In an ideal world, your dog should not experience tooth loss when he is older, but unfortunately dental problems are not unheard of in dogs and in more serious scenarios they can lead to tooth loss. Maybe you’ve looked into it how to brush a dog’s teeth or you’ve tried your dog regularly some of the dog chews that last the longest to stay on top of their oral hygiene, to avoid dental complications and the vet bills that come with them.
However, we always recommend that you consult an expert first. We spoke to Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, a licensed veterinarian, who revealed the answer to the question ‘Do dog teeth fall out?’ She shares her expert advice on this, exploring the causes of tooth loss, the risk of gum disease, how to treat it and advising on how to prevent problems with a dog’s teeth.
After graduating as a Veterinarian from the University of Nottingham, Dr Joanna Woodnutt went into Companion Animal Practice in the Midlands, UK. Dr. Woodnutt is specifically interested in advising and helping its clients better understand their pets, whether on medical issues such as dermatology, behavior and nutrition.
Is it normal for adult dogs to lose teeth?
Woodnutt says dogs should only lose their teeth once in a lifetime: “When their puppy teeth fall out and their adult teeth come in,” she notes. This usually happens when a dog reaches the six-month milestone.
But once a dog reaches adulthood, when he’s a year old, Woodnutt reveals that it’s not normal for him to lose teeth and that it’s a sign of an underlying problem.
What Causes Tooth Loss in Adult Dogs?
According to Woodnutt, “The most common cause of tooth loss in adult dogs is periodontal disease. This is when bacteria in the mouth damage the gums and then the ligaments that hold the teeth to the jawbone,” she says, “Not only is this painful, but if the ligaments are damaged, the teeth become wobbly and fall out.”
The severity of a dog’s gum health will vary and Woodnutt explains that technically gum disease and periodontal disease are different. “Gum disease usually refers to gingivitis, which is the (reversible) precursor to periodontal disease,” she adds, “Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums.” This is why people often refer to it as gingivitis.
Other ways a fully grown dog can lose a tooth is through injury, such as if it hits its mouth or head, causing a tooth to become loose and possibly fall out. Or if they suffered a trauma or had a significantly poor diet when they were young, the enamel on their teeth may be poor, putting them at greater risk for plaque buildup and tooth decay.
How do you know if your dog has gum disease?
“Dogs with gum disease have painful red gums, especially along the line where the gum meets the teeth,” notes Woodnutt. This isn’t always easy to spot, especially if your dog isn’t one to show his teeth or doesn’t like it when you go near his mouth.
However, Woodnutt says you may notice bleeding or blood on toys and chews and this could be a sign that your dog’s gums need to be checked. She adds, “Usually there’s also a bad breath odor, and when tartar builds up on the teeth, you see a gray-green stain.”
How is gum disease in dogs treated?
Gum disease in dogs is reversible with treatment, but periodontal disease is not, Woodnutt tells us. But by detecting gum disease as early as possible and treating your dog’s gum disease, you can prevent tooth loss.
“Daily brushing your teeth is ideal – this loosens up the bacteria and prevents them from getting under the gums and causing too much damage. If tartar has built up a professional scale and polishing and full mouth assessment under general anesthesia is necessary,” says Woodnutt.
How to prevent dental problems in dogs
The advice given to prevent dental problems in dogs is quite similar to how we humans take care of our teeth and gums. Regular (daily) brushing your teeth is the best form of prevention.
Woodnutt tells us that dogs can be trained to accept a toothbrush and flavored toothpaste, which means many dogs see it as a treat. Other forms of at-home dental care that can help prevent dental problems include chews and water additives. But Woodnutt notes that these are best used alongside brushing your teeth.
While you’re here, it’s worth reading this one tips to keep dog teeth clean and healthy. Or if you have a puppy on your hands, see a vet puppy teething timeline and equip yourself with useful knowledge and tips.