dental problems

Periodontal diseases in dogs have been linked to systemic diseases and premature births. To promote dental and periodontal health have your dog’s teeth routinely checked by your veterinarian and brush your dog’s teeth with toothpaste designed for dogs. Ask your vet about products that can be added to drinking water to discourage plaque growth. Provide safe chew products. Routinely inspect toys for damage. Check your puppies mouth weekly to inspect for retained deciduous teeth.

A common abnormality in canine dentition is retention of deciduous (baby) teeth. This occurs when the permanent tooth bud does not grow immediately beneath the deciduous tooth, and therefore does not cause the roots of the deciduous tooth to be reabsorbed.( Retained Canines are the small, more pointed teeth immediately behind his permanent canines). If a retained tooth causes the permanent tooth to erupt in an abnormal position or causes other types of problems, it should be extracted.