7 Dog Breeds That Are Prone to Dental Disease

Dental disease is serious business. It affects not only your dog's teeth and gums, but it can also cause infections that can eventually lead to organ failure if left untreated. Periodontal disease is the most common disease in all dogs, but some breeds are at higher risk than others.

Knowing which diseases your furry friend is prone to can help you provide the optimal care he deserves. Just as it's important for you to know your family's medical history, you should understand how your dog's genes may contribute to his health.

It is extremely important for owners to take their pets for regular dental checkups with a veterinarian and to practice regular oral hygiene, regardless of the breed of dog. Of course, some dogs, especially smaller breeds, are at higher risk of developing periodontal disease. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss eight breedswith which you should be especially careful.

1. Cars

Collies are one of the breeds most affected by an “overbite.” An overbite is an abnormal relationship between the dental arches, in which the lower jaw is shorter than normal in relation to the upper jaw. It is often seen in very young puppies.

In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend interceptive orthodontics, a procedure performed on young dogs whose facial bones are still growing. Sometimes, extraction of all the deciduous (baby) lower canines and incisors is performed to eliminate discomfort and encourage forward growth of the lower jaw.

Once the puppy becomes an adult, veterinarians focus on treating secondary problems such as tooth-on-tooth wear and soft tissue trauma. Depending on the severity, treatment options in adults include orthodontic movement (placing force on a tooth), crown shortening with vital pulp therapy, or extractions.

2. Yorkshire Terrier

Small dog breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, as well as Poodles, Maltese, and Pomeranians, usually have permanent baby teeth. You can often see baby teeth in place right over the adult teeth. The general rule is that no two teeth should occupy the same place at the same time in the same mouth. Food and debris easily collect in these hard-to-clean areas, predisposing the dog to periodontal disease.

Permanent baby teeth should be removed promptly, veterinarians recommend. When they fail to fall out in time, adult teeth may fail to erupt or come in at the wrong angle, causing an orthodontic malocclusion.

3. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are supposed to fit 42 teeth in their mouths – the same number of teeth that all breeds have. However, the truth is that there isn’t enough room for all those teeth in these breeds’ small mouths. This causes crowding, which allows food and debris to collect between the teeth. Plaque bacteria build up, which can destroy soft and hard tissues and lead to periodontal disease.

Other breeds in this category include Maltese, Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Lhasa Apso, Cavalier King Charles Terriers, and Shih Tzus.

4. Dachshund

The dachshund's narrow muzzle makes it susceptible to developing periodontal pockets – spaces created by tooth and bone loss where bacteria thrive – especially on the inner surfaces of the upper canines.

Treatment may include deep root planing, with periodontal treatments included, such as targeted tissue regeneration or surgical extraction. Collies are another example of a narrow-muzzled breed.

5. Boxer

Boxers, as well as Great Danes, Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and Collies, top the list of breeds that get gingival hyperplasia—overgrowth or thickening of the gums. The reaction is most often caused by an inflammatory response to dental plaque and bacteria or as a side effect of certain medications.

Veterinarians focus their treatment on reducing the amount of plaque bacteria in the mouth and stopping or reducing medications that may be causing gingival hyperplasia. In advanced cases, surgical resection to restore the gums – called a gingivectomy or gingivoplasty – to a more normal anatomy is indicated.

6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are more prone to delayed teething, a condition in which a dog's teeth erupt through the gums later than normal. This is often not a problem, as the teeth eventually erupt over time. However, teeth that fail to erupt can cause problems down the line, such as teeth becoming impacted and (dentigerous) cyst formation. In select cases, oral surgery may be performed to encourage teething.

7. Labrador

Unlike smaller breeds, which are more genetically predisposed to periodontal disease, larger breeds are more likely to experience tooth fractures. Large, active breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds tend to get into more mischief, and the most common reason these breeds visit the vet is for broken or worn teeth. Veterinary experts recommend avoiding hard chew toys and tennis balls and visiting your vet if you notice a broken or discolored tooth.

Take care of your dog's health!

Some dog breeds may be genetically predisposed to dental disease, but that doesn't mean they're doomed to a lifetime of poor oral health. Environmental factors like home care, underlying medical conditions, and diet also play a role. Regular checkups with your vet are key to your dog's overall dental health!

In addition, daily brushing is the gold standard for home care to prevent plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup. Treatments like water supplements, dental-formulated food and treats, and oral rinses are also helpful. Just remember not to use human toothpaste or products with fluoride or xylitol, as they can be toxic to dogs!

Signs of periodontal disease – and your signal to call a vet – include bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth and excessive drooling.

For further information, we advise you to contact your veterinarian! You can visit HAPPY PET NETto find a certified veterinarian in your city!