Adult Dog Losing Teeth: Causes and Care Tips

Just like people, dogs experience two sets of teeth during their life. The first set, called baby teeth, appears when they are puppies. These teeth eventually fall out as their adult, permanent teeth grow in.

New dog owners often find puppy teeth in chew toys or food bowls, which is completely normal. However, adult dogs are expected to keep their permanent teeth throughout their lives. So, if your grown dog starts losing teeth, it's a sign of dental health issues that should not be ignored.

This guide outlines the primary causes of tooth loss in adult dogs and provides practical advice on keeping your pup’s mouth healthy and pain-free.

1. Retained Baby Teeth

Occasionally, adult dogs fail to lose some baby teeth because the adult teeth don't push them out properly. This is often due to missing adult teeth or overcrowding in the gums, which blocks adult teeth from emerging correctly.

Since puppy teeth are smaller and have less robust roots than adult teeth, these retained baby teeth can loosen and fall out later on, potentially leading to discomfort or poor bite alignment.

2. Trauma and Injuries

Your dog’s teeth can break or fall out due to accidents. Severe impacts, such as biting down on hard objects like rocks or hard plastic toys, running into fences or posts, or even being struck by a car, can cause dental injuries.

Sometimes the injured tooth stays in place at first, but it can loosen over time and become infected or painful. A thorough dental check with your veterinarian after mouth trauma is very important to avoid complications.

3. Periodontal Disease and Poor Dental Hygiene

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adult dogs. This serious gum infection starts when plaque and tartar build up and is left untreated, causing gingivitis and eventually periodontitis. In this stage, the tissues and bone supporting the teeth deteriorate, resulting in loose or lost teeth.

Watch for symptoms such as bad odor from the mouth, visible tartar buildup or discolored teeth, excessive drooling, trouble chewing, bleeding gums, and behavioral changes like reluctance to eat or pawing at the mouth.

Preventing this disease requires consistent dental care, including daily brushing with toothpaste made specifically for dogs and regular professional teeth cleanings done under anesthesia by your veterinarian.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

An inadequate diet missing key nutrients can negatively impact your dog's overall health and dental strength. Weak gums and fragile teeth make tooth loss more likely. Feeding your dog a well-balanced, complete diet tailored to their age and health is crucial.

5. Underlying Medical Conditions

Some whole-body illnesses contribute to poor oral health. Conditions causing frequent vomiting expose teeth to stomach acids that erode enamel, weakening the teeth. Other systemic diseases may reduce nutrient absorption, leading to malnutrition and poor dental health.

Keeping up with routine veterinary exams helps detect these problems early, reducing risks to your dog’s mouth and general well-being.

6. Medication Effects

Certain drugs, including chemotherapy medications, can weaken tooth and gum tissues as a side effect. Although less frequent in dogs since dosages are generally lower than in people, cancer treatments in dogs can still affect rapidly dividing cells, including those in the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

If your dog undergoes such treatments, discuss dental side effects with your veterinary team and maintain careful monitoring of their oral health.

What to Do When Your Adult Dog Starts Losing Teeth

If you spot teeth falling out, check for other signs like bad breath, gum bleeding, difficulty eating, or behavior indicating mouth pain. Collect any lost teeth to show to the veterinarian, which aids in diagnosis.

Timely veterinary evaluation is essential to identify the cause and prevent worsening conditions. Treatments might involve professional dental cleaning, tooth extractions, dietary adjustments, or managing underlying health issues.

The best defense is good daily dental hygiene, dental chews recommended by vets, and annual veterinary dental checkups to keep teeth strong and overall health optimal.

Summary

Tooth loss in adult dogs often signals underlying dental disease or health concerns, not just normal aging. Causes like retained baby teeth, injuries, gum disease, poor nutrition, systemic illness, and medication side effects merit your attention.

Routine dental care paired with professional veterinary support will help ensure your dog enjoys healthy teeth and comfortable living. Never hesitate to seek your veterinarian’s advice if your dog is losing adult teeth so they can receive proper treatment promptly.