Double fang, also known as double teeth or persistence of milk teeth, consists of an alteration in the tooth replacement process of dogs. Normally, milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth in a process that spans from 3 to 7 months of life. However, sometimes the milk teeth do not fall out and the coexistence of both types of teeth occurs in the mouth of dogs.
If you are interested in learning more about double fangs in dogs, we recommend that you join us in the next article on our site, in which we will talk about the possible causes of double fang in dogs and what to do.
What is double fang or double teeth in dogs?
Just like people, dogs are animals that have two dentitions throughout their lives:
- Una deciduous or primary dentition: also known as “baby teeth”, which is made up of 28 teeth. When do dogs change their teeth? We'll tell you the answer in the next article on our site.
- Una permanent or definitive dentition: formed by 42 teeth.
The process of replacing the primary denture with the permanent one begins around the third month of life and ends between the sixth and seventh month of the animal's life. When, after this time, the milk teeth do not fall out and the permanent teeth erupt, the coexistence of both dentures in the animal's mouth occurs, a process that is known as double dentition or persistence of deciduous teeth
Fangs are the most frequently affected teeth, which is why it is also common to refer to this process as “double fang”. After the canines, the most affected teeth are the incisors and premolars.
Although double dentition can occur in any breed, it is an particularly common condition in small and toy breeds, such as Yorkshires, Pomeranian and Bichons.
It should be noted that the persistence of deciduous dentition must be differentiated from polyodontia In polyodontia a greater number of teeth is also observed in the mouth of dogs, but in this case it is not due to the persistence of milk teeth, but to the fact that there is a greater number of permanent teeth.
You may be interested in taking a look at the following article on our site about My dog is not losing his milk teeth: causes and what to do.
Causes of double teeth in dogs
The causes that can lead to the appearance of double teeth in dogs are:
- Growing the permanent tooth in the wrong direction: When the permanent tooth does not grow in the right direction, it does not put enough pressure on the root of the milk tooth, which prevents it from falling out. When do dogs get their teeth? Find out the answer below.
- Migration of the permanent tooth germ: the tooth germ is the set of cells that are formed during the embryonic period to give rise to the future permanent tooth. When this germ migrates to an abnormal position, it will not push the root of the milk tooth, which will prevent it from falling out.
- Dental agenesis: consists of the congenital absence of one or several teeth due to lack of formation of the tooth germ during the embryonic period. As there is no permanent tooth, it does not press on the root of the milk tooth and its resorption does not occur.
Diagnosis of double fangs in dogs
The diagnosis of double dentures is simple and is based on the following points:
- Examination of the oral cavity: the coexistence of baby teeth and permanent teeth can be observed. There does not necessarily have to be duplication in all the teeth, but only some teeth may be affected. As we have said, the most common is that the fangs are affected.
- Dental x-rays: allow a precise diagnosis to be made by knowing the status and placement of the different teeth (baby and permanent) in the oral cavity.
Treatment for double teeth in dogs
The existence of double teeth in dogs predisposes to the appearance of various pathologies and oral disorders. Some of the most relevant are:
- Periodontal disease.
- Painful malocclusion.
- Gingival, palatal and/or dental trauma.
- Dental fractures.
For this reason, it is important to frequently check the oral cavity of dogs during the dental replacement process and, in case of detecting the persistence of baby teeth, go to the vet. Initially, it is necessary to wait until the replacement period of one dentition for another ends, given that apparently persistent milk teeth can sometimes fall out on their own. However, if after a reasonable time, the milk teeth have not fallen out, it is important to extract them under general anesthesia
In many cases, surgeries for the extraction of persistent teeth are complicated, because it is common for the root of the tooth to fracture. baby teeth and damage to permanent teeth. Therefore, it is essential that the extraction be performed by a veterinarian specialized in canine dentistry
Removal of stubborn teeth should be done as soon as possible, since over time the chances of teeth becoming damaged are less permanents are placed in the proper position, making orthodontic treatment necessary. In addition, delaying extraction progressively aggravates the negative consequences of the persistence of milk teeth.
