According to recent veterinary studies, dental disease is one of the most common reasons why pet owners visit a specialist. Another study predicts that due to neglect of dental problems and oral hygiene, there is a potential risk of over 80% of pets developing some form of periodontal disease by the age of 2.
Regular dental care for your dog is a must if you want to ensure a long and happy life. According to a study, only 7% of pet owners surveyed confirmed that they brush their pets’ teeth daily.
To better understand how to take care of your dog’s oral hygiene and how important it is to make this part of your daily routine, we decided to introduce you to some curious facts that you probably didn’t know about dog teeth.
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• Dogs have two sets of teeth throughout their lives
Just as humans have milk teeth, our puppies have “baby” teeth, which they later replace with permanent ones. Milk teeth in quadrupeds begin to grow at around 4 months of age, and after 6 months they gradually begin to fall out, giving way to permanent teeth. However, compared to children, in whom the process takes years, in puppies this transition is very fast – it happens within just a few weeks.
When do dogs change their teeth and what owners should keep in mind
In dogs, teeth begin to erupt at around 3 weeks of age. By approximately 6 months of age, all of your four-legged friend’s milk teeth will have appeared. And they will be sharp as small needles! First the incisors emerge, then the canines, and finally the premolars. Your pet will start out with 28 teeth, and gradually, around 12 weeks of age, most four-legged friends will start to shed them to make room for their permanent teeth.
As a general rule, all of your puppy’s baby teeth will have fallen out by the time they are 6 months old, and all of their permanent teeth will have erupted. In some cases, however, your puppy’s “baby” teeth may not fall out on their own, but instead remain in their mouth. Known as “impaction” or “crowding,” this is usually a genetic condition and is more common in small breeds.
Since crowding can cause abnormal positioning of adult teeth and increase your dog’s risk of dental problems, your veterinarian will need to remove extra teeth to make room for the adult teeth. If your pet needs additional care, this will be apparent during their routine check-ups, so it’s important to follow up.
• Adult dogs have more teeth than humans
Puppies only have about 28 baby teeth, while more mature dogs have 42. As we all know, most humans have 32 teeth in their mouths.
Do all dog breeds have 42 teeth?
Although 42 is the total number of teeth that adult dogs should have, not all four-legged friends have a full set. In some pets, teeth erupt late, which means they are at risk of getting stuck in the bone or gum tissue instead of erupting through the gums as they should. It is possible that these teeth never actually erupt, which means your dog will be missing one or two teeth out of their full set of 42.
Fun fact: Chow Chows are born with an extra pair of molars, giving them a total of 44 teeth!
• Dogs use their teeth differently than humans
While the composition and chemical structure of canine teeth are similar to those of humans, their size and shape differ greatly. This is most evident in canines, which are long and pointed. They are used for gripping, lifting, pulling, and potentially for protection.
• The structure of canine roots differs from that of humans
The structure of canine roots is similar to that of humans, except that in quadrupeds, the three upper molars have two roots, while the two lower molars (molars) have three roots.
In addition, the roots of canine teeth are longer than those of humans. The visible crown is usually only about one-third of the length of the tooth, while in incisors it is about one-quarter.
• Canine tooth decay is extremely rare
Because the bacteria in a dog’s mouth are different from those that live in a human’s mouth, tooth decay in our pets is not common. Basically, tooth decay is caused by specific bacteria that live on the flat surface of teeth and metabolize sugars into acid. Dogs don’t typically consume as much sugar as humans, so there are fewer bacteria in their mouths that cause tooth decay.
If you notice your pet’s teeth getting decayed, it’s most likely due to them eating too many treats! It can also happen if your pet’s homemade food includes fruits and vegetables that are high in sugar, such as bananas, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.
What are the signs of dental disease in dogs
Pet owners should be especially vigilant for signs of periodontal disease in dogs. It’s important to see a vet if you notice any symptoms of dental or gum disease. Don’t make the mistake of being one of those pet owners who doesn’t admit that their pets have a problem until the disease is already in an advanced stage.
Veterinarians also warn that dogs instinctively try to hide any pain or discomfort to avoid showing weakness. And this makes the situation even more difficult to recognize.
The most common signs of problems with dog dental hygiene include:
• Red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Plaque
• Bad breath
• Blood in the water or food bowl
• Active salivation
• Chewing on only one side
• Swelling of the face
• Excessive rubbing of the muzzle with paws
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the main and best defense against gum disease. Daily cleaning, combined with periodic check-ups with a specialist will do a lot for good dental hygiene for your furry friend.
Periodontal disease in dogs is VERY common
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar, which contain bacteria that cause inflammation and infection in the periodontal tissues.
The disease progresses over time, leading to the development of periodontal pockets, which are deep spaces between the gums and teeth that fill with plaque and bacteria. These pockets allow the disease to spread and cause the supporting bone to gradually break down and loosen the teeth.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can also lead to tooth root abscesses, which are extremely painful infections. These abscesses, which occur at the base of the teeth, can cause severe pain and discomfort to pets and can eventually lead to the loss of the affected teeth.
Overall, periodontal disease can have a significant impact on the health, comfort, and quality of life of pets, and it is important that pet owners take steps to prevent and treat this condition to maintain their pet’s dental health and well-being.
Illustrative Photo by Lena Ti: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-french-bulldog-on-grass-outdoors-33086810/
