Do Puppies Need Dental Checks?
Yes. Puppies need dental checks too.
It is easy to think dental care is something to worry about when your dog gets older. After all, a young puppy has a fresh set of teeth and plenty of energy. But their mouths are changing quickly during the first year of life, so keeping an eye on their teeth from the start is important.
Regular checks can help spot problems early and give you a chance to build good dental habits while your puppy is still young.
When Do Puppies Get Their Adult Teeth?
Puppies are born without teeth. Their first baby teeth usually start coming through when they are around three to four weeks old.
As they grow, those puppy teeth are gradually replaced by adult teeth.
Most puppies have their full set of adult teeth by around six to seven months of age. This is an important stage because the adult teeth need enough room to come through properly.
Sometimes, a baby tooth does not fall out when it should. This can leave the puppy with both the baby tooth and adult tooth in the same area.
That can cause overcrowding and make it easier for food and bacteria to become trapped around the teeth.
Why Should Puppies Have Dental Checks?
A puppy dental check allows your vet to look at how their teeth and gums are developing.
It is not simply about looking for dirty teeth.
Your vet can check whether the adult teeth are coming through correctly, look for retained baby teeth and identify signs of irritation or other dental problems.
Early checks are particularly useful during the stage when your puppy is losing their baby teeth.
If something does not look right, your veterinary team can explain what needs to happen next.
What Are Retained Baby Teeth?
A retained baby tooth is a puppy tooth that stays in place when the adult tooth has started to come through.
This is most commonly seen with the canine teeth, although other teeth can also be affected.
You may notice two teeth sitting very close together, almost as though your puppy has an extra tooth.
It might not look like a serious problem at first. However, the extra tooth can take up valuable space and contribute to overcrowding. It can also make it harder to keep the area clean.
If you notice a baby tooth that does not seem to be falling out, ask your vet to take a look.
Do Puppies Get Dental Problems?
They can.
Dental problems are not limited to older dogs. Puppies can experience issues with their developing teeth, gums and mouth.
During teething, you may notice your puppy chewing more than usual. Their gums can also look slightly irritated as teeth break through.
Some chewing is completely normal. However, persistent redness, swelling, bleeding, pain or difficulty eating should be checked by a vet.
Knowing what is normal for your puppy makes it much easier to notice when something changes.
When Should My Puppy Have a Dental Check?
Your puppy’s teeth can be checked during their routine veterinary appointments.
This is particularly useful during the teething stage, when their baby teeth are being replaced by adult teeth.
There is no need to wait until you notice a problem. Regular checks allow your vet to monitor your puppy’s mouth as they grow and spot anything unusual along the way.
At Rackheath Vets, we provide pet dental care for puppies, adult dogs, cats and other pets.
How Can I Look After My Puppy’s Teeth at Home?
Good dental habits are much easier to establish when your puppy is young.
Start slowly. Let your puppy get used to having their mouth and gums touched before introducing a toothbrush.
Once they are comfortable, you can gradually introduce a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for dogs.
Never use human toothpaste. Some ingredients can be harmful to dogs.
Your vet can also recommend suitable dental products and explain how to introduce tooth brushing without turning it into a daily battle.
Keep sessions short at first. A few seconds of calm brushing is better than trying to do too much and leaving your puppy stressed.
What About Puppy Chews?
Chewing is a natural part of being a puppy, particularly while they are teething.
However, not every chew is suitable for every dog.
Very hard objects can damage teeth, so it is important to choose products carefully. Your vet can advise you on suitable options based on your puppy’s age, size and individual needs.
Dental chews can be useful as part of a wider dental routine, but they should not replace brushing or regular veterinary checks.
Signs Your Puppy May Have a Dental Problem
Keep an eye out for changes in your puppy’s mouth or behaviour.
Speak to your vet if you notice:
Red or swollen gums
Bleeding from the gums
A broken or damaged tooth
Bad breath that does not improve
Difficulty eating
Dropping food
Excessive drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Swelling around the face
Two teeth occupying the same space
A tooth that appears loose or out of position
You know your puppy better than anyone. If something looks unusual, it is worth getting it checked.
What Happens If My Puppy Needs Treatment?
Most puppy dental checks are straightforward.
If your vet finds a retained baby tooth, overcrowding or another concern, they will explain the options available. Some problems may simply need monitoring, while others may require treatment.
If your puppy needs an operation, you can also learn more about our pet surgery services .
The earlier a dental problem is identified, the more opportunity there is to deal with it appropriately while your puppy’s mouth is still developing.
Puppy Dental Care in Rackheath, Norwich and Norfolk
Dental care should start early, not once your dog reaches old age.
Getting your puppy used to regular mouth checks and tooth brushing can make dental care much easier as they grow. It also gives your vet the chance to monitor their teeth and gums during those important early months.
At Rackheath Vets, we care for puppies and their families from Rackheath, Norwich and across Norfolk. If you are unsure whether your puppy’s teeth are developing normally or you have noticed something unusual, our team can assess their mouth and provide advice on the next steps.
For more information, visit our pet dental care page.