Dogs normally possess 42 teeth (certain short-faced breeds, such as the Bulldog, have fewer). However, as a puppy the Chow Chow typically possesses 44 teeth.
All breeds have the same number of teeth, but for some breeds this has to fit into a much smaller space," says PDSA Vet Claire Roberts tells Country Living. "Puppies have fewer teeth than adult dogs. They have 28 teeth in total with equal numbers on the top and bottom jaw."
Small breed dogs, such as Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, have an increased tendency for dental disease. In addition, dogs with a flatter facial design, also known as brachycephalics, are also at risk. These may include Boxers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, to name a few.
The worst affected breeds include Toy Poodles, King Charles Spaniels, Greyhounds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs and spaniel breeds overall were at greater risk of dental disease. Smaller sized breeds had higher risks of dental disease than heavier breeds.
Wear and gum disease are more common when your dog or cat is between the ages of five and 10. Elderly pets may eventually lose teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease, and their teeth may show considerable wear.
Brushing is the most effective method for prevention of periodontal disease, but it may be challenging for many caretakers. Dental diets, chlorhexidine gels, and dental treats can also be of benefit, whether paired with regular brushing or used on their own.
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Over 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease.
No one is sure why, exactly, smaller dogs appear to be more prone to dental disease. But it's generally believed that the more compact heads and jaws of smaller dogs can lead to overcrowding of the teeth, meaning there is less space between the teeth and more places where food can lodge and collect bacteria.
Breed genetics and conformation (shape of the face and mouth) also contribute to the risk of rotten teeth in dogs. Some breeds such as Dachshunds and Yorkies are cursed with bad dental genetics. In these breeds even daily brushing may not be enough to prevent dental disease.
Things such as yak chews, whimzee sticks (ensure they're the right size for your puppies age), kongs stuffed with peanut butter and then popped in the freezer (dog safe peanut butter) and really cold carrots are all good replacements.
Dogs grow four canine teeth, two on both the bottom and upper jaw. Pre-molars are the sharp-edged teeth. If you look at the dog dental chart, you will find these behind the canines. They are usually used to chew and shred any food a dog may be eating.
Big cats such as lions, tigers and cheetahs have some of the sharpest canine teeth in the animal kingdom. These long, dagger-like weapons are used to stab – biting down deeply into the throats of prey to bring them down.
Number of Adult Dog Teeth
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth in their mouth, as compared to a human's normal 32 teeth.
The best way to remove plaque is to simply brush your dog's teeth daily with a dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Brushing your pooch's teeth every now and then won't get rid of a buildup of plaque, but regular brushing will help keep their teeth and mouths healthy.
Like us, it is ideal to brush your dog's teeth at least twice daily. For many dogs, once brushing becomes a part of their daily routine they will begin to expect and enjoy it. Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation.
Fortunately, we pet parents can prevent our pooches from getting periodontal disease, and the condition can be treated and reversed - if detected early. When it comes to your dog's oral health, don't neglect it or procrastinate.
1. Border collie. According to The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dog breeds in terms of their relative intelligence, the border collie is the smartest dog breed known to man.
Discoloration (Brown Teeth): Yellow or brown discoloration of the teeth along the gum line is a good indication of tartar and plaque buildup. Gingivitis (Swollen Gums): Red and swollen gums will surround the teeth. The inflamed gums will often have plaque at the base of the teeth as well.
If we're talking teeth used for biting, then hippos are the winners. If we're talking about any kind of tooth, however, then African elephants win easily — unless it's a question of the ratio of body length to tooth length, in which case the narwhal steals the gold medal.
Teeth cleaning for dogs typically costs anywhere between $170 to $350 if done by a general practitioner veterinarian, or up to $4,000 when performed by a board-certified veterinary dentist at a high-end facility, with potentially other procedures involved.
If you haven't started brushing your dog's teeth, there is no need to worry. You can always start this habit as long as your pet's teeth are healthy. While the ideal time to start is when your dog is young, you can begin now.