Dog Dental Correction: Is It Necessary?

Section 1: Causes of Abnormal Dog Bite

1. Genetic Influence: Abnormal bite in dogs can often be attributed to genetic factors. Breeds like Boxers and French Bulldogs, for instance, may experience misaligned jaws due to inherited traits. This is particularly common in breeds where a pronounced underbite is a standard characteristic. Generally, small dogs may exhibit abnormal bites more frequently than medium or large dogs, which can be linked to their smaller jaws and uneven tooth sizes. Additionally, there's a unique scenario where humandefined breeding standards contribute to genetic anomalies in dogs, thus creating a form of "humaninduced" hereditary abnormal bites.

2. Retained Puppy Teeth: Some dogs may grow permanent teeth without the proper shedding of their milk teeth. These retained milk teeth can interfere with the normal growth of permanent teeth, potentially leading to uneven tooth lengths. This issue is more prevalent in puppies with underbites.

Section 2: Should Dogs with Abnormal Bites Be Corrected?

Each tooth in a dog serves a distinct purpose and is positioned according to a specific pattern. An abnormal bite can lead to misaligned teeth, causing various discomforts for the dog. For example, it can result in difficulty in eating, a higher incidence of tartar and plaque buildup, leading to increased oral disease risks, and potential damage to the gums and palate. Therefore, dogs with severely abnormal bites may require correction or treatment.

Since dogs' teeth can grow crookedly, their incisors and canines can easily injure the dog's mouth and cause pain. In such cases, it may be necessary to consider the necessity of tooth extraction and orthodontic treatment. Dog orthodontics is quite similar to human orthodontics, involving the use of braces, but it is a highly specialized procedure that should only be performed by professionals in a reputable veterinary hospital.

Section 3: Considerations for Dog Bite Correction

While some dogs may have suboptimal bites that do not affect their daily lives, there may be no need for orthodontic correction or tooth extraction. However, for working dogs that participate in competitions, an irregular bite might be a point of deduction. Even if correction is not necessary, pet owners should still pay close attention to the dog's dental hygiene to prevent high rates of periodontitis and gingivitis caused by abnormal bites. Moreover, during the teething phase, it's important to monitor the normal shedding of puppy teeth.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Expert concludes this detailed explanation of a dog's dental structure and bite. While dogs rarely require orthodontic correction, it's crucial for pet owners to maintain their dogs' dental health by ensuring regular dental care.