If your pet has baby teeth that haven’t fallen out, despite the adult teeth pushing their way through, these baby teeth can cause problems. Persistent deciduous teeth, or baby teeth that refuse to fall out, can lead to many difficulties with your pet’s permanent dentition and also can harm their oral health. This dental issue most frequently occurs in small-breed and flat-faced dogs, and rarely in cats. In these pets, the upper canines are most commonly seen still in place, followed by lower canines and incisors. Read on to learn more about what our team has to say about persistent deciduous teeth! 

 

#1: Persistent deciduous teeth trap plaque and tartar

Since persistent deciduous teeth are in the location the adult teeth should occupy, all the teeth are packed in too tightly, which allows food and bacteria to easily become trapped. You’ll notice plaque and tartar buildup around these teeth much sooner than around your pet’s other teeth, which is why extraction is recommended as soon as possible to ward off dental disease.

 

#2: Persistent deciduous teeth can cause trauma to soft tissues and other teeth

Stubborn baby teeth can push the adult teeth into unnatural positions, causing them to poke the soft palate or the tongue as your pet chews or closes their mouth. Poorly positioned teeth can also inappropriately contact other teeth, leading to abnormal wear and tooth weakening, with subsequent tooth fracture.

 

#3: Persistent deciduous teeth can cause dental interlock

Too many teeth in the wrong position can interlock when your pet shuts their mouth or chews, which can interfere with the jaw’s normal growth and development.

 

 

February is National Pet Dental Health Month and we want to help maintain your pet’s pearly whites! Please contact us to schedule an appointment.