Your dog has two rows of teeth due to the presence of deciduous teeth after the adult teeth grow.
Like humans, dogs are born without a single tooth but could develop double canine teeth.
After they get the deciduous teeth, the adult teeth start to grow.
The retention of baby teeth after adult teeth growth can be for various reasons.
This causes many complications that impact the dog’s general health.
Let’s explain the etiology, pathogenesis, risks, and treatment of double teeth in dogs.
Why Does My Dog Have Two Rows of Teeth?
- Teething Process In Dogs
- Causes of Double Teeth In Dogs
- Complications
- Treatment of Double Teeth In Dogs
Teething Process In Dogs
The first puppy checkup should be at around 8 weeks.
During this period the deciduous dentition should emerge by this time.
In each quadrant dogs have:
- Three deciduous incisors
- One deciduous canine
- Three deciduous premolar teeth [1]
Neither the primary premolar nor the molar teeth have any deciduous predecessors.
The deciduous premolar teeth look like miniature copies of the permanent teeth.
Then, they erupt behind the incisors and canines.
These teeth are smaller, thinner, and sharper than their permanent counterparts. [2]
The permanent first molar tooth is a replica of the deciduous fourth premolar tooth.
The roots of deciduous premolar teeth tend to diverge.
In comparison, permanent replacement of the teeth does not tend to diverge the roots. [3]
Mixed dentition may be present in 12-weeks-old puppies.
It’s the case when both permanent and immature teeth have broken through. [4]
Dental scans show that if there is a missing temporary tooth.
In such case, the succeeding permanent teeth will also be missing. [5]
Causes of Double Teeth In Dogs
- Deciduous teeth
- Germination
- Fusion
A double row of teeth in dogs occurs due to baby teeth that may fail to exfoliate.
The precise methods by which this happens are still unknown.
A permanent and temporary tooth should never coexist in the same mouth cavity. [6]
This is usually seen in incisive teeth.
The persistent deciduous tooth obstructs the normal emergence pathway of the permanent tooth.
Multifactorial pathogenesis cannot be completely ruled out.
That is why veterinarians suspect a genetic basis for this illness. [7]
Persistent deciduous teeth may lead to crowding and altered gingival contours.
Then, the area becomes more susceptible to periodontal diseases.
Plaque and debris amass are usually seen between the deciduous and permanent teeth.
Veterinarians choose to remove the persisting immature teeth as soon as possible.
This surgical procedure is crucial to prevent crooked teeth and crowding. [8]
Even after excision, permanent teeth continue to erupt and need extra orthodontic treatment.
If there isn’t a permanent replacement, the persisting deciduous tooth can continue to develop.
As this happens – the endodontic and periodontic areas stay healthy. [9]
Germination
When a single tooth stem tries to divide, a process known as germination occurs.
This process leads to the unfinished creation of two teeth in a canine.
Destroyed teeth often have a single root and a longitudinal groove in the crown.
So, fusion and concrescence should not be mistaken for this.
Fusion
Combining two tooth buds to create a single structure refers to fusion in the dog’s mouth.
The fusion might look like dog shark teeth.
The buds could be of two teeth that are present, but they could also appear between two extra teeth. [10]
Although there may be partial or total fusion, the dentin is always confluent.
Only the top cementum layer is consistent when concrescence takes place.
If a tooth has more roots but only has one where there should be, this may be the case.
Complications
The risk that food and debris may get lodged between teeth will rise if the dog has extra teeth in the jaw.
This may result in issues including tartar buildup, dental decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
These reasons could cause early loss of teeth.
The retained tooth’s root may develop an abscess if it absorbs.
A misaligned set of teeth can rub against one another.
Rubbing leads to weakening the touching teeth by eroding the enamel. [11]
A recurrent primary tooth can obstruct the jaw bones’ natural expansion and development.
When a retained tooth is a lower canine, the pet will be unable to eat.
A permanent lower canine develops inside the lower jaw, and the tip grows towards the roof of the mouth.
This will cause discomfort and harm to the top of the mouth. [12]
The permanent teeth will hardly shift into their anatomical locations without orthodontic therapy.
Especially if the retained first tooth is not pulled as soon as possible.
If your pup has significant malocclusion issues – call a dental professional.
Veterinarians’ dental professionals suggest orthodontic therapy to realign the teeth. [13]
Treatment of Double Teeth In Dogs
Veterinarians usually suggest surgical removal of the persistent teeth.
If there is a fraction of baby teeth or decidual malocclusions – surgery is necessary. [14]
Deciduous root resorbs and dental radiographs are necessary for effective extractions.
Due to their length and thin walls, immature pet teeth can be challenging to extract.
The retained deciduous tooth’s resorption may hamper the extraction. [15]
The dental x-rays will allow the dentist to extract the tooth with less force.
In other circumstances, the root may reabsorb, making the extraction straightforward.
After an extraction attempt, a retained root tip left behind may become infected.
The root might behave as a foreign body and cause serious inflammation. [16]
Usually, there aren’t any clinical symptoms present, although the patient has symptoms.
Is It Normal For Dogs To Have Two Rows Of Teeth ?
No, it is not normal for dogs to have two rows of teeth.
But since the puppy has deciduous teeth before it grows its adult teeth, this might be the case.
The most common cause is persisting deciduous teeth.
This medical condition is visible and might cause complications.
The solution is a surgical procedure and removing the persistent baby teeth.
References
