Persistent Deciduous Teeth without Clinical Issues in Dogs
Persistent deciduous teeth in dogs occur when a second set of teeth grows while the first set is still present, resulting in two parallel rows of teeth. This phenomenon is often observed with the milk teeth, especially the canines, when the permanent teeth erupt before the milk teeth have fallen out.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
The dental development of dogs includes two main phases: the growth of milk teeth and permanent teeth. Normally, the milk teeth fall out to make room for the permanent teeth. This natural shedding of milk teeth is supported by a process of resorption, in which the roots of the milk teeth are gradually dissolved.
Persistent deciduous teeth primarily occur when this resorption process is disrupted or does not occur in time. This can be genetic or influenced by other factors that interfere with the dog’s dental development.
This problem is particularly common in small dog breeds, as their teeth are often more crowded in relation to jaw size. Excessive calcium intake or other nutritional factors may also play a role, although this has not yet been definitively proven scientifically.
In some cases, persistent deciduous teeth can also be caused by an injury or illness that affects the growth and development of the teeth. Hormonal imbalances and infections affecting oral health could also contribute to the development of this problem.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Difficulties when eating: Dogs with persistent deciduous teeth may have difficulty chewing food properly, which sometimes leads to reduced food intake.
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Bad breath: The overlapping of teeth can cause food particles to accumulate and lead to increased production of bacteria, which causes bad breath.
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Inflammation of the gums: The additional row of teeth can cause irritation and inflammatory conditions of the surrounding gums, often accompanied by redness or swelling.
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Malocclusion: The presence of persistent deciduous teeth can disrupt the dog’s natural bite, which can lead to malocclusion and other dental problems.
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Increased Tartar (calculus) formation: The close position of the teeth and inadequate cleaning due to the double row can lead to increased Tartar (calculus) formation.
When to visit the vet?
A visit to the veterinarian is advisable if you notice signs of persistent deciduous teeth in your dog. In particular, you should consult the veterinarian if the animal shows Pain when eating or if the teeth are obviously not aligned correctly.
Another warning sign is the appearance of Bleeding in the mouth or visible inflammatory conditions of the gums. These symptoms may indicate a more serious gum disease that requires immediate treatment.
If the dog has bad breath for an extended period or shows other signs of dental problems, such as frequent Scratching the mouth or increased salivation, a veterinarian should be consulted to clarify possible causes.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
Pet owners can recognize persistent deciduous teeth by regularly inspecting their dog’s mouth, especially during teething. Look for the presence of two rows of teeth, especially in the canines, and observe whether the dog has difficulty chewing.
During the veterinary visit, the veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the mouth and teeth. He will also look for signs of gum disease and other dental problems. In some cases, an X-ray may be necessary to assess the roots of the teeth and determine if extraction is necessary.
In addition, the veterinarian can check the dog’s general health to rule out possible underlying causes for the persistent deciduous teeth, such as hormonal disorders or nutritional deficiencies.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
The pet owner can help alleviate the symptoms by making sure the dog receives soft or finely chopped food to make chewing easier. Avoid hard chew toys that could put additional pressure on the teeth.
Regular oral hygiene is crucial. Brushing teeth with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste can help reduce plaque and bacteria that contribute to bad breath and gum disease.
If persistent deciduous teeth are detected, the pet owner should seek the advice of a veterinarian to correct the problem. Depending on the severity, extraction of the excess milk teeth may be necessary to avoid future problems and support normal dental development.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.