Puppies have baby teeth just like children. These temporary teeth are called deciduous teeth, and they should normally fall out as the permanent adult teeth erupt.
Most puppies begin losing their baby teeth from around four months of age and have their adult teeth by approximately six to seven months. The timing can vary depending on breed, size and individual development.
Sometimes, however, an adult tooth starts growing while the baby tooth remains firmly in place. This is known as a retained baby tooth or retained deciduous tooth.
You may notice:
- Two teeth growing closely together
- Two canine or “fang” teeth on the same side
- A double row of teeth
- A smaller, sharper tooth beside a thicker adult tooth
Retained baby teeth are particularly common in small and toy-breed dogs, although they can occur in any puppy.
Adult tooth: the thicker, shorter tooth just to its left
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Most puppies start losing their baby teeth at around four months of age. Their adult teeth continue to emerge over the following months, and most permanent teeth are present by six to seven months.
You may not find the missing baby teeth around your home. Puppies often swallow them while eating or chewing, which is generally harmless.
If your puppy is approaching six months old and still has baby teeth present, particularly when an adult tooth is growing beside them, it is worth having their mouth checked.
Will a retained baby tooth fall out on its own?
Sometimes it will.
If the adult tooth has not erupted yet, the baby tooth may simply need more time. As the adult tooth develops, it should help the baby tooth become loose and fall out naturally.
Once the adult tooth has partially or fully erupted and the baby tooth remains firmly in place, it is less likely to fall out correctly on its own.
Your veterinarian will assess:
- Your puppy’s age
- Whether the adult tooth has erupted
- Whether the baby tooth is loose or firmly attached
- The position of both teeth
- Whether the adult tooth is being pushed out of position
Why can retained baby teeth cause problems?
When the baby tooth and adult tooth occupy the same area, they create a narrow space where food, plaque and bacteria can collect.
Over time, this can contribute to:
- Crowding
- Abnormal positioning of the adult tooth
- Plaque and tartar accumulation
- Gum inflammation
- Early periodontal disease
- Damage to the adult tooth
- Bite or occlusion problems
A retained tooth may not cause obvious pain straight away, but leaving it in place can increase the risk of dental problems as your puppy grows.
When do retained baby teeth need to be removed?
Removal is usually recommended when the adult tooth has erupted but the baby tooth remains firmly in place.
The aim is to protect the permanent tooth, reduce crowding and prevent plaque and bacteria from becoming trapped between the teeth.
Some retained baby teeth can be removed while a puppy is already under anaesthesia for desexing. Whether this is appropriate depends on your puppy’s age, dental development and the timing of the procedure.
A problematic tooth should not necessarily be left in place simply to wait for desexing. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate timing.
Why is removing a baby tooth more complicated than it looks?
The visible part of a baby tooth may look small, but the root beneath the gum can be surprisingly long.
The tooth may also sit very close to the permanent adult tooth, which means extraction needs to be performed carefully.
The veterinarian must remove the entire root while avoiding damage to the nearby adult tooth and surrounding structures. If part of the root fractures and remains beneath the gumline, it can cause ongoing problems.
This is why retained baby tooth removal is not simply a matter of pulling out a loose tooth. In some cases, the extraction can take longer than the puppy’s desexing procedure.
How can I check my puppy’s teeth at home?
Gently lift your puppy’s lips and look along both sides of their mouth.
Watch for:
- Two teeth sitting together
- Two canine teeth on the same side
- A smaller tooth beside a larger adult tooth
- Baby teeth still present at around six months
- Teeth growing at unusual angles
- Red or inflamed gums
- Food collecting between crowded teeth
- Discomfort while eating or chewing
Do not try to pull a retained tooth out yourself. Baby teeth can have long, delicate roots that may fracture beneath the gumline.
When should I book a dental check?
Book a veterinary assessment if:
- Your puppy has two teeth growing in the same position
- An adult tooth is erupting beside a baby tooth
- Baby teeth remain at around six months of age
- A tooth is growing at an unusual angle
- The gums look red, swollen or sore
- Your puppy seems uncomfortable while eating
At The Village Vet, we check your puppy’s teeth during routine veterinary appointments and monitor how their adult teeth are developing.
If a retained baby tooth is present, we can advise whether it needs more time, should be monitored or is best removed.
Dr Elle Burton-Bradley
DVM | BAVetBioSc (Hons I) | Cert IV VN