Retained Puppy Teeth: How Long Should You Wait?

Retained puppy teeth – those stubborn baby teeth that refuse to budge even as adult teeth emerge – are a common concern for dog owners. As a veterinarian, I often get asked, 'How long should I wait before becoming concerned that they won't fall out?' While it's normal for puppies to lose their deciduous teeth, sometimes they need a little extra encouragement. In this article, we'll discuss the timeline for normal tooth loss, the problems associated with retained puppy teeth, and when it's time to visit your veterinarian for professional dental care.

What are retained puppy teeth?

Puppies, like human babies, are born without teeth. Around three to four weeks of age, their first set of baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth or puppy teeth, start to erupt. These puppy teeth are temporary and are meant to be replaced by permanent teeth.

Typically, puppies lose their baby teeth between three and seven months of age.

However, sometimes one or more puppy teeth fail to fall out even after the corresponding adult tooth has emerged.

This is what we call a retained puppy tooth or persistent deciduous tooth. It's like having two teeth in the same spot – one baby tooth and one adult tooth – which can lead to a range of dental problems.

Retained puppy teeth are most commonly seen in small breed dogs and often affect the canine teeth (the long, pointy ones) or the incisors (the small teeth at the front of the mouth).

How long should you wait?

I'm often asked, "How long should I wait before doing something about my puppy's retained teeth?" The answer isn't one-size-fits-all, but I can provide some general guidelines.

Typically, puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 3 to 4 months of age, starting with the incisors. By 6 months of age, most puppies should have all their adult teeth. If you notice your pup still has baby teeth alongside adult teeth past 6 months of age, it's time to take action.

Here's a general timeline to keep in mind:

• 3-4 months of age: Start monitoring your puppy's teeth closely.
• 4-6 months of age: Most deciduous teeth should fall out during this period.
• 6 months of age: If you still see persistent deciduous teeth, it's time to consult your veterinarian.

It's important not to wait too long. While it might be tempting to see if the puppy tooth will fall out on its own, waiting beyond 7 months of age can lead to dental complications.

Persistent deciduous teeth can cause issues with bite alignment, and crowding of adult teeth, and increase the risk of dental problems like periodontal disease.

Remember, every puppy is unique. Some may lose their teeth earlier or later than others. As puppies require vaccination boosters roughly every month for the first 4 months of life, this gives us a great opportunity to monitor your puppy's dental progression.

Why are retained puppy teeth a problem?

While a few lingering baby teeth might seem harmless, retained puppy teeth can cause a range of dental issues for your furry friend.

Crowding and malalignment

When a puppy tooth doesn't fall out, it can occupy the space meant for the adult tooth. This can lead to crowding, forcing the adult tooth to erupt in an abnormal position. This misalignment can affect your dog's bite, making it difficult for them to chew properly.

Periodontal disease

Retained puppy teeth can create pockets between the gum and the tooth, where food and bacteria can accumulate. This can lead to periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause pain, tooth loss, and even systemic health problems.

Other dental issues

The presence of two teeth in the same spot can also make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. This can increase the risk of plaque buildup, tartar formation, and dental decay. In some cases, retained puppy teeth can even irritate the roof of the mouth or cause discomfort while chewing.

What is the treatment for retained puppy teeth?

If your veterinarian determines that your puppy has retained puppy teeth, the most common course of action is extraction.

This is a relatively straightforward procedure, typically performed under general anesthesia. The veterinarian will carefully remove the retained baby tooth, allowing the adult tooth to erupt into its proper position.

In some cases, if the retained tooth is loose and the adult tooth is just starting to emerge, your veterinarian might recommend monitoring the situation for a short period to see if the baby tooth falls out on its own.

However, if the tooth remains firmly in place or is causing problems, extraction is usually the best option.

If you plan to spay or neuter your puppy at around 6-7 months of age, this is an ideal opportunity to consider extracting the deciduous teeth, as it will help avoid an additional anesthetic procedure.

Which breeds are most predisposed?

While any puppy can experience retained puppy teeth, certain breeds are more prone to this issue. Small breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Dachshunds, seem to be particularly predisposed.

We do not quite understand the exact reason why some dogs have retained deciduous teeth and some do not, as there are conflicting studies.

FAQs

In conclusion, retained puppy teeth are a common issue, mostly affecting small-breed dogs. Remember the general timeline: start monitoring those baby teeth around 3-4 months, expect most to be gone by 7 months, and see your veterinarian if you have any concerns about retained teeth.