Adult Dog Losing Teeth: Causes and What You Can Do

Like humans, dogs have two sets of teeth in their lifetime. Their first set, known as baby teeth, develops when they are very young. These teeth do not stay for long as they start to fall out to make way for larger, permanent adult teeth.

It's common for new dog owners to find baby teeth in toys or food bowls, which is a normal part of puppy development. However, adult dogs should retain their permanent teeth for life. If your adult dog loses teeth, it is a signal that something is wrong with their dental health and it deserves careful attention.

In this article, you will learn the most common reasons why adult dogs lose teeth and what you can do to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and comfortable.

1. Retained Baby Teeth

Sometimes adult dogs retain baby teeth that should have been pushed out by their adult teeth. This usually happens when the adult teeth are absent or there's overcrowding in the gum area preventing adult teeth from descending properly.

Since baby teeth are smaller and have weaker roots compared to adult teeth, retained baby teeth can become loose and eventually fall out later in your dog's life, causing discomfort or misalignment.

2. Knocks and Injuries

Accidents may cause your dog’s teeth to break or fall out. Injury needs to be significant, such as a hard impact to the mouth from a sharp toy, running into a solid object, or serious accidents like being hit by a vehicle.

An injured or loosened tooth may not fall out immediately but can lead to infection or pain. Any significant trauma to your dog's mouth warrants a prompt visit to your vet for assessment and treatment.

3. Poor Dental Health and Periodontal Disease

The most common cause of tooth loss in adult dogs is periodontal disease, a serious gum infection resulting from accumulations of plaque and tartar. Neglected teeth can develop gingivitis and progress to periodontitis, where supporting tissues and bone around teeth are destroyed, leading to loose and falling teeth.

Signs include bad breath, discoloured teeth, drooling, difficulty eating, blood on toys, and behavioural changes such as reluctance to chew or head shyness.

Regular dental care, including daily teeth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste and professional cleanings under sedation, is vital to prevent and manage this disease.

4. Malnutrition

A poor diet lacking in essential nutrients can affect your dog's general health and dental condition. Malnutrition can cause weak teeth and gums, making teeth more vulnerable to disease and loss. It is important to feed your dog a complete and balanced diet suitable for their age and health needs.

5. Other Health Conditions

Certain systemic diseases can influence oral health indirectly, especially those causing frequent vomiting or malnutrition. The acid in vomit erodes tooth enamel, making teeth fragile. Diseases that go undiagnosed can often worsen dental health, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential.

6. Medication Side Effects

Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, may weaken teeth or gums as a side effect. While less common in dogs due to lower dosages than in humans, some dogs undergoing cancer treatment may experience tooth loss as their fast-growing cells, including those in teeth, are affected.

Discuss the risk of dental side effects with your vet when your dog is prescribed such treatments and monitor oral health closely.

What To Do If Your Adult Dog Is Losing Teeth

If you notice your dog losing teeth, observe closely for any other signs like bad breath, bleeding gums, reluctance to eat, or behavioural changes indicating pain. Keep any lost teeth to show your vet, which can help diagnosis.

Prompt veterinary examination is crucial to determine the cause and prevent further problems. Treatment may include dental cleaning, extractions, dietary changes or addressing underlying health issues.

Maintaining your dog’s oral health by regular tooth brushing, providing dental chews, and yearly veterinary dental checks helps keep their teeth intact and their whole body healthy.

Conclusion

Adult dogs losing teeth is usually a sign of dental disease or underlying health issues rather than a normal ageing process. Understanding the common causes such as retained baby teeth, injuries, poor dental hygiene, malnutrition, health conditions, and medication side effects will help you spot the problem early.

Regular dental care and timely vet visits are the best ways to protect your dog’s teeth, ensuring they can enjoy a comfortable, pain-free life. If your dog loses adult teeth, don’t delay in seeking professional veterinary advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.