Retained Baby Teeth in Dogs

Retained baby teeth, also called persistent deciduous teeth, occur when a puppy tooth does not fall out as the permanent tooth erupts. Instead of one tooth replacing another, both teeth remain in the mouth at the same time. This often creates a crowded “double tooth” appearance. In dogs, the problem is especially common during the teething window from about 3 to 7 months of age, and the canine teeth are affected most often.

This matters because two teeth trying to occupy one space can change how the adult tooth comes in. The permanent tooth may erupt at an abnormal angle, and the extra crowding can trap hair, food, and plaque along the gumline. Over time, that can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, early periodontal disease, trauma to the roof of the mouth, and bite problems. Small and toy breeds are affected more often, but any puppy can develop retained baby teeth.

Many pet parents first notice the issue when they see a thin puppy tooth sitting next to a thicker adult tooth. Some dogs seem comfortable at first, so the condition can be easy to overlook. Even so, early evaluation matters. Your vet can decide whether the tooth should be monitored briefly or removed before it causes long-term crowding or damage to nearby tissues.

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and a careful look inside your dog’s mouth. Your vet will compare the size, shape, and position of the teeth to determine whether a tooth is deciduous or permanent. In many puppies, the diagnosis is straightforward because the adult tooth is visibly erupting next to a smaller baby tooth that should already be gone.

Dental charting and timing also matter. Puppies usually have 28 baby teeth, and adult teeth replace them over the following months until the dog has 42 permanent teeth. If a puppy tooth is still present once the matching adult tooth has erupted, that is generally considered retained. Your vet will also check whether the extra tooth is changing the bite, trapping debris, or causing gum inflammation.

If extraction is recommended, dental radiographs are often part of the workup, especially during an anesthetized dental procedure. X-rays help confirm root structure, identify any retained root fragments, and guide safe removal. They also help your vet assess whether the permanent tooth and surrounding bone look healthy before and after treatment.

The immediate cause is failure of the baby tooth to loosen and detach normally as the adult tooth erupts. Merck notes this is related to failure of the periodontal ligament of the deciduous tooth to separate as expected. When that does not happen, the permanent tooth may erupt beside the baby tooth instead of replacing it.

Breed and size appear to matter. Small and toy breeds are affected more often than larger dogs, and retained deciduous canine teeth are especially common. Breeds often mentioned in veterinary references include Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Poodles, and Maltese. Genetics likely plays a role in many cases, although any puppy can develop the problem.

Timing is another factor. Puppies lose baby teeth over a fairly short developmental window, so delayed shedding becomes more noticeable between about 4 and 7 months of age. Dogs with narrow jaws or crowded mouths may be more likely to develop alignment issues once a baby tooth stays in place. Even when the retained tooth itself is not painful, the crowding it creates can set the stage for plaque retention, gingivitis, and malocclusion.

Not every case can be prevented, especially when genetics and jaw shape are involved. Still, early monitoring can make a big difference. During the teething months, get in the habit of lifting your puppy’s lips once or twice a week to look for adult teeth erupting beside baby teeth. This is especially helpful from about 4 to 7 months of age, when retained teeth become easier to spot.

Routine puppy visits are another key step. Your vet should examine your puppy’s mouth during wellness care and vaccine visits, and you can ask whether all baby teeth are shedding on schedule. If your dog is a toy or small breed, or has a history of crowded teeth, it is worth being extra watchful. Catching the problem early may reduce the chance of long-term bite changes.

Home dental habits also support prevention of secondary problems. Cornell notes that brushing is the most effective home care for preventing dental disease, and AVMA encourages regular oral exams and home dental care. Brushing will not make a retained tooth fall out, but it can help reduce plaque and gum inflammation while you and your vet monitor the mouth.

The outlook is usually very good when retained baby teeth are addressed early. Once the retained tooth is removed, the adult tooth often has a better chance of settling into a more normal position, especially in younger puppies. Early treatment also lowers the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and trauma from an abnormal bite.

Recovery after extraction is commonly straightforward. Many dogs go home the same day. Your vet may recommend soft food for a short period, limiting chew toys for about a day or longer depending on the extraction, and using prescribed pain relief. PetMD notes that activity may be restricted for the rest of the day after surgery, with soft food and temporary chew restrictions during early healing.

Prognosis becomes more guarded if treatment is delayed and the adult tooth has already erupted into an abnormal position or has been striking the palate for a while. Even then, many dogs still do well, but they may need more involved dental care or follow-up. The sooner your vet evaluates a retained tooth, the better the chance of avoiding those added steps.