Last Updated: 19/08/2026
Puppy Dental Problems: Retained Teeth & Malocclusion
Have you noticed that your puppy's teeth just don't seem quite right? Take a read through the common causes and treatments for dental problems in puppies.
Author: Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
One phase that often catches puppy owners off guard is the transition from tiny milk teeth to a full set of adult chompers. Most puppies breeze through it, but dental hitches like retained baby teeth, jaw misalignments and even early dental disease can occasionally pop up. Knowing what's "normal" and what needs a vet's attention is the best way to keep your pup's smile healthy and pain-free.
For normal puppy teething (timelines, signs and soothing tips), see our guide to puppy teething. This article covers what to watch for beyond that.
What are retained puppy teeth?
Retained baby teeth are deciduous (baby) teeth that don't fall out when the adult tooth comes through underneath them, and they're one of the most common things we pick up at a puppy check-up.
Puppies grow their 28 deciduous teeth from 3-4 weeks of age, and these usually fall out during teething, between 3 and 6 months. Some puppies don't lose all their baby teeth, especially small breed and brachycephalic (flat-faced) pups. The incisors (front teeth) and canines ("eye teeth") are most often retained.
Left untreated, a retained tooth can crowd the adult tooth into the wrong position, trap food against the gumline, and set the stage for early gum disease: simpler to prevent than to fix later. The good news is that removing retained teeth is usually straightforward, and it's routinely done under the same anaesthetic as desexing.
What is puppy malocclusion?
Malocclusion just means the teeth or jaws don't line up as they should, anything from one crooked tooth to the whole jaw being the wrong length.
If the jaw itself is an abnormal length, it's a skeletal (bone) malocclusion; if the jaws are normal length but a tooth isn't sitting correctly, it's a dental malocclusion. Brachycephalic (short nosed, flat-faced) breeds like Boxers, Shih-Tzus and British Bulldogs naturally have a longer lower jaw (an underbite, or undershot jaw) considered normal for them. Less commonly, an "overshot jaw" is where the upper jaw is longer.
Your vet diagnoses malocclusion on a physical exam, usually once baby teeth are gone, and may recommend dental X-rays for complex cases. The most common mistake we see is owners assuming a crooked baby tooth will sort itself out. Sometimes it does, but a tooth digging into the roof of the mouth or opposite gum needs treatment regardless of how "normal" it looks for the breed. If your puppy has a malocclusion, book regular check-ups to monitor their emerging adult teeth.
Is early dental disease possible in young dogs?
Yes, although it's uncommon. Small and toy breed puppies can occasionally show early plaque build-up well before their first birthday, usually because their teeth are too crowded for their jaw size.
Watch for a thin film of tartar on the back teeth, mild redness along the gumline, or breath that's worse than usual "puppy breath". We rarely diagnose true periodontal disease under a year old, but overcrowded small breed mouths, think Chihuahuas, Cavoodles and Maltese, and brachycephalic breeds are the ones we watch most closely.
What causes dental trauma in puppies?
Puppy teeth are much thinner and more brittle than adult teeth, so chewing on anything too hard can crack or fracture them: antlers, bones, hard nylon toys and even ice cubes are common culprits.
A visible chip or crack is one sign; a pink or reddish spot in the centre means the pulp is exposed. That's painful, and it needs prompt vet attention to avoid infection or abscess. We regularly see puppies who've chipped a tooth on an antler or a chew that is too hard. Stick to soft, puppy-safe chews until all adult teeth are in.
When should I see a vet about my puppy's teeth?
Some signs need an urgent appointment; others can wait for your puppy's next routine check-up.
See your vet promptly for:
- Broken or fractured teeth: Puppies have very thin enamel; if a tooth snaps during play, it can expose the sensitive pulp and lead to a painful abscess.
- Excessive bleeding or swelling: While mild redness is normal, contact your vet if the gums look deep purple, are bleeding profusely, or if you notice any unusual lumps or discharge.
- Difficulty eating: If your pup is enthusiastic about treats but seems to struggle to chew, drops food, or whines while eating, they may be experiencing dental pain.
- Malocclusion: if teeth are poking into the roof of the mouth or the opposite gums.
- Severe bad breath: "Puppy breath" is famous, but it shouldn't be offensive. A foul or rotting odour can be a sign of infection or trapped debris.
Mention it at the next check-up if you spot:
- Persistent baby teeth: If you notice an adult tooth emerging but the baby tooth is still firmly in place (creating a "double row"), it's time for a check-up to prevent overcrowding.
- Misaligned jaw: If the upper or lower jaw seems significantly longer than the other.
Most of these problems are simple to manage once caught early. Many retained teeth come out at the same time as desexing, and a malocclusion or minor chip that's monitored properly rarely causes lasting issues. For the full puppy dental care routine, see our puppy dental care guide, and for home dental care tips that apply to any pet, check out our pet dental care guide.
FAQs
References
Veterinary Partner, Lundgren, B, 2020, Retained Baby Teeth in Dogs and Cats Need Surgical Extraction, https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102898&id=4952450, accessed 2/2/23
Articles recommended for you
Vet-written pet dental care guide for dogs and cats - daily care, warning signs, and when to book a professional clean.
Learn the early signs of dental disease in dogs and cats, plus simple ways to support oral health with daily dental care, vet-recommended treats, and habits from puppyhood to adulthood.
Our comprehensive vet guide details how to keep your dog's teeth healthy, including daily brushing, dental chews, and specialised diets.
Take control of your cat's dental health with our expert vet guide. We cover everything from brushing techniques to the best dental diets and treats.
Does the idea of brushing your cat's teeth sound impossible? It doesn't have to be. Discover our vet-approved guide on training your cat to accept brushing, choosing the best tasty toothpaste, and preventing dental disease at home.
Brushing your dog's teeth is the best way to prevent dental disease. Our vet's guide provides a simple step-by-step method, product tips, and advice for tricky dogs. Learn how to make dental care a positive routine for you and your pet.
From shark teeth to adult chompers, puppy teething is a big milestone! Our expert vet guide covers the teething timeline, recommended chew toys, and simple home remedies to keep your puppy comfortable (and your furniture intact) during this stage.
Is your kitten chewing everything in sight? From the teething timeline to soothing home remedies, discover how to support your kitten through this milestone. Learn when to consult a vet and how to transition into a lifelong dental care routine.
Is your dog's breath less than fresh? Learn the difference between plaque and tartar, how to spot the early signs, and when brushing and chews are enough versus when you need a professional clean.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 19 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Maree graduated from the University of Queensland in 1990 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has worked in a wide variety of practices around Australia and in Papua New Guinea. She has cared for all creatures great and small and has a particular interest in senior pets and horse nutrition
