What to Do If Your Dog’s Tooth Falls Out
If you notice your dog has lost a tooth, the first step is to try and stay calm. While it can be alarming to find your dog is suddenly missing a tooth, there are some simple steps you can take to assess the situation.
First, you’ll want to determine if the lost tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent adult tooth. Puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 12-16 weeks of age as the permanent adult teeth come in. Losing baby teeth is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if an adult tooth falls out, especially without an obvious cause like an injury, it’s very concerning and needs to be addressed.
If you find an adult tooth on the floor or notice your dog is missing an adult tooth, contact your veterinarian right away. According to Embrace Pet Insurance, when an adult tooth falls out it is often a sign of advanced periodontal disease and requires prompt veterinary attention. Your vet will want to examine your dog, take x-rays, and determine the underlying cause. Leaving a missing adult tooth untreated can lead to significant health risks.
Signs Your Dog’s Tooth Fell Out
There are a few clear signs that indicate your dog’s tooth may have fallen out:
– You see a missing tooth or hole where a tooth should be. Look in your dog’s mouth and inspect where their teeth should be. If you notice an empty space, it likely means a tooth is gone.
– Your dog is showing signs of pain/discomfort around their mouth. They may be reluctant to eat, paw at their mouth, have facial swelling, or excess salivation. This suggests an issue like a lost tooth causing irritation.
– You find a tooth on the floor. If you notice a small white tooth somewhere like the carpet or a dog bed, pick it up to inspect it. This is a clear sign your dog lost a tooth.
Some other signs could include bleeding from the mouth, bad breath, or behavioral changes in your dog. But visually confirming a missing tooth or finding one fallen out are the most obvious indicators that your dog lost a tooth.
Is it a Baby Tooth or Permanent Tooth?
Puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 3-6 months old as their adult teeth start pushing through the gums. According to the VCA Animal Hospital, puppies have 28 deciduous or “baby” teeth that eventually get replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth as they grow (Source).
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth total consisting of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. These permanent teeth will typically last for the duration of the dog’s life (Source).
To determine if the tooth that fell out is a baby tooth or permanent adult tooth, look at your dog’s age. If your puppy is around 3-6 months old, the lost tooth is likely a baby tooth. If your dog is over 6 months old, it’s more likely an adult tooth.
What to Do if a Baby Tooth Fell Out
Usually nothing special needs to be done when a baby tooth falls out, as this is a normal part of development in young puppies (URL: https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/when-do-puppy-teeth-fall-out/). Puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 12-16 weeks of age as the permanent adult teeth erupt and push the deciduous teeth out. This is a natural process that occurs as the puppy transitions from the puppy stage to adulthood.
According to experts, if a baby tooth falls out on its own, you can typically just let nature run its course (URL: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/puppy-teething). However, it’s a good idea to monitor the area where the tooth fell out for any signs of infection like swelling, discharge, or foul odor. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.
Usually, there is minimal bleeding when a baby tooth falls out. You can apply light pressure with a clean cloth or gauze pad to stop any minor bleeding. Most of the time, there is no need for intervention when a puppy loses a baby tooth since this is expected as adult teeth develop.
The most important thing is keeping an eye on your puppy’s mouth during this transitional teething phase. Make sure the permanent teeth are coming in properly and that no baby tooth roots are retained. If a baby tooth doesn’t seem to be naturally falling out as expected, let your vet know.
What to Do if an Adult Tooth Fell Out
If one of your adult dog’s teeth falls out, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Unlike baby teeth, adult teeth falling out is not normal and is usually a sign of an underlying issue that needs veterinary attention.
There are several potential causes for an adult dog tooth to fall out. The most common is advanced periodontal disease. Over time, plaque and tartar buildup can cause inflammation and infection of the tooth socket and deterioration of the periodontal ligament that holds the tooth in place. This will eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Trauma or injury, such as a fractured tooth from chewing on hard objects, can also result in a tooth falling out. Certain medical conditions like autoimmune disease may also contribute to tooth loss in dogs.
Your veterinarian will perform a full oral exam to determine the cause and extent of any dental issues leading to the missing tooth. They may recommend dental x-rays, bloodwork, or other diagnostics. Treatment may involve dental cleaning and surgical extraction of any remaining root, antibiotics, and follow-up care.
Leaving a missing adult tooth untreated allows bacteria to enter the tooth socket, potentially spreading infection. It can also lead to bone loss in the jaw over time. That’s why it’s crucial to have your vet assess the situation right away if your adult dog loses a tooth.
Source: https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/loose-broken-or-chipped-teeth
Dangers of a Tooth Falling Out
There can be several dangers associated with a tooth falling out in dogs. Some of the major risks include:
Infection spreading to bone or blood – When a tooth falls out, it leaves behind an open socket in the gums which can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection. This infection can potentially spread from the mouth into the bloodstream or jawbone leading to more severe illness.
Damage to surrounding teeth – After a tooth falls out, the surrounding teeth can shift or move into the vacant space. This movement puts abnormal pressure on these teeth increasing the chances of them developing cavities or fractures.
Difficulty eating – Missing teeth, especially molars, can make it harder for a dog to chew and break down food. This may cause them to avoid eating hard foods.
Bone loss in the jaw – The sockets around missing teeth can deteriorate over time leading to receding gum tissue and bone loss in the jaw. This can alter your dog’s facial structure.
According to Loose Teeth in Dogs: Why You Need to See a Veterinarian, tooth loss left untreated can lead to significant pain, inability to eat properly, and potentially life-threatening conditions. Prompt veterinary attention is advised if your dog loses an adult tooth.
Treating a Missing Tooth in Dogs
If your dog loses an adult tooth, especially with the root attached, treatment will likely be needed. Some steps your vet may recommend include:
Root removal – If any root is left in the socket after a tooth falls out, it needs to be surgically extracted to prevent infection.
Antibiotics – Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat any infection in the socket after tooth loss.
Special diet – Your vet may recommend feeding soft food or adding water to kibble to make eating easier if chewing is difficult due to missing teeth.
Dental sealants – Sealants can be applied to protect exposed dentin in teeth after an adjacent tooth is extracted.
Tooth extraction – If the tooth is damaged or decayed, your vet may recommend full extraction to prevent further problems.
Preventing Tooth Loss in Dogs
There are several ways you can help prevent your dog from losing teeth prematurely:
Regular dental cleanings by your veterinarian can help remove tartar and plaque buildup before it leads to gum disease and tooth loss. Vets recommend professional cleanings at least once a year for most dogs [1].
Brushing your dog’s teeth at home 2-3 times a week will also help reduce plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Take it slow and make it a positive experience with praise and treats [2].
Dental chews and treats can help scrape away plaque and tartar as your dog chews. Look for products formulated to improve dental health [3].
Addressing any underlying illnesses, like kidney disease, that may lead to dental problems is important. Regular vet visits allow early detection and treatment.
Preventing injuries that could knock out teeth, like avoiding hard balls and sticks as toys, is also helpful.
When to See the Vet
If your dog loses an adult tooth, it’s important to have them seen by a veterinarian. Adult teeth don’t normally fall out on their own, so a lost tooth could indicate an underlying illness or infection. Signs that your dog needs to see the vet include:
- Loss of multiple teeth
- Signs of pain or bleeding from the empty tooth socket
- Swelling around the mouth
- Bad breath or pus discharge
- Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat
- General signs of lethargy or illness
According to Bluepet, if your dog’s tooth fell out due to trauma or other injury, they should also be evaluated by your veterinarian to check for additional damage. Even if your dog seems fine after losing an adult tooth, it’s best to have them examined since underlying infection is common. Prompt treatment will be needed to prevent further complications.
Outlook for Dogs with Missing Teeth
The outlook for dogs with missing teeth is usually excellent if proper treatment and care is provided (https://www.cdhp.org/can-senior-dogs-live-without-teeth/). Dogs are resilient and adapt well to tooth loss. With some adjustments to their diet and dental care routine, dogs can thrive living with only some or even no teeth.
However, permanent tooth loss can lead to some other dental health issues if not properly managed. The surrounding teeth may drift or overgrow to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. This can cause misalignment of the remaining teeth and bite issues over time (https://montanapetdentist.com/feeding-a-dog-with-missing-teeth-or-no-teeth/). Regular dental cleanings and exams will be important to monitor dental health.
With a softer food diet that is easier to chew and digest, plus extra attention to dental hygiene, dogs with missing teeth can continue to live a full, healthy and happy life. Many dogs adjust quickly and show no discernible difference in their abilities to play, run and eat. With proper veterinary care and some accommodations, tooth loss does not have to impact a dog’s quality of life.
