Dealing with Double Dentition in Dogs: A Guide

Why Do Dogs Have Extra Teeth?

Typically, a tooth socket is designed to accommodate just one tooth. However, for smaller dogs, it's not uncommon to see a socket grow two teeth. But why does this happen?

Essentially, this is the price paid for the pursuit of certain body types, highlighting the importance of scientific breeding. There are many reasons why a puppy's milk teeth might not fall out properly, but genetics is often the most common cause.

What are the dangers of extra teeth?

Firstly, retained milk teeth can interfere with the normal development of permanent teeth, causing them to become malformed and even affecting the dog's bite. These additional teeth are also more prone to accumulating plaque, leading to tartar formation between the permanent and milk teeth. The debris in these areas is harder to clean due to their remote location and awkward angles.

This is why many Teddy bears suffer from halitosis. Without addressing the root cause of these extra teeth, even the best dental care products are ineffective.

Bacteria thrive in such environments, and over time, dogs may develop periodontal disease and other oral health issues. Those who are familiar with dogs know that the mouth is one of the most vulnerable parts of a dog's body. Once bacteria breach this defense, the consequences can be severe.

For dogs, every movement of these extra teeth is an additional injury to their mouth. These teeth, due to their position, can collide with other parts of the dog's mouth, causing harm to the tongue and leading to cries of pain and bleeding while eating dog food.

So, what should be done?

The sooner the extra teeth are removed, the better the outcome.

Case study from an international veterinary forum: A 3yearold Chihuahua experienced a shift in the position of its permanent teeth after the removal of the extra teeth. This Chihuahua had to rely on liquid food for nearly a year after the procedure, before it could start eating solid dog food again.

If your dog has only a few extra milk teeth, they can be removed during dental cleaning or spaying. However, if there are many, it's advisable to have a professional dental extraction.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove your dog's teeth at home, nor should you attempt to remove your own teeth.