All about dog’s teeth and bite types explained

The term “bite” in dogs refers to how their teeth come together when the mouth is closed, encompassing the position and function of the teeth within the jaws. Understanding your dog’s bite is important because it affects both their ability to chew food effectively and their overall oral health.

Since dog breeds vary greatly in muzzle shape and size, their bites can differ as well. Familiarising yourself with common bite types helps owners identify what’s normal for their dog and spot potential problems early.

This article covers the normal adult teeth count, the range of bite types, and possible issues that unusual bites may cause, empowering you to care for your canine companion’s dental health.

Understanding the dog’s bite and teeth anatomy

Adult dogs typically have 42 permanent teeth, divided into four categories with distinct roles in eating and grooming.

• Incisors: 12 small front teeth, used for nibbling, grooming, and scraping food. There are six on the upper and six on the lower jaw.
• Canines: 4 long, slightly curved teeth primarily designed for tearing and puncturing food and objects, two in each jaw.
• Premolars: 16 sharp-edged teeth located behind the canines, important for shearing and grinding food into smaller pieces.
• Molars: 10 flat-surfaced teeth at the back of the mouth, specialised for grinding and thorough chewing.

The English Bulldog and the Pug are examples of breeds with distinctive muzzle shapes, often presenting particular bite patterns due to their shortened snouts.

The dog’s bite represents how these teeth fit and work together when the mouth is closed naturally, influenced by tooth number, jaw shape, and alignment. Judges in dog shows carefully evaluate the bite against breed standards as it affects both appearance and function.

Common bite types in dogs

1. Scissor bite

This is the most desirable and typical bite for many breeds. The upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth in a neat manner, resembling the blades of a pair of scissors. Molars and premolars fit closely together without gaps or overcrowding, allowing efficient chewing and minimal wear.

2. Level bite

Similar to the scissor bite, a level bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth meet exactly edge-to-edge without overlap (except canines). While breed standards may allow this, continual friction can cause gradual tooth wear over time, potentially leading to dental problems in older dogs.

3. Overbite

In an overbite, the upper jaw noticeably protrudes past the lower jaw, causing the upper teeth to extend significantly beyond the bottom ones. This is usually deemed a fault depending on severity but is common in some breeds. Severe overbites may lead to difficulties in bite function.

4. Underbite

Here, the lower jaw extends further out than the upper jaw, and this is considered a fault in many breeds. However, it's a characteristic feature of brachycephalic breeds like the Bulldog and the Pug. Underbites can contribute to dental misalignment and occasionally cause difficulties with eating or oral hygiene.

5. Wry bite

A wry bite means one side of the jaw is longer than the other, creating a crooked or asymmetrical bite. This can lead to drooling, trouble closing the mouth properly, and sometimes, feeding difficulties. Veterinary advice is often advised if such issues impact quality of life.

6. Open bite

An open bite occurs where the front teeth (except canines) do not meet at all when the mouth is closed, resulting in a visible gap. This can sometimes cause food to get trapped and increase the risk of dental health issues.

7. Primitive mouth

This rare condition involves all teeth being pointed like canines without the typical flat premolars and molars. It's seen in some variants of the Chinese Crested. While unusual, it doesn't always cause problems but should be monitored by a vet.

Dental anomalies and common issues

Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to crooked, misaligned, or abnormally positioned teeth causing irregular bites. While some minor malocclusions do not impact a dog significantly, serious cases may require veterinary intervention or dental surgery to relieve discomfort or improve function.

The crowded mouth

This condition involves extra teeth growing out of their normal positions, possibly crowding existing teeth. Crowding can lead to complications like plaque accumulation, gum disease, or difficulty chewing, sometimes necessitating tooth removal for the dog’s well-being.

Ensuring good oral health and bite care

Maintaining your dog’s dental health is key for their overall happiness and longevity. Daily or regular tooth brushing using dog-safe toothpaste, routine veterinary dental checks and professional cleaning when recommended, and appropriate chews and diet can help prevent issues.

Responsible dog ownership includes vigilant observation of your dog’s mouth for signs of discomfort, teeth wear, or any unusual bite development. Early detection and vet consultation can prevent costly and painful problems later.

FAQs about dog bites and teeth

When do puppies get their adult teeth?

Quick Answer: Puppies start losing their baby teeth around 12 weeks, with most adult teeth fully in place by 6 to 7 months.

Puppies are born without teeth. Their milk teeth begin to fall out as adult teeth grow in, usually completing this process by 6 to 7 months old. Regular checks help ensure all adult teeth emerge properly for a healthy bite.

What causes abnormal bites in dogs?

Quick Answer: Abnormal bites can result from genetics, injury, improper jaw development, or uneven tooth eruption.

Genetic factors largely influence bite type and jaw structure. Trauma or injury to the face can also lead to malalignment. In some cases, baby teeth failing to fall out can cause improper positioning of adult teeth. Treatment depends on severity and symptoms.

Should I be concerned if my dog has an unusual bite?

Quick Answer: Not all unusual bites cause problems, but vet assessment is important if there is difficulty eating, drooling or oral pain.

Many unusual bite types are not painful or harmful and exist naturally in some breeds. However, if your dog shows signs of discomfort, difficulty chewing, or excessive drooling, a vet can diagnose whether treatment or dental care is necessary for quality of life.

Always seek advice from a qualified vet for proper diagnosis and management.

Where can I find a reputable dog breeder or puppies for sale?

When looking to find a new dog, it is essential to seek reputable breeders who prioritise health, temperament, and ethical breeding practices. Responsible breeders will ensure puppies have healthy teeth development and conformation that meets breed standards.

Responsible sourcing helps reduce the risk of inherited dental and bite problems. Always ask for health checks, and visit the breeder to see conditions and the puppy’s parents.

Conclusion

Understanding your dog’s teeth and bite is vital for lifelong oral health and quality of life. Recognising different bite types and common dental issues allows you to monitor and maintain your pet’s wellbeing effectively.

Regular dental care, awareness of breed-specific bite standards, and seeking vet advice when needed will help ensure your dog has a comfortable and functional mouth throughout their life.