Teething problems in young dogs: What you as a dog owner should know and do now
Recognizing and correctly addressing teething problems in young dogs
Teething problems in young dogs are more common than many owners realize. Normal teething usually begins between 12 and 16 weeks of age, depending on the breed, and is typically completed by 6-7 months. During this important developmental phase, complications can arise, ranging from harmless, temporary irritations to conditions requiring treatment. Veterinarian I place great importance on owners understanding early on which signs are harmless and which are critical. Untreated teething problems in young dogs can cause pain, malocclusion, periodontitis, jawbone changes, and even long-term behavioral changes.
What is considered "normal" – and when do we speak of problems with tooth eruption?
In a healthy puppy stage, it gradually loses its 28 milk teeth, which are replaced by 42 permanent teeth. Slight drooling, brief gum bleeding during play, chewing on objects, and temporary bad breath are normal. Teething problems in young dogs These problems begin where primary teeth remain for too long (persistence), permanent teeth do not erupt correctly (retention, impaction), or the teeth do not fit together properly (malocclusion). We particularly frequently see persistent primary canines in the upper and lower jaws, which prevent the permanent canine from erupting correctly and disrupt the occlusal plane.
Typical signs you should take seriously
Pay attention to asymmetrical chewing, marked pain reactions when eating, sudden refusal of dry food, visible double rows (milk tooth still present, permanent tooth erupting next to it), increased bad breath, pinpoint bleeding at the gum line, fever or swelling. Teething problems in young dogs These signs often manifest subtly: the dog tilts its head to one side while chewing, licks its muzzle excessively, or avoids fetch games. In such cases, a prompt veterinary examination is advisable to prevent irreversible damage.
Common causes at a glance
- Persistent milk teethCanine teeth, in particular, tend to remain erupted for too long. As a result, the permanent tooth is pushed lingually/palatally, leading to soft tissue trauma, palate injuries, or crowded teeth.
- Retention/impaction of permanent teethThe permanent tooth does not erupt because the baby tooth blocks the germ emergence point or because the eruption path is anatomically unfavorable.
- Malocclusions: Jaw length differences (brachygnathia/prognathia), crowded teeth, rotational errors.
- Trauma & OverusePulling on hard toys, chewing bones, or falls can disturb the germ or the periodontal tissues.
- Race-specific factorsSmall and toy breeds (e.g., Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier) are particularly affected; in brachycephalic breeds, the jaw is often too short for the number of teeth.
What happens if you do nothing?
Untreated Teething problems in young dogs Malocclusions can permanently disrupt the dental architecture. Persistent primary teeth promote plaque and tartar retention at tight contact points, leading to early gingivitis and periodontitis. Malocclusions result in soft tissue lesions (trauma from tooth-to-soft tissue contact), painful pseudopockets, exposed dentin with hypersensitivity, selective feeding, weight loss, and recurrent inflammation. Later, the risk of root resorption, endodontic problems, and tooth extraction increases.
Diagnosis: This is how we proceed as a veterinarian
In case of suspected Teething problems in young dogs The first step is a thorough oral examination, including probing of the periodontal pockets, assessment of the occlusion, and photographic documentation. X-rays of the skull or intraoral dental radiographs are the gold standard for assessing root stage, germ position, and any possible resorption. Accurate identification of which tooth (primary or permanent) is interfering with the occlusion determines the appropriate treatment.
Therapy: From "Wait & See" to extraction
- Controlled waiting This is possible if a baby tooth is loose, there is no pain or injury, and the permanent tooth is already erupting in the correct position. However, the situation should be reassessed no later than 6 months of age.
- Extraction of persistent primary teethIf a baby tooth remains stable even though the permanent tooth is already visible, we recommend its prompt removal using gentle surgical techniques to avoid root remnants and to clear the eruption path.
- Orthodontic measuresIn cases of malocclusion, passive grids, spacers, bite blocks, or other orthodontic appliances may be indicated. Referral to a veterinarian specializing in dental medicine is advisable.
- Pain and inflammation managementPostoperatively, analgesic protocols, possibly antiseptics (e.g. chlorhexidine gels) and soft feeding are used.
- AftercareRegular check-ups every 2-4 weeks until the completion of tooth eruption.
What you can do at home
Offer your dog suitable, softer chew toys that massage the gums without traumatizing the teeth. Extremely hard objects (hardened bones, antlers, hard nylon items) are unsuitable, as they can cause cracks in the enamel. A rule of thumb: If you can't indent something with your thumbnail, it's usually too hard. Moderate tug-of-war games during this critical phase. Check your dog's mouth daily: Are there double rows of teeth? Does the breath smell bad? Is there repeated bleeding? These are all signs of... Teething problems in young dogs.
Further information (external sources from abroad)
For owners who want to delve deeper, I recommend these international resources (in English):
- American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) – Information on persistent deciduous teeth and malocclusions: https://avdc.org
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner Version) – „Dental Development in Dogs“: https://www.merckvetmanual.com
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Dental and Oral Health in Dogs: https://www.avma.org
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) – Dental Guidelines: https://wsava.org
These pages offer well-founded, constantly updated content that enhances understanding of Teething problems in young dogs significantly deepen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about teething problems in young dogs
1) When is a milk tooth considered "persistent" and how long can I observe it?
A milk tooth is considered persistent if it remains firmly embedded in the jaw even though the corresponding permanent tooth has already erupted or is about to. In young dogs, this most commonly occurs with the canines. Observation is acceptable if the milk tooth is already noticeably loose, the permanent tooth appears in the correct alignment, and there are no mucosal injuries. Nevertheless, a veterinary check-up should be performed no later than around six months of age. If a milk tooth remains firmly embedded beyond this point, it often causes the permanent tooth to shift inwards or outwards, which promotes soft tissue trauma, crowding, and subsequent tartar buildup. Persistent milk teeth are one of the most common dental issues. Teething problems in young dogs and should be actively addressed as soon as it becomes clear that spontaneous tooth loss is no longer realistic. X-ray diagnostics help to avoid retained root fragments and to determine the optimal time for extraction. The earlier professional action is taken, the sooner correct occlusion can be maintained and the need for later, more complex orthodontic treatment avoided.
2) How can I tell if my dog is in pain – and how is this managed?
Pain manifests itself in Teething problems in young dogs Often subtle: The dog eats more slowly, chews on one side only, drops hard treats, salivates more, or avoids fetch. Sometimes only a change in facial expression, occasional whining while chewing, or increased pawing at the muzzle is noticeable. Bloody saliva or pinpoint lesions on the palate indicate tooth-to-soft tissue trauma, frequently caused by misaligned permanent canines in combination with persistent deciduous canines. Pain management, depending on the severity, includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical antiseptics (e.g., chlorhexidine gel), a softer diet, and a reduction in hard chew toys. If a persistent deciduous tooth is extracted, a short recovery period, oral hygiene instruction, and follow-up examinations are important. The goal is to reduce pain promptly and create the foundation for a physiological tooth eruption. The good news: If the cause is corrected, pain and inflammation usually subside quickly.
3) Which chew toys are recommended during the teething process – and which should I avoid?
At the Teething problems in young dogs Suitable chew toys play a crucial role. Soft to medium-firm products that yield, massage the gums, and support tooth eruption without traumatizing enamel or bacteria are recommended. Examples include: special puppy chew toys made of flexible material, appropriately sized soft chew rolls, and frozen, moist washcloths for short, supervised chews. Very hard objects such as antlers, hard bones, stones, sticks, or rigid nylon chew toys should be avoided. A simple rule of thumb: If the chew toy cannot be dented with a thumbnail, it is too hard. Also, avoid prolonged, intense tugging, as this can overload bacteria and ligamentous structures. Pay attention to the size: Pieces that are too small can be swallowed. Properly selected chew toys reduce the risk of [unclear - possibly "accidents" or "injuries"]. Teething problems in young dogs, They support the gum line and prevent unwanted habits (e.g., furniture chewing).
4) Must every persistent baby tooth be removed – or are there exceptions?
The general recommendation is: Persistent primary teeth whose corresponding permanent teeth are already visible should be removed so that the permanent tooth can assume its correct position. Exceptions are rare and require careful individual assessment. If a primary tooth is extremely loose, causes no pain, and the permanent tooth erupts in a clearly correct axis, short-term observation is possible – but with a firm follow-up appointment. If the loosening persists or an axial deviation is observed, extraction is indicated. In cases of complex malocclusions or suspected impaction, radiographic diagnosis is helpful. Surgical removal should be performed atraumatically to avoid leaving root fragments. Leaving persistent primary teeth in place increases the risks of malposition, soft tissue trauma, plaque retention, and later periodontal problems. Overall, timely, prophylactic removal is a key measure against these issues. Teething problems in young dogs and often prevents costly follow-up treatments.
5) When does orthodontic treatment make sense – and who should I contact?
Orthodontics is indicated when Teething problems in young dogs This can lead to a clinically relevant malocclusion, causing pain, palate injuries, chipped enamel, or significant functional impairment. Typical examples include lingually positioned lower canines that pierce the palate or severe rotational errors of the upper incisors that cause trauma. After removal of retained deciduous teeth, the situation can sometimes normalize spontaneously. If not, passive grilles, spacers, plastic bite blocks, or other custom-made appliances may be considered. Referral to a veterinary practice specializing in dental dentistry is essential, ideally with dental radiographs and, if necessary, 3D planning. An early consultation—ideally around 5–7 months of age—takes advantage of the growing jaw's high remodeling capacity. This can avoid invasive procedures and, in many cases, sustainably stabilize the occlusion. Your primary veterinarian will coordinate the referral and remain involved in follow-up care.
Summary
Teething problems in young dogs Teething is a widespread issue that owners often underestimate. The physiological process of tooth replacement involves replacing 28 milk teeth with 42 permanent teeth – a dynamic process that takes place from the 3rd to approximately the 7th month of life. During this phase, Teething problems in young dogs This is especially common on the canines because persistent primary canines obstruct the eruption path. If a primary tooth remains, crowding quickly develops, which shifts the position of the permanent tooth. This promotes plaque retention, mucosal trauma, and painful inflammation. Untreated Teething problems in young dogs This results not only in cosmetic abnormalities, but above all in functional limitations and an increased risk of periodontitis.
A watchful eye inside the mouth, ideally daily, is the simplest prevention against Teething problems in young dogs. Double rows of teeth, bad breath, repeated bleeding gums, or pronounced one-sided chewing are warning signs. Every puppy should have its teeth checked by a dentist by six months of age at the latest. This allows for early detection and diagnosis. Teething problems in young dogs Early detection: X-rays show root length, germ position, and any resorption that is not visible externally. If the permanent tooth has already erupted and the primary tooth is stable, extraction of the primary tooth is the standard procedure. Teething problems in young dogs The underlying cause must be addressed. The faster the obstruction is removed, the better the permanent tooth can adjust to the correct position.
Chew toys should be chosen carefully to Teething problems in young dogs To avoid problems, hard materials that cannot be indented with a thumbnail promote enamel cracks and discomfort. Soft to medium-firm appliances, short supervised chewing sessions, and reduced tensile stress support physiological breakthrough. If problems nevertheless arise... Teething problems in young dogs, Pain and inflammation management is important, combined with structured aftercare. Many cases resolve after removal of retained baby teeth and a short period of rest – however, there are situations where orthodontic treatment is necessary. In these cases, collaboration with a veterinarian specializing in dental diseases is crucial. Teething problems in young dogs to correct sustainably.
Consistent early detection, evidence-based decision-making between observation, extraction, and orthodontic treatment, as well as careful follow-up, significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage. Teething problems in young dogs Taking the issue seriously and acting promptly protects not only the teeth, but also the animal's quality of life and eating habits. This makes it clear: Teething problems in young dogs They are easily manageable – provided you combine careful observation at home, regular veterinary checkups, and, where necessary, dental intervention. Following this approach prevents... Teething problems in young dogs which can lead to permanent dental and health problems. In short: education, prevention, and early treatment are the three key levers to combat this. Teething problems in young dogs can be successfully mastered.