TL;DR: Retained baby teeth occur when deciduous teeth fail to fall out as adult teeth emerge, requiring a non-emergency veterinary visit to prevent long-term dental damage and overcrowding.
What are retained baby teeth and how do they occur in puppies?
As puppies grow, their deciduous (baby) teeth should naturally fall out to make room for permanent adult teeth. When a baby tooth fails to fall out while the adult tooth erupts, it results in a "double row" of teeth, often nicknamed shark teeth. This most commonly occurs with the canine teeth (the long fangs) and incisors.
Is a double row of teeth a medical emergency for my dog?
- The urgency level for retained baby teeth is generally low and is not a life-threatening medical emergency.
- Professional attention is required to prevent complications like overcrowding, painful malocclusions (bad bites), and premature periodontal disease.
- If left untreated, these extra teeth can cause permanent damage to the emerging adult teeth.
- You should schedule a non-emergency appointment with your veterinarian to discuss extraction, which is often conveniently performed during a spay or neuter procedure.
How does providing a photo of my dog's mouth help with triage?
- A clear photo allows a veterinary professional to assess the specific degree of crowding.
- It helps the team look for visible signs of gum inflammation or infection.
- Seeing the placement of the "double row" helps determine how quickly the teeth need to be addressed.
- It allows for an evaluation of immediate concerns regarding your puppy's comfort or bite alignment.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Retained deciduous teeth are common in dogs due to the failure of the periodontal ligament to detach from the deciduous tooth, often with the permanent canine teeth erupting rostrally. Small breeds, particularly Toy Poodles, are overrepresented. Retention may cause permanent tooth displacement, potentially leading to malocclusion or food entrapment and subsequent periodontal disease. A deciduous tooth should be extracted when it remains firmly attached after the permanent tooth has erupted; however, if there is no permanent tooth replacement, a firmly attached deciduous tooth may be left in place after ruling out embedded or impacted permanent teeth radiographically. Radiographs should be taken to evaluate root structure and anatomy when a premolar is smaller than normal to determine whether it is a deciduous tooth. The permanent mandibular canine tooth erupts lingual to the deciduous one.
Chapter: Dentistry
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 164)