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 are 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
- Weakening of the teeth
- Abnormal growth and development
Treatment for retained deciduous teeth
- Extraction under general anesthetic is 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.
Little Miss Livy’s story
As our Manager’s new little puppy, Little Miss Livy has the big responsibility of being the Moncton Animal Hospital greeter. Barking at the sound of the front doorbell every time a client comes in.
But what’s really important about our Little Miss Livy, is that her two upper canine teeth were retained and causing crowding of her adult teeth. As we checked every day for mobility in those deciduous teeth, the doctor made the decision to extract those baby teeth during her spay anesthetic. Little Miss Livy now has beautiful permanent teeth growing in, healthy and strong.
