leave it be?

 

[Alicemcmallis]

It sounds like it is infected and she should be put on antibiotics. Are her other teeth still even?

 

[Nici]

Yeah her other teeth are just normal

 

[jorats]

I agree antibiotics asap.

 

[LA]

You may also have to have the tooth removed by the vet.

 

[Nici]

I went to my vet today and he told me that antibiotics or anything aren't needed as long as she just continues to eat well.

 

[jorats]

When my son was younger, he banged his tooth on the wall, it became black but there was no infection or anything. Maybe it's the same with animals?

 

[user 78]

When things turn black on a warm blooded animal, it generally means there's no circulation. So, the tooth should be technically dead. Eventually it may loosen and/or fall out, at which point you'll either need to have the tooth removed or have her teeth trimmed regularly.

I would be more concerned about what caused the problem than anything. Since rats don't go banging into walls that often, I'd wonder how it happened. Do keep an eye on her mouth, and if you notice her teeth becoming uneven or a bad smell coming from her mouth, she'll need to go back to the vet.

 

[Melandrew]

Sorry to bring up an old thread but i found this through google, i just got a third rattie a few days ago and she has a black tooth and also an odor coming from her mouth. Does anyone know what it could be? I heard fluorinated water could cause it but here in Germany they do not have fluoride in there water. If anyone has advice please let me know. Thanks.

 

[Marylou Mader]

I can understand a tooth basically dying, and turning black, but anytime there is a foul odor, this sounds like a necrotic issue, I would go to a Vet. That would have to be a pretty necrotic tooth to cause an odor.

Either way, teeth that die and turn black, become weak without dentin and ultimately will break off, with rats loving to gnaw and chew, like they do, even if it is not infected, it will soon break off and may cause other problems.

I would get a 2nd opinion on that first Vet poo pooing this sort of thing...

 

[jorats]

I agree with Marylou, I'd find a vet that will give you antibiotics and keep checking on that tooth.

 

[Rachael]

Monkey had tooth problems and on the day of removal she had black on her teeth. :/