The number of teeth that dogs have in adulthood will vary by age. Just like humans, your dog has various types of teeth for different purposes. The dog teeth cleaning plan for these specific teeth depends on many different elements as well.
As concerns dog teeth, there are several things you need to know about dog teeth. Read on to learn more about them.
How do dogs’ teeth develop?
Most dog owners will proudly say that the little sharp puppy teeth have at some point bitten them. Most of you might probably have wondered why they are so sharp.
Normally, puppies do not start growing teeth until they are 4 weeks old. The reason being up until this time, they are taking milk and do not need teeth. Around 28 baby teeth grow when the pup is about four weeks old, and these are certainly sharp.
These pup teeth are primarily incisors and canines. And these teeth are sharper compared to adult teeth because they require extra help in chewing.
Because their jaws aren’t as developed and strong as those of adult dogs, the sharper teeth help make chewing toys, hard food, treats easier. This includes anything else they find around the house.
Normally, puppies begin losing their teeth when they reach the age between 4 to 6 months old. In this phase, many puppies will go through the teething stage. Here they will be chewing up on anything they get their little paws on.
By making sure that there are many harder teething chewy toys for your pup to chew on can help with this. However, you might still come home and find your lovely shoes torn to pieces.
Which Sets Of Teeth Does My Dogs Have?
Similar to human beings, dogs will have 2 teeth sets in their lifetime – these are ‘baby’ teeth and the permanent big teeth.
The deciduous teeth or ‘Baby’ teeth will begin to grow in your pup’s mouth when they are between four and six weeks old. The teeth are rather sharp, hence their scratch lets the puppy’s mother know that their puppy is grown enough to get weaned onto taking solid food.
Typically, incisors grow first, followed by the canines, thereafter the premolars come in. Your vet will offer a detailed breakdown of the dental anatomy of dogs. This also includes dental x-rays and photos.
In general, puppies do not grow their molars together with the initial teeth set. The reason behind this is because they do not have to grind on food at this early age. Therefore, they will have 28 baby teeth.
Do Dogs Experience Teeth Problems?
Your dog can be afflicted by a few popular problems on their dental health. And some of these problems can be avoided with the appropriate dental care.
One rather common problem that can affect your pup is when a single or a few of his baby teeth don’t come out and they just stay in the gums together with the big teeth. Such teeth are referred to as ‘retained deciduous teeth’.
The problem occurs when the adult tooth does not grow straight below the baby teeth hence the roots do not get reabsorbed.
This problem will cause the pup’s big teeth to develop irregularly within your dog’s mouth. This can possibly even alter their bite, as well as causing overcrowding within the pup’s jaw. Fast extraction done by the vet is essential so as to correct the issue.
Other issues include related dental problems to these that also affect humans – like, gum disease, bad breath, and gums that are receding. Others are cysts or tumors in the mouth that do require surgery and drainage. All these dental problems can be prevented with the use of suitable oral care.
How Can I Tend to My Dog’s Teeth?
When you dismiss proper dental care for your dog, your pet might end up with some kind of oral disease. Dental diseases don’t show themselves within a day, and dog owners have the time to catch it before any disease gets to a crucial point.
Several of the early warning symptoms of oral dental hygiene issues in dogs will include:
- Bad breath
- Broken teeth
- Blood in your dog’s saliva
- Swollen gums
- Excessive drooling
- Bleeding gums
- Decreased appetite
- Gum line surrounded by a brownish-yellow build up
- Swollen gums
Generally, most dogs don’t have cavities, though offering them soft foods might cause debris to remain in the gum-pockets that are at the teeth’s base. This can even promote arthritis in dogs when specific nourishment is left out.
The debris might lead to infections, which will make your dog’s gums to recede, thus exposing more of its teeth.
Infections such as this will cause loss of teeth and bad breath. Tartar may also develop on canine teeth like it does in human teeth.
How can I brush my dog’s teeth?
Hence, brushing your pup’s teeth or getting them cleaned frequently can greatly reduce the buildup.
When your dog is like most canines, it is possible they won’t be as accepting of the thought of brushing their teeth.
To familiarize your pet with brushing, you need to start by massaging his lips using your finger for around a minute. Try using a circular motion to massage him.
Doing this twice and once a day for several weeks will help your dog get more comfortable. This can also get him to let you move on to his teeth and gums. Consider starting to brush your dog using your finger and move to a toothbrush after they get used to that.
In Closing
Just like humans, your dog has different types of teeth for different purposes. In their lifetime dogs will have 2 sets of teeth – these are ‘baby’ teeth and the permanent adult teeth. And to help care for your dog’s teeth, you will need to ensure they get proper dental care regularly. This will also ensure your dog remains healthy. Give your dog a good hair cut too, like most pet lovers they treat their dog a good groom. Mobile Dog Grooming professionals are just a click away!