Retained Deciduous Canines in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Home care monitor at home and contact your vet if worse
YELLOW for gum irritation, feeding/chewing difficulties, malocclusion of the permanent teeth, or ongoing persistence after eruption of the permanent canines; ORANGE for pain, abscess, or marked inflammation.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
If dogs’ baby teeth—especially the canines—don’t fall out in time, this is referred to as retained deciduous teeth. This can lead to dental problems, because the permanent teeth are meant to replace the baby teeth; if the baby teeth remain in the mouth, it can cause crowding and malocclusion.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
In dogs, teething usually begins at around three to four months of age. The baby teeth are loosened by the emerging permanent teeth and are eventually pushed out. In some dogs, especially smaller breeds, the baby teeth may remain in the jaw longer than usual.
A common reason baby teeth don’t fall out is genetic. Smaller dog breeds are affected more often because their mouths are smaller and tighter, which reduces the space for new teeth. In these breeds, it’s not unusual for the permanent teeth to erupt to the side of the baby teeth.
Other causes can include delayed tooth development or insufficient resorption of the baby tooth roots. If the roots of the baby teeth aren’t broken down enough by the body, the teeth remain more firmly anchored in the jaw and don’t fall out on time.
Poor nutrition or a lack of certain nutrients can also affect normal tooth development. CalciumCalcium is a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in blood coagulation, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. and vitaminVitamins are organic compounds that are necessary in small amounts for the normal growth, development, and physiological function of the body. Vitamins must mostly be obtained through food, as the body cannot produce them or not in sufficient quantities. D are crucial for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth. A deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones. can hinder the resorption of baby tooth roots, causing the teeth to remain in the mouth longer.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Crowding: Your dog’s mouth may appear overcrowded when the permanent teeth grow in alongside the still-present baby teeth. This can lead to uneven tooth alignment.
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Gum problems: Having too many teeth can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions of the gums. This can show up as redness or swelling.
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Bad breath: Retained baby teeth can make oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. hygiene more difficult. Food debris can get trapped more easily, which can lead to unpleasant bad breath.
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Pain sensitivity: Your dog may react sensitively when chewing or show signs of pain. This may be noticeable through changes in eating habits or sensitivity to touch.
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Malocclusion: The permanent teeth can grow crooked, which can lead to a malocclusion of the dentition in the long term.
When to see a vet?
Consider a visit to the vet if your dog’s baby teeth still haven’t fallen out after six months. Especially if there are signs of tooth pain, bad breath, or gum inflammatory conditions, it’s advisable to arrange a veterinary exam promptly.
If you’re unsure about your dog’s dental health, or if you notice your dog is having difficulty chewing, a vet visit is strongly recommended. The vet can assess the situation professionally and, if necessary, take steps to remove the retained baby teeth.
Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure
As a pet owner, you can check your dog’s teeth regularly. Look for double teeth—baby teeth sitting alongside permanent teeth. Also watch for signs of gum inflammation or bad breath, which can indicate dental problems.
The vet will usually perform a thorough dental examination. They will check the number and position of the teeth to determine whether retained baby teeth are present. In some cases, X-rays may be needed to assess the baby tooth roots and determine whether they have been fully resorbed or whether a procedure is necessary.
What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options
As a pet owner, there are a few steps you can take to support your dog’s dental health. Regular dental care is important to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar (calculus). Use special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste to keep the teeth clean.
Appropriate chewing can also be encouraged by providing your dog with safe chew toys. These can help loosen baby teeth and support the natural teething process. Make sure the toys aren’t too hard to avoid damage to the teeth.
Avoid removing baby teeth yourself, as this can cause pain and lead to infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. Leave this procedure to a professional who can ensure the teeth are removed completely and without complications.
A balanced diet rich in calciumCalcium is a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in blood coagulation, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. and vitaminVitamins are organic compounds that are necessary in small amounts for the normal growth, development, and physiological function of the body. Vitamins must mostly be obtained through food, as the body cannot produce them or not in sufficient quantities. D can support tooth development. Feed your dog high-quality food that contains all necessary nutrients to support dental health.
Outlook on current research
Research on retained deciduous canines in dogs—often described as baby teeth that are not displaced by the permanent teeth—focuses on genetic influences and the role of different breeds. Studies have shown that smaller breeds are more frequently affected, which could indicate a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases.. Scientists are currently investigating specific genetic markers that could be responsible for this anomalyAn anomaly is a deviation from what is considered normal or expected. In medicine, it often refers to unusual physical or genetic characteristics that may be present at birth or develop later., with the aim of ultimately giving breeders better tools for prediction and preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring..
Another area of research looks at the long-term effects of retained canines on dental health and the dog’s overall well-being. There is evidence that retained deciduous teeth can lead to malocclusion, which in turn increases the risk of gum disease and cavities. Researchers are working on developing minimally invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. techniques to remove these teeth to minimize the risk of complications.
In addition, the impact of diet and environment on the growth and loss of canines is being studied. Some studies suggest that a balanced diet with specific nutrients that support bone and tooth growth could promote the natural teething process. However, research in this area is still at an early stage, and further studies are needed to provide solid recommendations.
The role of veterinary medicine in monitoring and treating dogs with retained canines is also being studied intensively. Researchers are looking at how regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and treat problems early to avoid long-term damage. New diagnostic tools and technologies could enable more accurate and earlier diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. in the future.
Research on retained canines also includes the development of educational materials for dog owners. Studies show that many owners are not sufficiently informed about the possible problems caused by retained baby teeth. Researchers are working to develop effective strategies to raise awareness and promote preventive measures.