Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
It can be normal for your dog’s teeth to fall out when they are puppies, but adult teeth should remain intact once they have emerged.
Adult teeth that fall out can indicate tooth decay and/or gum disease.
Being proactive about your dog’s dental health can keep their teeth and gums healthy, and help them avoid related systemic illness.
Your dog’s teeth are similar to your own. They get two sets during their lifetime, and one set (the puppy teeth) will fall out before they are a year old. After their permanent teeth come in, loose or missing teeth become an issue that will need to be addressed.
At Yummy CombsⓇ, we’re obsessive about canine dental care. Poor oral health is linked to numerous system illnesses in dogs, so taking care of their teeth is very important.
We’ll explain when it’s okay for your dog’s teeth to fall out, and what to do to help support their oral health.
Dogs, unlike humans, get their first set of teeth as newborns. Sometimes, puppies get teeth as early as two to three weeks of age. These deciduous teeth, as they are sometimes referred to, consist of 28 tiny, sharp little teeth that they use to bite, nip, and chew on seemingly everything.
It can be frustrating for new puppy owners to come home and find their favorite things chewed to shreds, which is why it is very important to give your puppy plenty of safe chew toys to help prevent them from chewing on (literally) everything else.
Around three to four months of age, these little teeth will begin to fall out. Many puppies will lose their teeth while they eat and swallow them, which is harmless. If your puppy does not swallow them, you might find them with an unsuspecting toe.
By six to nine months of age, your puppy will have lost all their teeth, and their new adult teeth (all 42 of them) will begin to emerge. These are your dog’s permanent teeth that they will have for the rest of their life. Dogs, like humans, only get two sets of teeth.
If your puppy hasn’t lost all of their baby teeth by about nine months of age, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with their veterinarian to make sure they don’t have an impacted tooth, or to see if the baby tooth should be pulled.
Likewise, if you notice that a permanent tooth hasn’t protruded from the gum line, your dog’s veterinarian can make sure that the adult tooth is present by taking an x-ray of your dog’s mouth. Once your puppy has lost all of their baby teeth, they shouldn’t lose any more.
Permanent teeth should remain intact for the remainder of their life, so if your dog begins to lose teeth, or if you notice a permanent tooth is loose, it’s likely due to some type of oral health issue or trauma.
Like humans, dogs need oral care. Unlike humans, they don’t have opposable thumbs with which to hold a toothbrush, and they also lack an overall interest in oral care.
Making sure your dog’s mouth is healthy will be up to you, and it’s a very important job. Avoiding oral care can lead to numerous issues with your dog’s teeth and health.
One reason a dog may lose a permanent tooth is due to decay. Although some dogs have the benefit of getting a yearly cleaning, not taking care of their teeth at home can lead to the same type of plaque buildup and tartar that leads to tooth decay in human teeth.
Your dog may initially develop a cavity, but if you aren’t aware of it the cavity can become larger, resulting in a broken tooth, an abscess, or a tooth that simply falls out. Your dog may experience pain with tooth decay.
Symptoms of pain with tooth decay can include:
If you suspect your dog may have a cavity, it’s a good idea to contact their veterinarian immediately to schedule an exam.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when a dog’s gums become inflamed due to the buildup of plaque along the gumline. Plaque is a thin, filmy substance that sticks to teeth when bacteria mixes with saliva and food. Hardened plaque becomes tartar, and it can cause infections along the gum line that can lead to severe dental issues.
Gum disease can lead to teeth that are loose in their sockets, which can result in your dog’s teeth falling out. If your dog is older than three years, they probably have some level of gum disease, but you probably don’t know it. About 80 percent of dogs age 3 or older have gum disease, but only 20 percent of these dog owners are aware there is a problem.
A final reason why your dog’s adult teeth may fall out is due to trauma. If your dog has an accident or is chewing on a toy that isn’t safe for them, it can cause teeth to crack or fall out. Hard chew toys and treats can break teeth if they aren’t safe and if they aren’t age and size appropriate for your dog.
As a general rule, don’t give your dog any type of treat or toy that they cannot easily carry in their mouths. You can also use the thumbnail test to see if a treat or chew toy is too hard for them.
It isn’t too hard if you can create a small indentation in the toy with your fingernail. If you cannot, it could be hazardous to your dog’s teeth.
Regardless of how it happens, a dog’s permanent teeth should never fall out. You can protect tooth loss from tooth decay and gum disease by being proactive about your dog’s oral health.
One of the best benefits of focusing on your dog’s oral health is that it directly impacts the health of their entire body. Poor oral health is often linked to compromised heart, kidney, and liver function, and can even lead to organ failure. It only takes a few minutes per day to keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
Getting your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned is important. While most breeds only need a cleaning once per year, some smaller breeds may need cleanings more frequently because they are more susceptible to oral health issues.
Regular tooth brushing is important for your dog. It can be a challenge to get your dog to accept tooth brushing, but after a few brushes and some positive reinforcement, your dog will look forward to having their teeth brushed. Be patient, take breaks, and always offer a reward after you are done.
One way to reinforce tooth brushing in a positive way and support your dog’s oral health? Yummy Combs.
Yummy Combs are designed to provide 360-degree scrubbing and flossing on your dog’s teeth. Our unique honeycomb design allows your dog to sink their teeth into the honeycomb while the edges scrub and floss on all tooth surfaces. In fact, Yummy Combs can even remove up to 25 percent of hardened tartar from your dog’s teeth.
Our wide design deters gulping, and our patented Slick’M™ ingredient ensures treats dissolve quickly once they’ve been swallowed. Your dog’s safety is a top priority, and you can feel good giving our treats to your dog. They’re even accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
As with any treat, it is important to reduce your dog’s kibble to account for the caloric content of the treat itself so that your dog can maintain a healthy weight. Yummy Combs contain 45 nutritious ingredients, including 12 longevity-boosting wellness ingredients to make sure that your dog is still getting plenty of nutrients and protein.
They’ll love the delicious taste, and you’ll love the security of knowing your dog’s teeth and tummy are being taken care of.
Your dog will lose their puppy teeth very quickly, and chances are you won’t find many of their puppy teeth. However, you can still be your dog’s very own tooth fairy by taking care of their adult teeth.
Brushing their teeth daily, getting regular check-ups and cleanings, and using Yummy Combs helps support your dog’s oral health and can prevent them from losing adult teeth.
Sources:
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
Puppy Teething and Nipping: A Survival Guide | American Kennel Club
Dental caries in the dog | PMC
Periodontal disease | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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