Retained Deciduous Teeth in Dogs

Retained deciduous teeth are puppy teeth that do not fall out when the permanent teeth come in. In a normal teething process, puppies develop 28 baby teeth first and later replace them with 42 permanent teeth. When a baby tooth stays in place beside the adult tooth, the mouth becomes crowded and the permanent tooth may erupt in the wrong position.

This problem is especially common in dogs, and small breeds are overrepresented. Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese, and other toy breeds are often affected, though any dog can develop it. Upper and lower canine teeth are the most common retained teeth, followed by incisors.

Retained baby teeth matter because two teeth should not occupy the same space. Crowding traps hair, food, and plaque, which raises the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease early in life. It can also push the adult tooth inward or outward, creating malocclusion and, in some dogs, painful contact with the roof of the mouth.

Many pet parents first notice the issue at four to seven months of age, when a puppy appears to have a double row of teeth. Even if your dog seems comfortable, it is worth having your vet check the mouth promptly. Early recognition gives your vet more options and may reduce the chance of permanent bite changes.

Diagnosis starts with an oral exam and your puppy’s age. Most dogs lose their baby teeth as the permanent teeth erupt between about three and seven months of age. If a deciduous tooth is still present once the permanent version of that tooth is coming in, your vet will consider it retained or persistent.

Your vet will look at which teeth are present, whether the adult teeth are erupting in the correct position, and whether the bite is being altered. They will also check for gum inflammation, trapped debris, trauma to the palate, and signs of early periodontal disease. In many puppies, this can be recognized during a routine wellness visit.

Dental radiographs are often recommended before extraction. X-rays help confirm which tooth is deciduous, show the shape and length of the roots, and help your vet avoid damaging the permanent tooth or its supporting structures. This is especially important because baby tooth roots can be long and delicate, and incomplete extraction can leave retained root fragments behind.

If there is already a malocclusion, your vet may discuss whether extraction alone is likely to help or whether follow-up monitoring is needed as the jaw continues to grow. In more complex cases, referral to a veterinary dentist may be part of the plan.

Retained deciduous teeth happen when the baby tooth does not loosen and shed as the permanent tooth erupts. Merck notes that in dogs this is related to failure of the periodontal ligament to detach from the deciduous tooth. The permanent tooth then erupts beside it, often rostrally or in another abnormal direction.

Genetics likely play a role. Small-breed dogs are affected more often, and brachycephalic breeds also appear to be at higher risk. Families of dogs may show the same pattern, which is one reason breeders and pet parents should pay close attention to puppy mouths during the teething months.

Crowded mouths and breed-related jaw shape may contribute to the problem or make the consequences more noticeable. When there is limited space, the adult tooth has fewer options for erupting normally. That can increase the chance of malocclusion, soft tissue trauma, and plaque retention.

This condition is not caused by anything a pet parent did wrong. Still, delayed recognition can allow secondary problems to build. The retained tooth itself is the starting issue, but the bigger concern is what happens next: abnormal tooth position, gum inflammation, periodontal disease, tooth wear, and pain.

You cannot always prevent retained deciduous teeth, especially when breed and genetics are involved. What you can do is catch them early. Check your puppy’s mouth regularly between about three and seven months of age, especially if your dog is a toy breed or brachycephalic breed. If you see a double row of teeth, book an exam rather than waiting for it to sort itself out.

Routine puppy visits are a good time to ask your vet to assess tooth eruption and bite alignment. Early exams matter because the goal is to intervene before the adult tooth is locked into an abnormal position or starts injuring the palate. A quick look during vaccine visits can make a big difference.

Home dental habits also help reduce secondary problems. Gentle tooth brushing, vet-approved dental products, and avoiding very hard chews can support oral health while your puppy is teething. These steps do not make a retained tooth fall out, but they can lower plaque buildup and help you notice changes sooner.

If you are choosing a puppy from a breeder, ask whether close relatives had retained baby teeth or bite issues. That will not predict every case, but it can help you know whether to watch the teething period more closely.

The outlook is usually very good when retained deciduous teeth are treated early. In many puppies, prompt extraction allows the permanent tooth to move into a more normal position as growth continues. That can reduce the risk of long-term crowding, gum disease, and traumatic bite problems.

Recovery after extraction is often straightforward. Most dogs go home the same day with pain medication and instructions for soft food and limited chewing for a short period. Your vet may recommend avoiding tug toys, hard chews, antlers, bones, nylon chews, and ice while the mouth heals.

The prognosis becomes more guarded if treatment is delayed and the adult teeth have already settled into an abnormal position. Some dogs still do well after extraction, but they may need longer-term monitoring for malocclusion, palate trauma, abnormal wear, or periodontal disease. In complex cases, your vet may recommend referral for advanced dental care.

Follow-up matters. Even after a successful extraction, your dog should have routine oral exams as the adult teeth finish erupting. That helps confirm the bite is comfortable and that no retained roots, gum inflammation, or secondary dental issues remain.