If you’ve been wondering whether dogs can lose their teeth and what it means for your furry companion, you’re in the right place. In this article, we'll explore when and why dogs lose teeth, what to watch out for, how to respond, and what you can do to protect your dog’s dental health — all in clear, professional language that’s easy to understand.
Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth?
Yes — but the answer depends on the life‐stage and the underlying cause. For puppies, losing one set of teeth is a normal part of development.
However, for adult dogs, losing teeth is not considered normal and may be a sign of an underlying dental health issue.
Here’s how to break it down:
- Puppy teething – Puppies grow their “baby” (deciduous) teeth, which are sharp and small (“needle teeth”). These fall out and are replaced by adult teeth in the puppy’s first months of life.
- Adult tooth loss – When adult dogs (i.e., post-puppy stage) start losing teeth on their own, it is typically due to disease or trauma rather than a normal developmental process.
So, while “dogs losing teeth” is technically true, the context matters a lot — age, cause, and accompanying signs all matter.
Why Might an Adult Dog Lose Teeth?
There are several possible reasons why an adult dog might lose one or more teeth. The most common include:
a) Dental disease (especially periodontal disease)
A major reason adult dogs lose teeth is periodontal disease — a condition where bacteria cause irritation and infection in the gums and the structures that hold the teeth in place, including the bone and supporting ligaments. Over time, bone and ligament damage can lead to loose or missing teeth.
b) Trauma or injury
Chewing hard objects (e.g., real bones, antlers, tough toys) or suffering a blow to the mouth can cause fractures or tooth loss.
c) Developmental or congenital issues
Some dogs may have misaligned teeth, overcrowding, or weaker enamel, which makes them more prone to dental issues.
d) Age‐related wear and health decline
Although age alone shouldn’t automatically cause tooth loss, older dogs are more prone to dental disease, which in turn leads to tooth loss.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Losing Teeth or in Dental Trouble
It’s essential to detect dental issues early, as by the time a tooth falls out, the damage has often progressed. Some signs to watch for:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Drooling more than usual
- Your dog may struggle to chew, especially favoring one side of the mouth.
- Pawing at the mouth or reluctance to have the mouth/face touched
- Loose teeth or visibly missing teeth
- Bleeding or inflamed gums, receding gums
- Preference for soft food or avoiding hard treats/toys
- Change in eating behaviour or weight loss (due to difficulty eating)
These are supported by veterinary sources: missing or loose teeth are listed among the symptoms of advanced periodontal disease.
What to Do If Your Dog Loses a Tooth
If you find a tooth or notice your dog has lost one, here’s what you should do:
- Call your veterinarian — Even a single missing tooth can signal more serious underlying disease.
- Bring the tooth, if possible — Your vet can examine whether the root remains or if the tooth is complete.
- Don’t attempt to pull or fix at home — this can cause pain, infection, or damage to your jaw.
- Ask about a full dental check — Your vet may recommend dental X-rays, cleaning, scaling, and potentially extractions depending on the case.
- Adjust your diet & chewing habits — Temporarily switch to softer food if chewing is painful, and remove overly hard chew toys until cleared by your veterinarian.
How to Prevent Tooth Loss – Protecting Your Dog’s Dental Health
Prevention is key to maintaining your dog’s teeth for life. Here are essential steps:
• Daily or regular tooth brushing
Brushing your dog’s teeth helps remove plaque before it turns into tartar and advances into disease. Start gently, use dog-specific toothpaste (not human toothpaste).
• Regular veterinary dental check-ups
Professional cleanings and inspections allow your vet to catch disease early (before tooth loss). Many dogs over the age of 3 already have some degree of periodontal disease, even if it’s not yet apparent.
• Chew toys & diet choices
Choose chew toys that are safe and not too hard (avoid real bones or very dense mineral chews that risk fracture). Use dental chews or diets designed to reduce plaque/tartar as a supplement (but not substitute) to brushing.
• Good overall health & alignment
Smaller breeds, brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, or dogs with crowded teeth may need extra dental attention.
Myths & Misconceptions
- Myth: “Tooth loss is just part of ageing for dogs.”
- Truth: While older dogs are more prone to dental disease, losing adult teeth simply due to getting older is not normal. Tooth loss typically signals disease or injury.
- Myth: “If my dog doesn’t chew hard bones, they’re safe.”
- Truth: Hard chews can still cause fractures. The bigger risk is unseen periodontal disease.
- Myth: “Bad breath is just ‘dog breath’ and not important.”
- Truth: Persistent bad breath can be a warning sign of gum disease, which could lead to tooth loss.
Final Takeaways
- Puppies losing baby teeth is standard; adult dogs losing teeth is not normal and should trigger investigation.
- The primary cause of adult tooth loss is dental disease, particularly periodontal disease.
- Recognising early signs (bad breath, drooling, difficulty chewing) can help save your dog’s teeth.
- Prevention through regular brushing, safe chew choices, and veterinary dental care is crucial.
- If a tooth falls out, seek veterinary care promptly — it’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about your dog’s comfort and broader health.
By staying proactive with your dog’s oral health, you help preserve their smile—and their overall well-being —for years to come. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthy dog.
