Interesting Facts and Variations in Canine Teeth

Even though we consider dogs part of our family, how much do we know about their physiology and health? What are the most common diseases? What is the best way to take care of your dog? How to choose the best food and supplements? This and many other questions pose a challenge when it comes to canine health and wellbeing.

For instance, did you know that dental disease is one of the most common disorders reported in canines? In fact, 80% of dogs tend to develop some sort of periodontal disease by the age of two. Regular dental care is recommended but let's see what else you should know about your pet's teeth and those important canine teeth facts.

1. Dogs Go Through Two Sets of Teeth

Like people, dogs have baby teeth which they later replace. These teeth, also known as milk or deciduous, are nearly the same as adult dog teeth but slightly smaller. They are notoriously sharp, often lacking the dense mineralisation found in permanent teeth, which is why puppy nips feel like needles!

Between four and six months of age, these teeth start to exfoliate. In humans, this process tends to last for a couple of years, while in dogs, the transition is pretty fast and they lose their baby teeth in a matter of weeks. The tooth will become loose and eventually fall out. Most owners don't even notice the shedding because the teeth are often swallowed during a meal or while gnawing on a toy, which is perfectly safe and natural.

2. Compared to Humans, Adult Dogs Have More Teeth

When puppies, canines have 28 deciduous teeth that they shed to make room for permanent adult teeth. Adult canines have 42 teeth, while humans have 32.

Adult dog teeth start forming before canines are born and later on, when your dog is old enough, they push through into position as their milk counterparts are shed. These 42 teeth are strategically placed to handle everything from delicate grooming to the heavy-duty crushing of bones. If a baby tooth doesn't fall out (a persistent deciduous tooth), it can block the adult tooth, leading to overcrowding and hygiene issues.

3. Dogs Use Their Teeth Differently from us

When it comes to appearance and chemical structure, dogs have teeth that are similar to ours. However, their shape and size differ significantly. You've probably noticed that their long, pointy canine teeth are the most prominent teeth.

They are primarily designed for pulling, lifting, grasping and defence if needed. Dogs also come equipped with the big carnassial teeth that enable slicing action. Human teeth grind against one another, crushing the food, which isn't the case with canine teeth on dogs. Dogs can't smash their food because their teeth aren't meant to work that way. Their jaw hinge is a simple "ginglymus" joint, meaning it only moves up and down like scissors, lacking the lateral (side-to-side) movement humans use for grinding vegetables.

4. Canine Teeth Root Structure is Slightly Different

The dog's root structure is similar to that of humans; however, it has three upper molars with two roots and two lower molars with three roots. Their roots are quite long and if you ever seen a canine's tooth, you would be surprised by its length.

In most cases, the visible crown represents only one-third the length of the tooth, while for the incisor teeth, the crown is only about one-fourth the length of the tooth. This deep anchoring is a biological necessity; it allows the tooth to withstand the lateral forces of a dog tugging or pulling without the tooth being ripped from the socket.

5. Cavities Rarely Happen

Dogs rarely have cavities because the bacteria in their mouth aren't the same as ours. Specific bacteria that live on the flat surface of our teeth cause cavities to appear. Dogs don't eat sugar like humans, which is one of the main causes of cavities.

The Science of Dog Saliva: A dog's saliva is highly alkaline (approx pH 8.5). This high pH neutralises the acids produced by bacteria that cause cavities. However, this same alkalinity encourages the mineralisation of plaque into tartar (calculus), which is why dogs get gum disease rather than holes in their teeth. If a cavity does occur usually from sweet treats like bananas or sweet potatoes. It must be removed and replaced with a composite filling.

6. Understanding Bite Force

The dog's bite force is between 250 and 325 PSI (pounds per square inch), while an average person has a bite force between 120 and 220 PSI. A domesticated dog doesn't have a bite force as strong as you think. For example, a two-pound Macaw has a bite force of 375 PSI, close to a wild wolf with a bite force of 400 PSI.

Some breeds, like the American Pit Bull Terrier, have a pretty bad rap. Although considered vicious, the Pit Bull Terrier has one of the lowest bite forces among large breeds. Rottweilers and Shepherds have the strongest bite amongst domestic dogs due to their larger zygomatic arches (cheekbones), which allow for larger muscle attachments.

Tips & Advice: Maintaining Healthy Teeth

Dogs require regular teeth cleaning

Consider getting a dog toothbrush and paste and start cleaning your pet's teeth regularly. This is an essential step in their healthcare routine, so don't skip it. Dogs rely on us to help them clean their teeth. This also means taking them to the vet for regular dental exams to ensure they don't have cavities, broken teeth or gum diseases. Dental problems can be painful for dogs of any age and because they are stoic animals, they often won't show pain until the infection is severe.

Choosing the best dog dental sticks

With so many factors to consider, choosing dental sticks for your dog is not easy. Here are things to keep in mind:

• Shape Matters: We recommend star-shaped dental sticks. The ridges are designed to reach the crevices between canine teeth in dogs as they chew.

• The Right Texture: Pups with sensitive gums require softer textures, while power chewers need tougher options.

• Ingredients: Look for natural, high-quality ingredients. Avoid generic names or by-products.

• The Petz Park Range: For a comprehensive approach, many owners use the Petz Park Dog Dental Care range, which includes everything from dental powders to specific treats designed to maintain oral hygiene without the fuss.

Supplements for Dogs and Dental Health

Investing in high-quality supplements for dogs means investing in your pet's long-term health. A comprehensive multivitamin for dogs provides the foundation for a strong immune system and healthy oral tissues. These supplements should ideally include essential components such as zinc, magnesium, turmeric, iron, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, copper, cobalt and folic acid to support gum health and overall vitality.

Many modern dental powders also include Kelp or seaweed enzymes, which work through the saliva to soften tartar. Our dental kelp for dogs is a popular choice amongst owners seeking a fuss-free way to manage oral hygiene. By simply adding this to their meal, the natural enzymes help break down the bacterial bond that holds tartar to the tooth surface.

Dental Canine Chart: Identification and Composition

Dogs have four distinct types of teeth, each with a unique purpose:

Tooth Composition:

• Enamel: The hardest tissue in the body; protects the crown.

• Dentine: The bone-like bulk of the tooth that protects the pulp.

• Pulp: The living centre containing nerves and blood vessels.

• Cementum: The connective tissue that binds the root to the periodontal ligament.

Dog Dental Checkup: The Home Checklist

While professional veterinary cleans are essential, a weekly Home Dental Checkup is your first line of defence against silent infections. I often see dogs brought in only when they stop eating, at which point the dental disease is already advanced. Catching gingivitis early can save your dog from pain and save you from expensive vet bills.

Key Takeaways

• Rapid Transition: Puppies transition to adult teeth in weeks, much faster than humans.

• Structural Depth: Only 1/3 of a dog's canine tooth is visible; the rest is a massive root system.

• Chemical Resilience: Dog saliva is alkaline, which protects against cavities but promotes tartar.

• Bite Mechanics: Dogs possess a scissor bite designed for shearing, not grinding.

• Comprehensive Care: Effective hygiene requires a combination of brushing and nutritional support, including multivitamins and dental kelp powder.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How many canine teeth do dogs have?

Adult dogs have four canine teeth (fangs), located at the corners of the mouth (two on the top and two on the bottom).

Why are dog canine teeth so long?

The length of dogs' canine teeth is an evolutionary trait that allows them to puncture and hold onto objects or food securely.

Can I use human toothpaste on a dog?

No. Human toothpaste often contains Xylitol (toxic to dogs) and fluoride, which can be poisonous if swallowed by pets.

How often should I clean my dog's teeth?

Daily brushing is the gold standard but using dental sticks or dental powders daily is a highly effective alternative for maintaining oral health.

References

• Canine Teeth - VCA Animal Hospitals: Dental Anatomy in Dogs.
• Periodontal Disease in Canines - American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) 

Related Articles:

• Are Dental Sticks Good for Dogs? 
• Dog Dental Care