Intrinsically Stained Teeth Pets | Advanced Animal Dentistry

We often associate healthy teeth with a pearly white appearance. However, sometimes teeth develop discolouration that can’t be cleaned away because the staining comes from within the tooth itself, a phenomenon known as intrinsic staining.

Characteristics & causes of discolouration

Intrinsically stained teeth may show unusual colours, such as pink, blue or grey. This discolouration can affect a small area of the crown or extend across the entire visible portion of the tooth. Discolouration results from changes within the tooth structure.

The crown of the tooth is typically covered by enamel, a tough material that appears solid white but is slightly translucent. Beneath the enamel lies dentine, the main substance of the tooth; this is off-white. Dentine is composed of millions of dentinal tubules—small tubes that run from the enamel to the tooth’s internal pulp.

Intrinsic staining occurs when material, such as blood, is forced up the tubules and becomes visible through the enamel.

“Intrinsically stained teeth may show unusual colours, such as pink, blue or grey.”

AAD-Intrinsically Stained Teeth Examination

Trauma, bruising & the importance of veterinary examination

Trauma often leads to intrinsically stained teeth. When a tooth is injured, blood from the damaged pulp travels up the dentinal tubules, causing a pink hue if caught early. As time passes, the blood changes colour and the tooth may become more purple or grey.

If you notice a discoloured tooth, it’s crucial to schedule a thorough examination with a veterinarian. Early intervention and proper treatment are essential to maintaining your pet’s oral health and overall wellbeing.

“Trauma often leads to intrinsically stained teeth.”

AAD-Teeth with internal discolouration in pets

Treatment Options for Non-vital Teeth

Unfortunately, most teeth with internal discolouration are non-vital (dead) or have irreversible pulpitis (in the process of dying). Non-vital teeth can cause issues for pets and require proper treatment.

Veterinary Dentists usually recommend one of two treatments for these teeth:

Root Canal Therapy: This procedure removes the necrotic material while preserving the hard parts of the tooth.
Extraction: This involves removing the entire tooth, including the dead pulp.

Meet the Author

Bec Tucker

Specialist Veterinary Dentist – BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery) 
Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College™

Hi, I’m Dr Bec Tucker, and my journey into veterinary dentistry has been unexpected yet incredibly fulfilling. In fact, dentistry wasn’t on my radar at all when I graduated with a BVSc (Hons) from the University of Sydney in 2007. I was fortunate to meet veterinarians who had found their passion for dentistry, and their encouragement and enthusiasm shifted my perspective. Through continuing education lectures and workshops, I went from not fancying dentistry and oral surgery to genuinely loving it.

FAQs

My dog/cat’s tooth has turned pink/purple/grey—what does that mean?

That colour change is usually intrinsic staining (pigment from inside the tooth, not on the surface), often from pulp bruising/bleeding after trauma.

Is a discoloured tooth “dead”—and does it need treatment?

Most intrinsically stained teeth are non‑vital (dead) or have irreversible pulpitis, so veterinary dentists typically recommend either tooth‑preserving Root Canal Therapy or Extraction.

Can you clean or whiten a stained pet tooth?

If the stain is intrinsic, it can’t be cleaned off, because the pigment sits within dentine rather than on the enamel surface.

How do you confirm if the tooth is alive—do we need X‑rays (or CT)?

Yes—intra‑oral dental X‑rays are essential to assess the pulp and surrounding bone, and some complex cases benefit from CT. See Dental & Oral Imaging.

Is this urgent if my pet is still eating normally?

Pets often hide oral pain, so if you suspect intrinsic staining of the teeth, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

Key Takeaways

Not just surface stain

Pink/purple/grey discolouration usually comes from inside the tooth (blood/pigment within dentine), so it can’t be polished off.

Often non‑vital

Most intrinsically stained teeth are dead or dying (irreversible pulpitis) and need treatment—typically root canal therapy or extraction.

Why it happens

Trauma can bruise the pulp, with blood travelling up dentinal tubules and changing colour over time (pink → purple/grey).

Imaging matters

Intra‑oral dental X‑rays are essential to assess the pulp and roots, with CT used for complex cases.

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

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