Dental Development in Puppies: When Should Teeth Erupt?

Teeth

The puppy is currently eight years old and has only developed two teeth (the lower incisors were removed surgically because the old teeth were still intact).
Aside from the front incisors, which were extracted due to certain factors, the remaining teeth are still considered healthy.
I would like to inquire with your professional veterinarians whether this situation is normal (not having developed the incisors yet).
When is it expected for the teeth to come in? (I have heard of cases where new teeth never develop or baby teeth do not fall out.) Please assist as soon as possible!

sisy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/12/10

Dr. Wu Jinjun reply Dentistry

The average age for losing baby teeth is approximately between 7 to 13 years old.
However, there are many exceptions, and individual variations can be significant.
Under normal circumstances, the reasons for hastily extracting a baby tooth include: 1.
The permanent tooth has already erupted, but the baby tooth has not fallen out.
2.
The dental arch is too small, and the existing baby tooth is obstructing the growth of adjacent permanent teeth.
3.
The baby tooth is excessively loose, causing pain while eating or making the child hesitant to brush or touch it.
In such cases, we would recommend extracting the baby tooth, as it has already fulfilled its role in guiding the growth of the permanent tooth and can "retire gracefully." At this point, the emerging permanent tooth will also quickly follow, which is the ideal scenario for tooth replacement.
Additionally, congenital absence of teeth is more likely to occur in the area of the permanent premolars, so if the front teeth have not erupted by the age of eight, there may be other underlying reasons.
It is advisable to take the child to a dental clinic for an X-ray examination.
If necessary, early treatment can be initiated, while maintaining good oral hygiene practices and regular check-ups for the other posterior teeth.

Reply Date: 2001/12/10

More Info

When it comes to dental development in puppies, it is essential to understand the typical timeline for tooth eruption and what might be considered normal or abnormal. Puppies generally begin to develop their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) around three weeks of age. By six weeks, they usually have a full set of 28 baby teeth, which include incisors, canines, and premolars. These baby teeth will eventually fall out to make way for the permanent adult teeth, which typically start to erupt around four months of age and continue until about six months of age.

In your case, you mentioned that your puppy is eight months old and has only developed two teeth, with the lower incisors having erupted after the surgical removal of the old teeth. This situation raises some concerns, as it is not typical for a puppy of that age to have such limited dental development. There are a few potential explanations for this:
1. Genetic Factors: Some breeds may have variations in their dental development timelines. However, most breeds will still have a full set of baby teeth by six weeks and begin losing them by four months.

2. Dental Anomalies: Conditions such as retained baby teeth, where the baby teeth do not fall out as they should, can lead to delayed eruption of adult teeth. This can sometimes require veterinary intervention.

3. Health Issues: Underlying health problems, such as nutritional deficiencies or systemic diseases, can impact dental development. If a puppy is not receiving adequate nutrition or has health issues, it may affect the growth of teeth.

4. Trauma or Injury: If the puppy has experienced trauma to the mouth or jaw, it could potentially affect tooth eruption.

Given that your puppy has only two teeth and has not developed the rest, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary dentist. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly including X-rays, to assess the situation. They will be able to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed, such as retained baby teeth or other dental anomalies.

In some cases, if teeth are not erupting as expected, the veterinarian may recommend surgical intervention to remove any retained baby teeth or to address any other dental issues. It is also important to ensure that your puppy is receiving a balanced diet to support healthy growth and development.

In conclusion, while some variation in dental development can occur, the situation you described is not typical for an eight-month-old puppy. It is essential to seek veterinary advice to ensure your puppy's dental health is properly managed and to prevent any potential complications in the future. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining your puppy's oral health and ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly.

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