The essentials
- Dogs will go through two sets of teeth in their lifetime — Puppies typically have 28 deciduous teeth, and adults have 42 permanent teeth.
- A retained tooth is a baby tooth that’s still present even though the adult tooth has fully emerged through the gum — Sometimes, baby teeth just don’t fall out!
- Retained teeth should be removed — They may cause permanent tooth displacement. This can lead to abnormal teeth alignment, tartar buildup between the baby and adult tooth, food entrapment, and periodontal disease.
What are retained deciduous teeth?
Dogs’ baby teeth begin to break through their gum line around three weeks, and puppy teeth are very sharp! This first set of teeth usually falls out between 15 to 24 weeks of age. Puppies normally have around 28 deciduous teeth. At around 4 months of age , a puppy’s baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth. As the adult teeth become visible, the baby teeth begin to fall out of a dog’s mouth. Once puppies lose all their deciduous teeth, most adult dogs will have 42 teeth .
Sometimes retained deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth, in young dogs don’t fall out. When baby teeth don’t fall out, the new adult tooth emerges anyway, pushing against it or erupting through the gum. If both sets of teeth remain, there are numerous oral health issues that can occur, such as:
- Abnormal tooth alignment
- Bad breath and periodontal disease
- Teeth becoming overcrowded in the mouth
- Food becoming trapped between teeth
The most common retained teeth in dogs are the upper canines, third molars, and lower second premolars. According to VCA Hospitals, “There may also be a genetic predisposition to developing persistent primary teeth as it often occurs in families of dogs.”
👉 Abnormally-positioned permanent teeth are a major sign and your dog should see a vet immediately if you notice this happening.
They’re most common in small breeds
Retained teeth in small breeds and brachycephalic breeds are very common. These breeds include dogs with short noses and flat faces like American bulldogs, boxers, pugs, and Boston terriers. When two teeth are in the same place, the retained puppy teeth need to be removed .
Symptoms of retained teeth in puppies
Pet parents can watch for baby (decidous) teeth once a dog’s permanent teeth start growing in. In addition to seeing visible signs, the following symptoms can occur.
- Halitosis or bad breath
- You see two teeth in the same place
- Abnormally-positioned adult teeth
- Swollen, red gums around the area
- Oronasal fistula
Dr. Jennifer SchottBy 6 months of age a puppy should lose their baby teeth and grow in all their adult teeth. Retained baby teeth can cause tartar buildup and gingivitis, among other problems. Typically if baby teeth do not fall out on their own, we can remove them easily under anesthesia. This is often done when a dog is spayed or neutered.
Treatment options for retained teeth
If you suspect any signs of a retained tooth in your dog, it’s essential to take them to the vet for examination. Retained baby teeth need to be removed as soon as possible to prevent damage to the dog’s adult tooth. This is a simple dental procedure and a veterinarian can do it when your puppy needs to be spayed or neutered.
Puppy teething tips
Pet owners can try to help those puppy teeth fall out by giving their dogs carrots, dental chews, trachea chews, and other human food like apples. Never pull out your dog’s teeth, even if you feel a loose tooth! Also, puppy biting is normal and an important part of the teething process. This is a sign that your dog is starting to lose those sharp baby teeth.
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Frequently asked questions
Do retained puppy teeth need to be removed?
Yes! A double set of teeth means your dog has a double set of roots. This may prevent the tooth socket from developing typically and can cause oral health issues.
When should I worry about retained puppy teeth?
You should be concerned if your puppy has a double set of teeth and you’re seeing the following signs: halitosis or bad breath, two teeth in the same place, abnormally-positioned adult teeth, and swollen, red gums around the area.
How much does it cost to remove retained puppy teeth?
It depends on the hospital, but usually, it’s an inexpensive fee of $20-30 to extract retained deciduous teeth. But, if there are many retained deciduous teeth, then it will cost pet parents more. This charge is usually combined with a spay or neuter. Dental x-rays are usually not needed.
Are retained puppy teeth bad?
Yes. If you suspect any signs of a retained tooth in your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet. Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s mouth. Retained baby teeth need to be removed as soon as possible to prevent damage to the dog’s adult tooth.
