강아지 유치 잔존 자주 묻는 질문 Q&A — 보호자가 꼭 알아야 할 핵심

Retained Deciduous Teeth in Puppies: Frequently Asked Questions — Key Information Every Pet Owner Should Know

Oral HealthQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Retained deciduous teeth in puppies occur when baby teeth fail to fall out naturally, potentially leading to dental alignment issues and oral health problems. Here’s essential information every pet owner should know.

Retained deciduous teeth occur when baby teeth, which should naturally fall out between 4 and 6 months of age, remain in place.

A puppy's mouth with retained baby teeth and newly erupted permanent teeth

Retained deciduous teeth, commonly known as baby teeth, occur when a puppy’s baby teeth do not fall out naturally during the typical 4- to 6-month window. If this condition persists, it can lead to abnormal growth of the permanent teeth or cause overlapping teeth. - Baby teeth not falling out: If baby teeth are still present after 6 months, it warrants attention. In some breeds, tooth eruption may be delayed. - Abnormal permanent tooth growth: If permanent teeth emerge crooked or tilted next to retained baby teeth, consult your veterinarian immediately. This can lead to malocclusion. - Threat to oral health: Retained baby teeth create an environment where bacteria can easily multiply, increasing the risk of periodontitis and gum disease. Regular oral check-ups and veterinary examinations are essential. Early detection can significantly reduce treatment burden.

The main causes of retained deciduous teeth are genetic factors and dental alignment issues.

The main causes of retained baby teeth are genetic factors and dental alignment issues. Some small dog breeds tend to have difficulty naturally losing their baby teeth. - Genetic predisposition: If the parents experienced retained baby teeth, their offspring may show similar tendencies. - Dental misalignment: If permanent teeth are smaller or larger than expected, baby teeth may not fall out properly. - Insufficient space in the mouth: If there are too many teeth or the jaw is too small, baby teeth may remain without falling out on time. - Growth rate differences: If the growth rates of baby and permanent teeth do not match, the transition can be difficult. A professional evaluation by a veterinarian is necessary to identify the cause and take appropriate action.

A canine jaw anatomy diagram showing retained deciduous teeth and the positioning of permanent teeth eruption

Key signs to check if you suspect retained deciduous teeth.

If you suspect your pet still has baby teeth, here are the key signs to look for:

Baby teeth haven’t fallen out: If baby teeth are still present after six months of age, it may be a concern. Keep in mind that some breeds naturally develop their adult teeth later than others.

Adult teeth erupting crookedly: Adult teeth may grow in at an abnormal angle next to the baby teeth, which can lead to bite misalignment.

Red spots or swelling in the mouth: Inflammation or bleeding around the baby teeth may indicate gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Discomfort while eating: If your pet seems to have trouble chewing or swallowing, it could be a sign of dental pain or other oral issues.

Bad breath: A foul odor from the mouth may suggest bacterial buildup around the baby teeth, potentially indicating an oral infection.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.

A dog that appears uncomfortable while eating

Retained deciduous teeth can lead to orthodontic problems, so a veterinary examination is essential after six months of age.

Retained baby teeth can cause misalignment and bite problems. If baby teeth are still present after six months of age, they can interfere with the growth of permanent teeth, so it's important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian. Delaying treatment may increase orthodontic costs, and in severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.

Diagnosis of retained deciduous teeth is accurately confirmed through a dental examination and X-rays.

Diagnosing retained baby teeth is accurately confirmed through a dental examination and X-rays. - Dental Examination: The veterinarian directly inspects your dog’s mouth to check for any remaining baby teeth. - X-ray Imaging: X-rays are essential to determine if baby teeth are embedded in the bone and whether the permanent teeth are positioned correctly. - Precise Location Identification: X-rays clearly show whether baby teeth are obstructing the permanent teeth. - Early Detection: Early diagnosis ensures that treatment is not delayed. - Use of Specialized Equipment: Veterinarians use dedicated dental X-ray machines for precise evaluation. An accurate diagnosis is key to developing an effective treatment plan.

A veterinarian using X-ray equipment on a dog's jaw.

Treatment for retained deciduous teeth involves a veterinarian removing the baby teeth to support proper permanent tooth growth.

Retained deciduous tooth treatment involves a veterinarian removing the baby teeth to help the permanent teeth grow in properly. - Deciduous tooth extraction: The baby teeth are safely removed under anesthesia. - Supporting permanent tooth alignment: After extraction, care is taken to ensure the permanent teeth grow in the correct direction. - Oral hygiene is essential: After treatment, maintain good oral cleanliness and regularly check for signs of inflammation. - Regular check-ups are necessary: Consult with your veterinarian every 1–2 months after treatment. - Preventing orthodontic issues: Early treatment may eliminate the need for orthodontic correction. In most cases, the permanent teeth will align naturally after the baby teeth are removed.

A veterinarian removing a puppy’s deciduous teeth under anesthesia.

Daily care tips to help prevent retained deciduous teeth.

Here are some daily care tips to help prevent retained baby teeth:

Regular oral checks: Examine your puppy’s mouth weekly to see if any baby teeth have fallen out.

Appropriate chew items: Offer soft chew toys that encourage baby teeth to loosen and fall out naturally.

Nutritionally balanced diet: Feed food formulated to support dental health.

Routine veterinary exams: Schedule regular oral check-ups at 6 months, 1 year, and beyond.

Monitor for retained baby teeth: If any baby teeth remain after 6 months, visit your veterinarian promptly.

Following these habits can help prevent retained baby teeth.

Step-by-Step Comparison Chart for Managing Retained Deciduous Teeth

Item	Stage	Symptoms	Management Method	Necessary Action
Mild	Deciduous teeth remaining after 6 months of age	Permanent teeth erupting normally	Monitor with regular checkups	Consult a veterinarian
Moderate	Permanent teeth erupting crookedly	Swelling or bleeding in the mouth	Deciduous tooth extraction needed	Examination and extraction under anesthesia
Severe	Teeth overlapping or crooked	Difficulty eating	Severe bad breath	Immediate veterinary care needed

Because the timing and method of treatment differ by stage, early detection is important.

The risk of retained deciduous teeth varies by breed; small dogs require particular attention.

Retained baby teeth are more common in certain breeds. In some breeds, especially small dogs and brachycephalic breeds (those with short muzzles), the teeth may be crowded or the jaw may be too small for the baby teeth to fall out naturally. Retained baby teeth are even more common when the upper and lower jaws are uneven in length or when the teeth are tightly packed. We recommend regular dental check-ups for dogs of these breeds or those with abnormal tooth alignment.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should baby teeth fall out?

Baby teeth typically fall out naturally between 4 and 6 months of age. However, in some breeds, permanent teeth may erupt later than usual, so if baby teeth are still present after 6 months, consult your veterinarian.

What problems can occur if baby teeth are not extracted?

Permanent teeth may become misaligned or overlap, allowing food debris to accumulate between them and leading to inflammation or cavities. In severe cases, malocclusion can develop, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment.

Is the removal of baby teeth very painful?

Since the procedure is performed under anesthesia, your pet will feel little to no pain. There may be some temporary discomfort after surgery, but your veterinarian will prescribe medication to keep them comfortable.

Is there no treatment for retained baby teeth?

Treatment is possible. Your veterinarian will remove the retained baby teeth and monitor the growth of the permanent teeth to ensure they erupt in the correct position. In most cases, normal tooth alignment can be achieved after treatment. Depending on the alignment and bite, additional care may be necessary.

How can we prevent retained baby teeth?

Regular dental check-ups and veterinary examinations, along with comprehensive oral exams and dental X-rays under anesthesia, are crucial for early detection of issues. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene can help preserve your pet's dental health.

Top Recommended Products and Selection Criteria for Preventing Tartar and Plaque in Dogs

Top 5 Recommended Pet Tartar Control Products for 2026

Top Recommended Products for Managing Canine Oral Fungal Infections and Selection Criteria

Kennel Cough Symptoms and Treatment in Dogs

Emergency Response for Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Symptoms and Management of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Symptoms and Management of Canine Epilepsy

How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth and Get Them Used to It

Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Symptoms and Management

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Symptoms and Latest Treatments

References

[1] Collins BK, Collier LL, Johnson GS, et al. Familial cataracts and concurrent ocular anomalies in chow chows. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1992;200(10):1485–1491.

[2] Saraiva IQ and Delgado E. Congenital ocular malformations in dogs and cats: 123 cases. Vet Ophthalmol. 2008;11(2):75–83.

[3] Scott JP and Fuller JL. Genetics and the Social Behaviour of the Dog. University of Chicago Press, 1965.