Problems of Retained Temporary Teeth in Dogs

What are retained temporary teeth?

Like humans, dogs are usually born with no teeth. As a puppy ages the “baby” or temporary teeth erupt. The “adult” or permanent teeth normally replace these by approximately 6 months of age. The permanent teeth normally “push” the temporary teeth out as they grow. Sometimes this does not occur and the temporary teeth remain in place.

The problem is most commonly seen in small breeds of dogs such as Fox terriers, Maltese terriers and Pomeranians.

What problems do retained temporary teeth cause?

 Retained temporary teeth cause two main problems.

1. Disruption of the normal growth of the permanent teeth

• retained temporary teeth may cause the erupting permanent teeth to grow in abnormal directions
• this will result in malocclusion of the jaw leading to possible pain on closing of the mouth (because the teeth may push in on the gums, the palate or other teeth)

2. Creation of dental disease

• retained temporary teeth can act as a “trap” for debris
• this will result in the development of gingivitis

My dog has a retained temporary tooth. What can be done?

Retained temporary teeth should be removed in order to avoid malocclusion and dental disease. They are removed under general anaesthetic. Because these teeth tend to be small and their roots are not particularly long, the procedure to remove them is simple and does not take long. In most cases these teeth are noted at the time the dog is being desexed and are removed then while the dog is anaesthetised.