Dental Questions. - Page 1

I was checking Bosco's teeth today. Four of his adult teeth have already come in with no trouble. I noticed that four more of his adult teeth are coming in, but he still has baby teeth in those spots. The adult teeth are only just now breaking the skin, though, so is this something I should worry about?

I would ask my vet, but they're closed until Monday.

A simple game of tug (soft tug like with an old sock or socks tied together in knots) and take socks away when you are not playing and right there with him. Helps to loosen baby teeth and they should come out on their own. I don't like to have vet mess with their mouths as they can learn to hate it as well as not trust the vet again. So carefully play and chew toys are also great (Nyla bones) I buy the giants even for a puppy so they cannot swallow them. Also real beef morrow leg bones are great, messy but good.

Always let him win with any tug games, and of course you can teach him to retrieve as well. Let him chew on an age appropriate ball, if you use a tennis ball, take away when you are not with him. Save those for special play times with him so he cannot swallow and choke on tennis ball or any other ball for that matter. Best of luck with him, his teeth will come out on their own. Nan

Thank you, Nan. I got him cow rib bones and a thigh bone. I also bought four tiny tug toys yesterday.

I give him these dental chews daily, also. So, I'll stop being so paranoid.

Thanks again.

No reason to worry at the moment, but keep a close eye on the situation--if those milk teeth don't come soon, they can interfere with the alignment of the permanent teeth that are coming in and throw the dog's bite off.

In the morning, I'll have somebody help me to take photos so everyone can see.

Everything I've read so far is parallel to my experience.
My boy had left canine come in and the baby tooth wouldn't fall out. I took my dog to a dental specialist and he simply used pliers and removed the tooth without incident.
The new canine was pointed directly toward the upper gum, I was very concerned. The dental vet said as the adult tooth grew, it would flair to the outside of the upper gum into a normal position.
It did.
But concern is understandable.lol
JDG

I wiggled the teeth, and they seem to be loose. Nothing to worry about. :)