Delayed Tooth Eruption in Dogs
Delayed tooth eruption in dogs refers to a condition in which the transition from milk teeth to permanent teeth is delayed or disrupted, which can lead to a variety of oral problems.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
The tooth change in dogs usually occurs between the third and seventh month of life. During this time, the milk teeth fall out and are replaced by the permanent teeth. This process is crucial for the healthy development of the teeth.
A delay can be caused by genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or health problems. In particular, smaller dog breeds tend to have more frequent problems with teething because their jaw structure is narrower.
Nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of calcium and phosphorus, can impair tooth development. These minerals are crucial for the formation of strong and healthy teeth. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by thyroid problems, can also play a role, as hormones control the growth processes in the body.
Infections or systemic diseases such as parvovirus or disorders of the immune system can also negatively affect tooth change. The immune defense plays an important role in preventing infections in the oral cavity that can disrupt tooth change.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Retention of milk teeth: If milk teeth do not fall out, they can block the eruption of permanent teeth.
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Malposition of the teeth: Delayed tooth change can lead to an unfavorable positioning of the permanent teeth.
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Inflammation in the gums: Remaining milk teeth can cause irritation and inflammatory conditions because they press against the gums.
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Pain when chewing: Dogs with delayed tooth eruption may have difficulty chewing because the teeth are not properly aligned.
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Bad breath: Inflammatory conditions and food debris caused by irregular teething can cause bad breath.
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Refusal of food: Pain and discomfort can cause the dog to eat less or avoid certain foods.
When to visit the vet?
A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog shows signs of pain, such as excessive drooling, frequent Scratching the mouth, or if it refuses to eat. These symptoms may indicate serious dental problems that need to be treated to avoid permanent damage.
If the dog is older than seven months and still has milk teeth that have not fallen out, a veterinarian should also be consulted. Timely intervention can help prevent future dental problems and misalignments.
Also, if there are signs of inflammatory conditions or infections in the oral cavity, such as reddened or swollen gums, a veterinarian should assess the condition and initiate treatment if necessary.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
It is important for the pet owner to check the dog’s mouth regularly. Clear signs of a delay in tooth change are the presence of double rows of teeth or the absence of permanent teeth when they should have already erupted.
A veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the oral cavity to determine the cause of the delay. This may include X-rays to check the position of the permanent teeth in the jaw. An X-ray can help determine if permanent teeth are present but have not erupted, or if there are other structural problems.
The veterinarian will also assess the dog’s general health to determine if there are other health problems that could be affecting tooth change. This may include a blood test to check for deficiencies or hormonal problems.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
The pet owner can help by providing suitable chew toys that support tooth change by satisfying the dog’s natural urge to chew on things. However, these chew toys should not be too hard to avoid damage to the teeth and should not contain any toxic substances.
A balanced diet, rich in minerals and vitamins, is crucial to support tooth change. Supplements specifically designed for dental health can also be helpful, but should only be administered after consulting a veterinarian.
Regular dental care, including brushing teeth with a dog-friendly toothpaste, can help keep the gums healthy and prevent infections. In addition, dental problems should be detected and treated early to avoid major complications.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.