Persistent Deciduous Teeth without Clinical Issues in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Home care monitor at home and contact your vet if worse
YELLOW/ORANGE for gum inflammation, bad odor, Pain, Refusal to eat, malposition (malocclusion), or if baby teeth persist beyond ~7 months.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
A double row of teeth in dogs occurs when a second set of teeth grows in while the first set is still present, resulting in two parallel rows of teeth. This phenomenon is often seen with baby teeth, especially the canine teeth, when the permanent teeth erupt before the baby teeth have fallen out.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
Dental development in dogs includes two main phases: the growth of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Normally, the baby teeth fall out to make room for the permanent teeth. This natural shedding of baby teeth is supported by a resorption process in which the roots of the baby teeth gradually dissolve.
A double row of teeth mainly develops when this resorption process is disrupted or does not happen in time. This can be genetic or influenced by other factors that interfere with the dog’s dental development.
This problem is especially common in small dog breeds because their teeth are often more crowded in relation to jaw size. Excessive calcium intake or other diet-related factors could also play a role, although this has not yet been conclusively proven scientifically.
In some cases, the double row of teeth can also be caused by an injury or illness that affects the growth and development of the teeth. Hormonal imbalances and infections that affect oral health may also contribute to 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: Because the teeth overlap, food debris can accumulate and lead to increased bacteria growth, 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 see a vet?
A visit to the veterinarian is recommended if you notice signs of a double row of teeth in your dog. In particular, see the veterinarian if your pet shows Pain when eating or if the teeth are clearly misaligned.
Another warning sign is Bleeding in the mouth area or visible inflammation 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 the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure
Pet owners can recognize a double row of teeth by regularly inspecting their dog’s mouth, especially during teething. Look for two rows of teeth, especially the canine teeth, and watch whether the dog has difficulty chewing.
At the veterinary visit, the veterinarian will carry out a thorough examination of the mouth and teeth. They will also look for signs of gum disease and other dental problems. In some cases, an X-ray may be necessary to assess the tooth roots and determine whether extraction is needed.
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 the pet owner can do and professional therapy options
The pet owner can help relieve symptoms by making sure the dog gets soft or finely chopped food to make chewing easier. Avoid hard chew items that could put additional pressure on the teeth.
Regular oral hygiene is crucial. Brushing the teeth with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste can help reduce plaque and bacteria that contribute to bad breath and gum disease.
If a double row of teeth is detected, the pet owner should seek veterinary advice to address the issue. Depending on the severity, extraction of the extra baby teeth may be necessary to prevent future problems and support normal dental development.