I'm feeling a bit confused and worried about my pup, and I could really use some advice. I took my 4-year-old dog, Max, to the vet for his regular dental cleanings twice already. But recently, while playing with him, I noticed that he has two missing teeth and one stubborn baby tooth still hanging around. I’m just so perplexed because the vet didn't mention this at all during either of the cleanings. On top of that, they didn’t do any X-rays, which I assumed were part of the process to ensure everything is fine in his little mouth. I can’t help but wonder if this is normal or if I should be concerned about the quality of the dental care he's getting. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Should I be asking the vet more questions or possibly getting a second opinion? Thanks in advance for any guidance or reassurance you can offer!
Hi there! I can imagine you’re a bit puzzled about your dog's dental situation, and it's great that you're attentive to their health.
It's not uncommon for adult dogs to have some teeth missing, often due to genetics, injury, or prior dental disease. The presence of a retained baby tooth in an adult dog isn't unusual either, but it can sometimes cause crowding or misalignment, leading to potential dental issues.
Veterinarians may not always perform X-rays during routine cleanings, especially if there are no obvious signs of problems like periodontal disease or infection. However, dental X-rays are the gold standard for identifying hidden issues beneath the gum line, such as retained roots or resorption.
For home care, focus on regular teeth brushing and providing dental-friendly chew toys to help keep your dog's mouth healthy. Watch for signs like bad breath, difficulty eating, swelling, or excessive drooling, as these could indicate more serious dental problems.
If you're concerned about the missing and retained teeth, consider booking a video consult with a Dial A Vet expert. They can assess your dog's mouth further or recommend a thorough dental exam, potentially with X-rays, to ensure your pup's dental health isn’t compromised.
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