This week’s segment features Lucy the 9 month old dachshund!!! š¾š¦·Lucy came to us for having retained puppy teeth that did not fall out when her adult teeth erupted. Just like people, puppies and kittens have baby (deciduous) teeth that are meant to fall out as adult teeth come in. Sometimes those baby teeth donāt shed as they should, leaving both the baby and adult tooth in place. Retained deciduous teeth are most commonly seen in young pets, especially small and toy breeds, and they can occur in both dogs and cats.
Leaving retained baby teeth in place can cause significant problems over time. The adult tooth is often pushed into an abnormal position, leading to crowding and misalignment. Food and bacteria easily become trapped between the teeth, dramatically increasing the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and infection. This can cause pain, damage to the surrounding bone, and early dental disease that may follow your pet into adulthood.
Removal of retained deciduous teeth is a safe and important step in protecting your petās long-term oral health. Extractions are performed under anesthesia so your pet is comfortable and pain-free, and the adult teeth are protected during the process. Removing the baby teeth allows the adult teeth to settle into their proper position, reduces the risk of future dental disease, and helps set your pet up for a healthier, more comfortable mouth for life.