<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=350770670836524&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Skip to the main content.
Pet Hospital Open 24 Hours Mitcham Australia Directions
Logo_Default_200x100
Pet Hospital Open 24 Hours Mitcham Australia Directions
 

 

Persistent Deciduous Teeth

 
 

My Puppy's Baby Teeth Haven't Fallen Out


Early assessment and treatment for retained baby teeth, overcrowding, and developing bite abnormalities in growing puppies.

Book a Puppy Dental Assessment
 

 

 

Many puppies lose their baby teeth naturally as their adult teeth erupt.

Sometimes, however, a baby tooth remains in place even after the adult tooth has started to emerge.

This is called a persistent deciduous tooth.

While it may seem like a minor issue, retained baby teeth can contribute to crowding, abnormal tooth positioning, gum disease, and painful bite abnormalities if left untreated.

 

Does This Sound Familiar?

You may have noticed:

  • Two canine teeth sitting side by side
  • A "double fang" appearance
  • Adult teeth coming in crooked
  • Crowded teeth
  • Food getting trapped between teeth
  • Bad breath in a young puppy
  • Lower canine teeth growing into the roof of the mouth
Veterinarian examining a puppy with persistent deciduous teeth at Vetland, helping prevent overcrowding, gum disease, and developing bite abnormalities through early care.
 

What Are Retained Deciduous Teeth?

Puppies have baby teeth just like children.

As the adult teeth develop beneath the gums, the roots of the baby teeth normally dissolve, allowing the baby teeth to loosen and fall out.

When this process doesn't occur properly, both teeth remain in the mouth at the same time.

The adult tooth is then forced to erupt around the retained baby tooth rather than into its normal position.

Close-up of a puppy's double fang caused by persistent deciduous teeth, highlighting the importance of early dental assessment and treatment at Vetland.

Why Does It Matter?

More Than Just an Extra Tooth


Retained baby teeth can lead to:

Overcrowding:

Too many teeth occupying the same space. 

Abnormal Tooth Positioning:

Adult teeth erupt in incorrect locations. 

Gum Disease:

Food and bacteria become trapped between closely positioned teeth. 

Painful Bite Abnormalities:

Teeth may begin contacting the palate, gums, or other teeth. 

 Future Orthodontic Problems:

Minor issues during puppyhood can become permanent abnormalities in adulthood. 

The Most Common Areas We See

Vetland - Persistent Deciduous Teeth - Canine Teeth double fang

Canine Teeth

The classic "double fang."
This is the most common retained baby tooth we encounter.

Vetland Incisors Crowding front teeth

Incisors

Crowding at the front of the mouth.

Vetland - Premolars - early dental disease and tooth loss

Premolars

Often harder for families to identify but still often capable of causing problems by leading to early dental disease and tooth loss, especially in pug and bulldog breeds.

 

When Should Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Typical Eruption Timeline


 4–5 Months: Incisors begin changing.

 5–6 Months: Canines and premolars begin changing.

 6–7 Months: Most puppies should have lost their baby teeth.

Important Note
If an adult tooth is visible and the baby tooth is still present, this is an abnormal situation.
Assessment is recommended.

Vetland veterinarian checking retained baby teeth in a growing puppy to support healthy adult tooth eruption and prevent painful orthodontic problems.
 

Treatment

Creating Space for Healthy Development
Treatment is usually straightforward and performed under combination therapy or local and general anaesthesia.

The retained baby tooth is carefully extracted while preserving the surrounding adult tooth and developing structures.

The goal is to allow the adult tooth to continue moving into its correct position.
.



Young puppy showing retained canine baby teeth during a Vetland dental assessment, promoting early extraction and healthy permanent tooth alignment.
 

Sometimes Additional Treatment Is Needed

If a retained baby tooth has already contributed to a developing malocclusion, additional treatment options may include:

  • Crown extensions
  • Incline planes
  • Gingivoplasty
  • Strategic extraction
  • Other orthodontic interventions, like braces!

Every puppy is assessed individually.

Veterinary dental consultation at Vetland for persistent deciduous teeth, preventing overcrowding, gum disease, and abnormal adult tooth positioning in puppies.
 

Why Timing Matters

The Earlier We See It, The More Options We Often Have


Puppies are still growing.

Once adult teeth have fully erupted and jaw development is complete, our options for correcting abnormal tooth positions become more limited.

Early intervention often allows us to guide development before permanent damage occurs.

Puppy with retained baby canine teeth receiving expert dental care at Vetland to create space for healthy adult teeth and normal jaw development.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Case Study Section

Ginger’s Story


Ginger's retained baby canine teeth prevented her adult teeth from erupting normally; early intervention helped create space for healthy development and avoided more serious complications later in life.


Read Ginger's Full Story

Vetland veterinary team assessing persistent deciduous teeth in a puppy, providing early treatment to protect developing teeth, gums, and bite alignment.

Not Sure If Your Puppy's Teeth Are Developing Normally?

 

A quick assessment can identify retained baby teeth and help determine whether treatment is needed.

 

Book a Puppy Dental Assessment