According to a veterinary study, dental disease is one of the most common disorders reported by veterinarians. Another study estimates that 80 percent of dogs will develop some form of periodontal disease by the age of 2.

Regular dog dental care is recommended by veterinarians, but few pet owners actually brush their dogs’ teeth.

Just as with people a hundred years ago, we used to think that tooth loss was a normal ageing change.Now we know that tooth loss is the direct result of a disease process and it is not normal.

To better understand how to care for dog teeth, it’s important to understand the makeup of dog teeth and how to best ensure dog tooth health. Here are some facts you probably didn’t know about dog teeth.

Facts About Dog Teeth

1. Dogs Go Through Two Sets of Teeth in Their Lifetime

Just like people have baby teeth, dogs have puppy teeth that are later replaced. Puppy teeth—also known as deciduous teeth or milk teeth—work much like an adult dog’s teeth but on a smaller scale. Starting around 4 months of age and extending to around 6 months of age, the deciduous teeth begin to exfoliate. Compared to human children, in which the process takes place over years, in puppies, the transition is very rapid, over a matter of weeks.

Puppies lose their teeth in a way similar to human children—they become loose and eventually fall out. The root of the tooth is then naturally absorbed into the gums.

2. Adult Dogs Have More Teeth Than Humans

 Puppies have only about 28 deciduous dog teeth that they shed to make way for permanent adult dog teeth.  

Adult dogs have 42 teeth. Most people have 32. In comparison, adult cats have 30 teeth.

Adult dog teeth begin to form before birth. Later in life, they erupt into position as their deciduous counterparts are shed.

3. Dogs Use Their Teeth Differently Than Humans

While the makeup and chemical structure of dog teeth is similar to those of human teeth, the size and shape of dog teeth are where the biggest differences come into play.

The most prominent teeth are the long and pointy canines. They are used for grasping, lifting, pulling and potentially for defence. Further back in the mouth, the large carnassial teeth are designed to shear against one another, to provide a slicing action.

“This is in contrast to human teeth, which typically grind against one another to pulverise food. Dogs can’t really smash up their food like people because their teeth are not designed that way.

4. Canine Teeth Root Structure Differs a Bit From Humans

Canine root structures are similar to human root structures except that in dogs, the three upper molars have two roots, whereas the two lower molars have three roots.

Additionally, the roots of a dog’s tooth are long. Most people are surprised by how long the roots are. The visible crown is usually only about one-third the length of the tooth. For incisor teeth, the crowns are only about one-fourth the length of the tooth.

5. Cavities in Dog Teeth Are Extremely Rare

Because the bacteria in a dog’s mouth are different from the bacteria in a human’s mouth, cavities in dogs don’t happen often.

Cavities are caused by specific bacteria that live on flat surfaces of teeth and metabolise sugars into acid. Dogs don't usually consume as much sugar as humans do, and the species of bacteria that causes cavities are very rare in dogs' mouths.

When cavities occur in dogs, they are usually caused by sweet treats such as bananas or sweet potatoes. The treatment for cavities in dogs is the same as for people. The diseased tooth structure is removed and replaced with a composite filling.

Dog Teeth: Signs of Dental Disease

Pet parents should watch for signs of periodontal disease in dogs. If you notice any signs of dental or gum disease, you should consult your veterinarian for care tips.

Most dog owners don’t recognize that their dogs have a problem until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Further, dogs instinctively try to hide any pain or discomfort to avoid showing weakness, making it even harder to recognize a problem is present.

Signs of periodontal disease in dogs include:

• Red gums
• Bleeding gums
• Plaque
• Bad breath
• Blood in water or food bowls
• Thick saliva
• Favouring one side of the mouth
• Dropping food while eating
• Facial swelling
• Rubbing the face with the paws or on the floor

Dog Teeth: Tips for Care

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the first defence against gum disease. Daily cleanings, coupled with occasional professional cleanings at your vet, will do a lot to keep gum disease at bay.