Retained Deciduous Teeth in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Home care monitor at home and contact your vet if worse
YELLOW/ORANGE if permanent teeth are already erupting and a double row of teeth is forming, pain/inflammation is visible, or the dog is eating poorly (tooth misalignment/periodontal damage).
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
Baby teeth that do not fall out in dogs are referred to as retained deciduous teeth. This means that the baby teeth are not replaced by permanent teeth through the normal teething process.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
Teething in dogs usually begins at around three to six months of age. The permanent teeth grow under the baby teeth and dissolve their roots, which normally causes the baby teeth to fall out.
Retained deciduous teeth occur more frequently in small dog breeds, but they are not ruled out in large breeds either. This problem often affects the canines, but it can also affect other teeth.
A possible cause for retained deciduous teeth can be genetic. Some dogs may have a hereditary trait that interferes with the normal teething process. Another cause could be a lack of resorption of the baby tooth roots, which means the permanent tooth cannot exert the correct pressure to displace the baby tooth.
Additionally, the permanent tooth may grow in the wrong position, causing the baby tooth not to fall out. This leads to a double row of teeth, also known as “tooth crowding.”
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Displaced teeth: When permanent teeth grow next to retained deciduous teeth, it can lead to misalignment of the permanent teeth.
- Gingivitis: The presence of two teeth in one space can irritate the gums and lead to inflammatory conditions.
- Bad breath: An increased accumulation of bacteria due to the double row of teeth can cause bad breath.
- Pain or discomfort: The pressure in the jaw from the double teeth can be uncomfortable for the dog and cause Pain.
- Difficulty chewing: The dog may have difficulty breaking down food properly, which can lead to reduced food intake.
When to visit the vet?
A vet should be consulted if the dog still has visible baby teeth at over six months of age. This is particularly important if the permanent teeth have already erupted and the baby teeth are still present.
A visit to the vet is also necessary if the dog shows signs of pain, difficulty eating, or signs of gum inflammation. Early treatment can help avoid further complications.
If the dog shows persistent bad breath or swelling in the mouth area, a vet should also be consulted, as this could indicate an infection or other dental problems.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
Pet owners can recognize retained deciduous teeth by regularly checking their dog’s teeth. If they notice that permanent teeth have erupted while the corresponding baby teeth are still present, they should take note.
The vet will perform a clinical examination of the teeth. This includes inspecting the teeth and gums as well as assessing the tooth alignment. If necessary, the vet will take X-rays to examine the position of the teeth and the roots more closely.
The diagnosis is also made based on the medical history and the observed symptoms. The vet will recommend the best course of action based on the dog’s individual case.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
If retained deciduous teeth are identified, the pet owner should follow the vet’s advice. In many cases, the vet will recommend extracting the retained deciduous teeth to make room for the permanent teeth and avoid further dental problems.
Until the veterinary examination, the pet owner can make sure to give the dog soft food to minimize the pressure on the teeth and avoid Pain.
It is important to monitor and, if necessary, improve the dog’s oral hygiene to avoid inflammatory conditions. Regular tooth brushing and the use of suitable dental care products for dogs can help support oral health.
The pet owner should closely observe any changes in the dog’s behavior, especially in relation to eating and chewing, and inform the veterinarian of these.
In cases where the dog shows significant Pain, the pet owner should inform the veterinarian immediately to enable appropriate Pain treatment and ensure the dog’s well-being.
Outlook on current research
The persistence of baby teeth in dogs is a phenomenon that is increasingly attracting the attention of veterinarians and researchers. While the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth in dogs usually occurs between the fourth and sixth month of life, some dogs may experience delayed or incomplete resorption of the baby tooth structures. Current research focuses on identifying genetic factors that could be responsible for these disorders. Breed differences suggest that certain genetic markers may be present that influence the risk of retained deciduous teeth.
Another area of research examines the mechanical and biological processes that control teething. Studies show that hormonal changes could play a role, particularly in connection with the growth and development of the jaw. The role of nutrition and environmental factors is also being investigated to understand if and how external influences can affect the teething process. Particular attention is paid to the interactions between calcium and phosphate metabolism, which are crucial for tooth development.
Technological advances in imaging techniques allow researchers to observe the teething process in real time. Latest developments in 3D imaging and microtomography offer detailed insights into the structure and development of dog teeth. These technologies help to better understand the specific anomalies in dogs with retained deciduous teeth and to develop targeted treatment approaches. Studies are also being conducted to compare the effectiveness of various surgical and non-surgical treatment methods to determine which approaches provide the best long-term results.
Long-term studies are underway to determine how retained deciduous teeth affect the overall dental health and well-being of dogs. This research also looks at the potential impact on neighboring tooth structures and susceptibility to dental diseases. The results of this research could lead to new guidelines for prophylactic dentistry in dogs and highlight the need for regular dental check-ups.