If your Yorkie terrier still has baby teeth as an adult, arrange a veterinary dental examination. A baby tooth that remains as its permanent replacement erupts can crowd or displace the adult tooth and needs prompt assessment. See AAHA’s guidance on persistent baby teeth.

However, if your Yorkie’s adult teeth come in behind its baby teeth, this could cause problems. The adult teeth may come in crooked or overlapping the baby teeth, which can lead to gum disease or other dental issues. If you notice this happening, it’s best to take your Yorkie to the vet or a professional dog dentist for an evaluation. They can determine the best course of action, which may involve removing the baby teeth or taking other measures to ensure the adult teeth come in correctly.

In general, Yorkies and other small dogs often need particularly attentive dental care. Ask your veterinarian about home brushing and an appropriate schedule for dental examinations and cleaning.

The Yorkie terrier is a small breed, and crowded teeth can make plaque control more difficult. For Yorkie terriers, regular veterinary examinations and appropriate home care of their teeth are important. Periodontal disease is a more common dental problem in dogs than cavities. Read VCA’s overview of dental disease in dogs.

Dogs with retained deciduous teeth (commonly called “puppy teeth”) may have a variety of problems. A persistent baby tooth can displace its adult replacement, leading to crowding or an abnormal bite.

Crowding around a persistent baby tooth can trap food and plaque and contribute to gum disease. When its permanent replacement has erupted, prompt veterinary extraction of the persistent tooth is generally recommended. Your veterinarian should examine the teeth and bite to plan appropriate care. VCA explains persistent baby teeth and their treatment.

Have your veterinarian check your puppy’s teeth and bite as the permanent teeth erupt. These examinations can identify persistent baby teeth and crowding early, so treatment can be planned when needed.

As you can see, there are a variety of problems that can arise from retained deciduous teeth in dogs. It is important to be aware of these potential problems and to seek veterinary care if you notice any changes in your dog’s mouth. With proper care, your dog can enjoy a healthy mouth for years to come.

Dental risk varies among dog breeds and individual dogs. Small and short-nosed dogs can have crowded or rotated teeth that make dental care more demanding. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s teeth and bite.

Dogs typically have two sets of teeth in their lifetime. The first set of teeth, called “milk teeth,” starts to come in around 3 to 4 weeks old. A dog’s milk teeth should be in by the time they’re 6 to 8 weeks old. Just like human babies, these teeth are eventually replaced with adult ones.