Tennis Ball Teeth
Many dogs love to chew on tennis balls. They become compulsive and often really enjoy the activity. As vets we can tell an addicted tennis ball chewer by the look of their teeth.
This is Freddie. He’s a Jack Russel Terrier cross. He came in to Pittwater Animal Hospital for a dental scale and polish under general anaesthetic. His teeth were quite grubby but his mouth was generally healthy.
While he was under anaesthetic you can clearly see the flattened crowns from years of chewing on tennis balls. 
Freddie’s teeth cleaned up beautifully, a sign that they will be very healthy for years to come.
The flattened teeth occur after years of minor abrasion of the tip of the tooth. It is usually not harmful as the tooth has time to re-enamel sealing the root canal even if the tooth wears quite low. 
Dr Jill’s dog Pudding is more of a casual tennis ball chewer. He is usually just carrying it around to tease Percy the Kelpie. His pointy fangs are wonderfully normal. 
Narla the kelpie has had years of tennis ball chewing. Now she has flattened teeth and though the root canal is exposed it has sealed over and is not causing a problem.
