Are Retained Baby Teeth Painful for Pets

Here is everything you need to know about deciduous teeth.

Have you ever looked in your new little puppy’s mouth? Today is the day to take a peak.

Retained deciduous(Baby) teeth is a real problem in certain breeds. A retained baby tooth occurs when the baby tooth root does not resorb as they are supposed to. As the adult teeth are starting to grow, they become crowded and can cause problems if not treated properly.

Which teeth are commonly seen retained?

• Upper and lower canine teeth

Who is most susceptible?

• Small breed dogs
• Brachiocephalic breeds (pushed-in faces)
• Genetically predisposed

Did you know?

Puppies first grow 28 deciduous(baby) teeth. And as they get older, at about 4 months, they start growing their permanent teeth, all 42 of them should be in by 6-7 months.

What problems do they cause?

• Crowding
• Food and debris accumulation
• Tartar deposit
• Gingivitis and periodontal disease
• Wearing of the enamel
• The weakening of the teeth
• Abnormal growth and development

Treatment for retained deciduous teeth

• Extraction under general anesthetic is the treatment of choice.
• Early extraction to allow proper positioning of the adult teeth.
• Talk to your veterinarian to determine the appropriate time of extraction for your case.
• Some may wait until their spay/neuter anesthetic.