The 3 Major Dangers of Double Teeth in Dogs

Double teeth, also known as retained deciduous teeth, is a common dental issue in puppies where their adult teeth erupt alongside their baby teeth. While seemingly insignificant, this condition presents several serious health risks that can significantly impact your dog’s well-being and longevity. Ignoring this problem can lead to severe complications, so understanding the dangers is crucial for responsible pet ownership. This article will delve into the three major hazards associated with double teeth in dogs.

1. Malocclusion and Impaired Jaw Development:

The primary danger of double teeth lies in their interference with the proper development of the adult dentition. Baby teeth, or deciduous teeth, are designed to be temporary. They should naturally fall out as the stronger, larger permanent teeth erupt. However, when these baby teeth remain in place alongside the adult teeth, several issues arise.

Firstly, the presence of double teeth can cause crowding and misalignment of the adult teeth. This crowding can lead to malocclusion, a condition where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly. Malocclusion can manifest in various ways, including overbites (where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth), underbites (where the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth), and crossbites (where some teeth don’t align properly). These misalignments make it difficult for your dog to chew efficiently, leading to discomfort and potentially impacting their ability to eat properly.

Secondly, the persistent pressure exerted by the retained baby teeth can hinder the proper development of the jawbone. The jaw needs to grow and adapt to accommodate the adult teeth. The presence of double teeth prevents this natural growth process, leading to an improperly developed jaw structure. This can cause long-term dental problems and may even necessitate extensive corrective dental surgery later in life. The severity of jaw development issues depends on the number and location of the retained teeth and the age of the dog when the problem is addressed. The earlier intervention occurs, the better the chance of minimizing long-term effects.

2. Increased Risk of Oral Infections and Diseases:

Double teeth create numerous crevices and spaces between the teeth, providing ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and plaque buildup. These tight spaces are extremely difficult to clean, even with meticulous brushing. The trapped food particles quickly ferment, leading to a significant increase in plaque and tartar accumulation. This accumulation not only results in unpleasant bad breath but also contributes to various oral diseases.

Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, is a common consequence of poor oral hygiene exacerbated by double teeth. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe infection that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss, bone loss, and significant discomfort. In advanced stages, it can lead to systemic infections, affecting the dog’s overall health and potentially impacting other organs. The close proximity of the double teeth increases the risk of abscesses, painful pockets of infection that can spread beyond the oral cavity. Infections in the mouth can even spread to the bloodstream, causing life-threatening conditions.

3. Gastrointestinal Distress and Reduced Lifespan:

The consequences of double teeth extend beyond the oral cavity. Bacteria and toxins produced by the inflammation and infections associated with double teeth can be swallowed by the dog, leading to gastrointestinal distress. This can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and general lethargy. Chronic inflammation and infection can place a significant strain on the dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other illnesses.

In severe cases, the combination of malnutrition due to difficulty eating, chronic pain, and systemic infections can significantly impact a dog’s lifespan. While a direct correlation between double teeth and a specific lifespan reduction is difficult to quantify, neglecting this problem can contribute to a decline in overall health and shorten a dog’s lifespan by potentially one to two years. This reduction stems not just from the immediate effects of oral disease but also from the increased vulnerability to other health issues caused by a compromised immune system and overall poor health.

Conclusion:

Double teeth are a serious dental problem that requires timely intervention. The consequences of ignoring this condition can range from mild discomfort to severe infections and potentially reduced lifespan. Regular dental checkups with a veterinarian are crucial for early detection and prompt treatment. While home remedies like providing chew toys can help in some cases, professional intervention, often involving the extraction of the retained baby teeth, is usually necessary to prevent the serious complications associated with double teeth. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to ensuring your canine companion enjoys a long and healthy life.