What to Do If Your Dog Has a Loose Tooth

Key Takeaways

• Regular dental care, including brushing and veterinary check-ups, is essential to prevent dental disease and complications in dogs.

• Loose teeth in adult dogs often indicate periodontal disease or other serious issues requiring immediate veterinary attention.

• Anesthesia is necessary for thorough dental cleanings and evaluations, ensuring safe and effective treatment for hidden dental problems.

Dogs have dental problems and require dental care, much like humans. Many owners don’t regularly check their dogs' teeth and gums, making loose teeth hard to notice.

Often, the causes of loose teeth in dogs, like periodontal disease, aren't apparent. Recognizing symptoms early ensures timely treatment, preserving your dog's health and happiness.

Normal Tooth Loss in Puppies

Puppies frequently have loose teeth as part of their natural growth. They are born without teeth, which begin to emerge as baby teeth between three to five weeks old. Puppies develop 28 baby teeth, which fall out to make space for 42 adult teeth by six to seven months.

Occasionally, puppy teeth don't fall out as expected, resulting in retained teeth still present after adult teeth erupt—commonly seen with upper canines. Retained teeth may cause adult tooth issues and plaque accumulation. If present, consult a veterinarian who will likely suggest extraction to prevent complications, ensuring they avoid damaging the emerging adult tooth roots. 

Symptoms of Loose Teeth in Dogs

• Bad breath (halitosis)

• Redness or bleeding along the gum line

• Excessive drooling that may be tinged with blood; you may also notice bleeding when your dog is playing with a chew toy or blood near their food or water bowl 

• Pawing at the mouth

• Difficulty chewing: Your dog may only chew on one side of their mouth or have difficulty picking up and keeping food in their mouth

• Facial swelling

• Loss of appetite

• Nasal discharge and/or sneezing

• Lumps or bumps in the mouth

• Pain or tenderness in the mouth

Causes of Loose Teeth

• Puppies' teeth can be loose as they are losing their baby teeth, which is normal as discussed above.

• Periodontal disease is inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth.1 The process of losing teeth from periodontal disease is painful for dogs even though they can outwardly look normal. Periodontal diseases occur when the accumulation of plaque and tartar causes either periodontal pockets or gum recession around the tooth’s attachment. Left untreated, the infection often spreads deeper into the tooth socket, destroying the bone. Ultimately, the tooth becomes loose and may fall out over time. Unfortunately, this is one of the more common causes of an adult dog losing its teeth, and it means the dog needs a veterinary visit as soon as possible.

• Trauma or injury, such as roadside accidents, falls, fights, or biting down on inappropriate hard material, such as stone or metal.1

• Cancer in the jaw bone or gums can damage the gum, bone, and attachments that should be holding the teeth firmly in place.2

While losing baby teeth is normal, adult tooth loss can signal advanced gum disease, causing pain. Dental disease is more prevalent than assumed, often hidden by dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that by age 3, most dogs show early signs of periodontal disease, worsening with age without preventive care. Regular veterinary check-ups for dental health are crucial for early issue detection and treatment to prevent serious complications.3

Treatment

Aside from normal puppy tooth loss, any loose tooth requires veterinary intervention and won't improve without professional care.

If you suspect your dog has a loose tooth, consult your veterinarian. An exam will likely lead to a recommendation for tooth extraction under anesthesia, combined with a dental cleaning.

Prior to dental cleaning and anesthesia, your vet will perform bloodwork on your dog to identify potential issues and ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.

Unlike human dentistry, pets need anesthesia for thorough dental evaluations and care. Anesthesia keeps pets still for a complete oral examination, x-rays to detect hidden disease, and safe teeth cleaning. This process reduces anxiety, stress, and pain, and prevents water or debris from reaching the lungs during plaque removal.

Dental cleaning includes a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and teeth cleaning and polishing to remove tartar and plaque. The vet will extract diseased teeth based on X-ray findings and exams, under general anesthesia. This approach is more comfortable than allowing periodontal disease to progress. X-rays evaluate jaw and tooth root health, as most dental disease hides below the gum line, necessitating anesthesia for thorough cleaning and evaluation.

Lastly, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and pain medications as needed.

How to Prevent Loose Teeth in Dogs

• Annual veterinary exams: Seeing your veterinarian for annual exams helps to avoid medical emergencies since they can detect conditions or diseases that may affect your dog’s health long before they become significant, painful, or more costly to treat. Preventive care is better than reactive care.

• Preventative dental cleanings at the veterinarian: Getting preventative cleanings just like we do at our dental office is becoming a standard for dogs. For dogs, this requires anesthesia but is an important part of helping keep them healthy. Ask your veterinarian when it is time to do this for your dog.

• Daily brushing: Brushing your dog's teeth can help prevent or slow the progression of dental disease in your dog.1 When doing this, be sure to purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that should not be swallowed and can cause an upset stomach or digestive disturbances.

• Offer safe toys and treats for daily chewing: The Veterinary Oral Health Council evaluates dental products for effectiveness. You can visit their website for a list of plaque control products. Your veterinarian can help you decide which options are right for you and your dog.

How to Care for Your Dog's Teeth

FAQ

• What are the signs of periodontal disease in dogs?

  While signs like bad breath and redness along the gum line are mentioned for loose teeth, more information on other signs of periodontal disease could be provided in FAQs.

• How frequently should I brush my dog’s teeth?

  The article briefly mentions daily brushing but doesn’t specify frequency recommendations.

• Are there specific dog breeds more prone to dental issues?

  Although the article does not discuss breed-specific dental care, adding this FAQ could be beneficial for readers.