Retained Puppy Teeth: What to Do When Baby Teeth Don't Fall Out

Like humans, dogs have two sets of teeth in their lives: a first set of baby teeth they have for a few weeks, followed by a full set of adult teeth they keep for life unless affected by dental disease or injury.

Teething puppies can be challenging. Appropriate chew toys can soothe their gums, prevent them from damaging possessions, help manage discomfort, and let you watch for any dental problems.

In most dogs, teething proceeds naturally, with adult teeth replacing baby teeth smoothly. However, problems arise when adult teeth fail to push baby teeth out, causing retained puppy teeth. This occurs most frequently with the canine teeth – the large pointed ones beside the incisors – but retained baby teeth can appear anywhere in the mouth.

This guide will help you understand the timings of puppy teeth development, why retained teeth happen, and what you should do if you suspect it in your puppy.

When Do Puppies Get Their First Set of Teeth?

Puppies are born toothless, but their first baby teeth start to emerge around 3 weeks old, beginning with the incisors. By 6 weeks, all 28 baby teeth should have erupted.

When Do Puppies Get Their Adult Teeth?

Starting around 3 months old, adult teeth begin to come through, marking the true start of teething. Puppies often chew excessively and may show mild discomfort during this phase as adult teeth push out baby teeth.

Adult teeth push baby teeth loose, which then fall out naturally – often unnoticed as puppies swallow the tiny lost teeth. By 6 to 8 months, puppies should have a full set of 42 adult teeth.

How Do Adult Teeth Replace Baby Teeth?

Adult teeth normally grow out beneath baby teeth, pushing them loose and causing them to fall out. However, if an adult tooth grows incorrectly – either at the wrong angle, size, or fails to emerge fully – it may not dislodge the baby tooth. This leads to retained teeth, with both baby and adult teeth present in one or more spots. The teeth may overlap or crowd, or an adult tooth might remain partially trapped in the gum.

What Should You Do If Your Puppy Has Retained Teeth?

Retained baby teeth can cause dental overcrowding, making chewing and biting difficult, and increasing risks of gum disease and tooth decay due to trapped food and bacteria.

Dogs with two teeth in one place may experience pain or pressure because of limited space. Retained baby teeth and dental crowding are especially common in brachycephalic breeds such as the pug and French bulldog.

During teething, provide safe chew toys to ease discomfort and encourage adult teeth to break through the gums. Regularly check your puppy’s mouth for signs of double teeth, gaps where no tooth is present, sore spots, lumps, or persistent retained baby teeth.

If you suspect issues or retainment but are unsure, consult your vet to examine your puppy’s mouth. They may recommend dental X-rays to confirm retained teeth. When found, vets often recommend removal of retained teeth under general anaesthesia to prevent crowding and future problems.

In some cases, if retained teeth cause no discomfort or dental issues, the vet may advise monitoring without immediate action.