If your dog’s tooth falls out, you should visit a vet.

But if a puppy loses a tooth, it is not serious.

A dog losing teeth when they’re young pups is no big deal.

However, an adult dog losing teeth calls for a vet visit.

Let’s see why this can happen to your furry friend.

What to Do if My Dog’s Tooth Falls Out

  • Identifying the Lost Tooth
  • Responding Calmly
  • Veterinary Assistance

Identifying the Lost Tooth

To identify a lost tooth, you need to know that there are 4 groups of teeth.

The incisors are the front teeth.

The sharp, long ones are canines.

Then follow the premolars and molars. [1]

You can identify what tooth your dog lost easily.

There will be a hole where the tooth previously was.

It is also good to check if the gum where the tooth was is infected or not.

This can be done with adspection.

Dog tooth abscess pictures can help identify infection.

Call your vet to explain the situation to them.

Schedule an appointment to do further checkups.

Responding Calmly

As an owner of a pet, you must respond calmly. [2]

Your dog can sense if you are becoming stressed.

They respond accordingly.

Remain calm, and if needed, calm down your dog.

Then you should go to the vet.

The vet will assess the situation.

If the tooth is broken and a piece is left, an extraction will be needed.

After surgery, keep an eye on your dog’s teeth extraction complications symptoms.

If they last longer than 2 days, call your vet again.

Veterinary Assistance

The vet will determine the cause of the tooth loss.

For a broken-off tooth, an extract is needed.

But tooth abscess can cost a lot. [3]

If the tooth is not broken, the spot still needs to be maintained.

The healing process should be monitored.

They will recommend additional dental care steps.

This includes different cleanings and regular use of a brush.

Understanding the Concept of Dogs Losing Teeth

  • Normal Tooth Loss
  • Diseased Teeth Consequences
  • Canine Oral Health

Normal Tooth Loss

Timetable of teeth

0-2 weeks

No teeth

3-4 weeks

First teeth start to grow

8 weeks

Full set of baby teeth

4-5 months

Baby teeth start falling out

5-7 months

Adult teeth begin to grow

6 months

Vet check to make sure everything is growing fine

7 months

Full set of teeth

12 months

Full set of teeth and ready for 6-month dental checkups from this point on

Dogs have baby teeth like humans do.

Puppies get their deciduous teeth when they are a few weeks of age.

They lose their baby teeth when they are around 3 months of age.

At that age, your dog losing teeth is not something you should worry about.

Teeth are falling to be replaced with new ones. [4]

They will be in pain.

This is why you should buy dental chew toys.

The vet can also give your dog something for the teething pain.

If your pet loses a tooth at an older age, then a veterinary check is recommended.

Diseased Teeth Consequences

There are multiple problems that a diseased tooth can cause to the surrounding teeth.

Some of them are widespread dental diseases throughout the mouth of the dog. [5]

Periodontal disease is one of them.

It starts with mild gingivitis and grows into a serious inflammation. 

The most telling signs are bad breath and red, swollen gums.

The teeth are also covered in tartar.

If the veterinarian can not save the diseased tooth, they might recommend extraction.

An extraction is guaranteed in dogs with tooth abscesses.

The dental vet might try to save the tooth with a root canal.

The safest option is still an extraction.

Both procedures are done under general anesthesia.

Canine Oral Health

Great oral health is the key to healthy teeth.

This way, you will keep your pet away from bad teeth and side effects.

It will definitely prevent losing teeth.

Also, you will reduce the possibility of dental disease. [6]

There are several ways to maintain oral health.

Also, there are some famous natural remedies for oral health.

Recognizing the Difference Between Puppy and Old Dog Tooth Loss

  • Puppy Losing Teeth
  • Old Dog Tooth Loss
  • Interpreting Loose Teeth

Puppy Losing Teeth

It is normal for a puppy to lose its baby teeth.

The first set is temporary.

At around 3 months, your puppy should have lost all of its baby teeth.

Kitten teeth fall out at the same time. [7]

Even if these teeth are temporary, it is still very important to pay attention to oral health.

Lack of dental care can lead to serious issues, even an abscess.

A tooth abscess can kill a dog.

It is important to know that dental issues can lead to systemic issues and death.

Old Dog Tooth Loss

The loss of teeth in older dogs is most likely related to bad dental cleaning.

It is not normal for dogs to lose their adult teeth. [8]

A dog losing its teeth can cause mood changes.

The dog may not be able to eat properly and can be in pain.

Tooth loss becomes normal again when the dog is very old.

Watch out for broken teeth.

Make sure, you can compare pictures of your dogs’ teeth.

With another dog’s teeth and find out if there’s a problem.

Interpreting Loose Teeth

Loose teeth can cause different problems for the dog.

It can become difficult for them to eat and chew.

It can cause dental problems like inflammation and receding of the gum line.

This can cause a lot of pain and irritation.

Loose teeth are a gateway for bacteria.

It can cause an abscess.

If a premolar is affected, a carnassial tooth abscess can appear. [9]

It can happen even to a puppy or kitten

The best cure for this is tooth extraction.

It is done under anesthesia.

The surgery is short and easy.

First, the gingiva is opened.

Then the periodontal ligament is cut.

In the end, the tooth is extracted with gentle force.

Dental Care for Canines: Prevention and Cure

  • Importance of Dental Care
  • Regular Veterinary Check-ups
  • Teeth Cleaning Necessity

Importance of Dental Care

Dental care is essential for healthy teeth.

Without dental care, there is the risk that our dog’s teeth can become diseased and go bad.

In order to preserve the dog’s teeth, it is essential to maintain great oral hygiene.

Regular veterinary check-ups are also needed.

This goes for dogs and cats alike. [10]

Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Check-ups are important.

The vet can determine if there is anything wrong with the dog’s teeth.

In some cases, you need to take your pet to the vet immediately.

Tooth breaks need to be taken care of immediately.

They can cause abscesses and other serious issues. [11]

Dental diseases in dogs should be treated very seriously.

No worry is little when it comes to teeth.

Teeth Cleaning Necessity

In order to maintain normal dental hygiene, the dog’s teeth must be brushed regularly.

Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation.

This will remove plaque and tartar accumulation. [12]

Thorough dental cleaning should be done at least two times a year.

Periodontal Disease in Dogs: Signs and Effect

  • Signs of Periodontal Disease
  • Effect on Oral Health
  • Preventing Periodontal Disease

Signs of Periodontal Disease

It’s important to know how to differentiate periodontal disease from other diseases.

There are many problems that start the same. [13]

One example of this is a tooth root abscess.

Comparing dog tooth abscess pictures to your dog’s gums can help.

When they have periodontal disease, dogs will have red and bleeding gums. [14]

Because of the pain, they might chew on only one side.

The teeth on the painful side can be loose.

Excessive and sometimes bloody saliva can be present.

You may see blood in their water bowl or on toys.

Effect on Oral Health

Periodontal disease can have severe consequences on your dog’s health.

Not just oral.

Periodontal disease occurs when excess plaque is formed.

This plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria.

That’s why it smells bad.

The tartar is close to the gums and affects them as well.

Without proper dental care, the tooth root can be affected.

This can lead to an abscess. [15]

Carnassial tooth abscesses in dogs are a serious and deadly condition.

If your dog has periodontal disease, take them to the vet.

An extraction can save their life

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Tips and practices for prevention

Daily cleaning

Regular dental check-ups

Dental cleaning at least once a year

It’s always easier to prevent disease.

Curing a disease is costly.

Not just for you but for your dog’s wellbeing.

Start daily cleanings when your dogs are young. [16]

Regular dental cleanings are recommended too.

The vet may recommend good toothbrushes and toothpaste for your dog specifically.

What Happens if My Dog Loses Her Canine Tooth?

If your dog loses her canine tooth, call your vet.

Unexpected tooth loss is a serious matter.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a canine or any other tooth.

If it happens to a puppy from the age of 8-12 months, it’s normal.

The causes of an adult dog losing a tooth are many.

Trauma and broken teeth leave the pulp exposed.

Bacteria can easily go in and do damage.

A cavity is also an entrance for bacteria.

This can lead to an abscess.

In any situation, a vet visit is inevitable.

Surgery may be needed as well.

Post-op treatment will consist of pain medication and antibiotics.

Why Do Dogs’ Teeth Fall Out?

Dog’s teeth fall out because of age.

Depending on your dog’s age, they can either be losing baby teeth or adult teeth.

Baby teeth fall out at around 12 months.

If your adult or senior dog is losing teeth, call your vet.

An underlying condition may be the cause.

This disease can be on the gums or on the tooth root.

The most common cause is periodontal disease and gingivitis.

As the dog ages, its immune system weakens.

This makes the teeth susceptible to infections.

Can I Let My Dog’s Loose Tooth Fall Out?

Yes, you can lead your dog’s loose tooth to fall out.

If it’s a puppy, expect teeth to fall out at around a year old.

If your dog is an adult and you notice a loose tooth, take them to the vet.

The loose tooth can be a result of an infection.

It can also be caused by trauma.

Trauma can also be a gateway to an infection.

Either way, your dog will lose the tooth.

It might as well lose it under professional supervision.

Tooth extraction is done under anesthesia.

Remember that and tell the vet if they have another unrelated condition.