What Are Retained Deciduous Teeth?
Deciduous teeth are a pet’s baby teeth. Normally the root of each baby tooth dissolves as the adult tooth pushes up underneath it, and the baby tooth falls out. A retained deciduous tooth is one that stays in place after the adult tooth has started to erupt, leaving two teeth crowded into one spot. It is sometimes called a persistent primary tooth.
Timing rule of thumb
Puppies and kittens usually lose all their baby teeth by about 6 to 7 months of age. If a baby tooth is still there once its adult replacement is visible, it is retained.
Which Pets Are at Risk?
- Toy and small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles
- Flat-faced breeds with crowded mouths; see brachycephalic airway syndrome
- The upper canine teeth are the most commonly retained, followed by the incisors
- Cats are affected less often than dogs
Why It Matters
- Crowding and food traps: two teeth in one space trap food and plaque, which leads to early periodontal disease
- Misaligned adult teeth: the adult tooth is pushed out of place and can bite into the gums or roof of the mouth
- Bite problems: lower canines pushed inward can cause painful contact with the palate
- Bad breath and gum inflammation at a young age
Diagnosis
Your vet can usually spot a retained baby tooth during a routine puppy or kitten exam. Dental X-rays help confirm which tooth is the baby tooth, show whether an adult tooth is present underneath, and reveal any root that has broken off below the gum.
Treatment
- Prompt extraction: the retained baby tooth is removed under anesthesia as soon as the adult tooth begins to erupt, so the adult tooth can move into place
- Combining procedures: many owners have it done at the same time as spay or neuter surgery; see spay vs neuter
- Careful technique: baby tooth roots are long and fragile, so the whole root must come out without damaging the adult tooth
- Orthodontic follow-up: if the adult tooth is already badly positioned, extra treatment may be needed
Do not pull them at home
Wiggling or yanking a baby tooth at home can snap the root and leave fragments that become infected. Normal loose teeth during puppy teething fall out on their own; retained ones need a vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a retained baby tooth fall out by itself?
Sometimes it loosens late, but if both the baby and adult tooth are fully visible, waiting usually lets problems develop.
How much does removing retained baby teeth cost?
Costs vary by region and number of teeth; doing it during a planned spay or neuter often saves on anesthesia fees.
Is it genetic?
It is strongly linked to breed and size, so it often runs in lines of small dogs.
If your puppy or kitten has a double row of teeth past about six months old, have your vet take a look. Find a veterinary clinic near you for an exam.