A retained baby tooth is a deciduous (puppy) tooth that fails to fall out on schedule, so it remains in place even as the permanent adult tooth erupts beside it. The result is two teeth crowded into a spot meant for one. This is a fairly common finding in young dogs, especially small and toy breeds, and it is one of the dental concerns we get asked about most at Ark Naturals. Knowing what to look for, and why this is a question for your veterinarian, helps you support your puppy's developing mouth.
How baby teeth are supposed to work
Under normal circumstances, the root of a baby tooth dissolves as the adult tooth pushes up underneath it. With its root gone, the baby tooth loosens and drops out, leaving a clear path for the permanent tooth. Puppies have 28 of these deciduous teeth, and the whole handover usually wraps up by six to seven months of age.
When the process goes smoothly, you might never notice it happening. Many puppies simply swallow their baby teeth while eating.
What goes wrong with a retained tooth
Sometimes the baby tooth's root does not resorb the way it should. The adult tooth erupts, but the stubborn baby tooth stays put. Now two teeth occupy one position. The canine teeth, those prominent pointed teeth, are the most common site, though incisors and premolars can be affected too.
The trouble with crowding is twofold. First, the extra tooth creates tight spaces where food and bacteria can collect, which is harder to keep clean. Second, the misplaced baby tooth can nudge the adult tooth out of its proper alignment, potentially affecting how the bite comes together. Because these are health and alignment matters, they fall squarely in your veterinarian's domain.
Why small breeds are more prone
Retained deciduous teeth show up more often in small and toy breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Maltese. Their compact jaws leave little room to spare, which seems to make the normal shedding process less reliable. If you have a small-breed puppy, it is worth keeping a closer eye on the canine teeth as the adult set comes in. Owners of small dogs may also find our overview of the broader shop all collection useful once daily care begins, since sizing matters more in tiny mouths.
How to spot a retained tooth
The telltale sign is doubled-up teeth: you see what looks like two canines side by side, one smaller (the baby tooth) and one larger (the adult). Check around the four-to-six-month mark, when the transition is in full swing. Gently lift your puppy's lips and look, ideally during one of the mouth-handling sessions you are already doing to build dental-care habits.
You might also notice food packing into the crowded area or, occasionally, mild gum irritation nearby. If anything looks doubled, off, or inflamed, make a note to raise it at your next visit.
Why this is a vet's call
This is not a do-it-yourself situation. A retained baby tooth should never be wiggled or pulled at home; the roots can be surprisingly long and fragile. Your veterinarian will examine the mouth, sometimes with X-rays, and determine whether the baby tooth is truly retained and whether it needs to be removed. If removal is recommended, it is typically done under anesthesia, often timed alongside another procedure when appropriate. The American Veterinary Medical Association's resources on veterinary dentistry speak to why professional assessment matters for these issues.
Always ask your veterinarian about the right timing and approach. They will weigh your puppy's age, breed, and individual mouth.
Supporting oral health around a developing bite
While your vet manages any retained teeth, you can keep up gentle daily care to support the mouth overall. Once your puppy is past 12 weeks, an age-appropriate brushless chew can be part of the routine. Our chews are formulated for dogs 12 weeks and up; the Brushless Toothpaste chew is a gentle daily starter, and for very small dogs, Protection+ is sized for the smallest mouths. Use the DENTA-METER to choose correctly, and confirm with your vet that chewing is appropriate, especially if your puppy has crowding or recent dental work. Our chews are USA-made with no artificial flavors or colors and carry an Asta-Shield astaxanthin coating as a source of antioxidant support.
Key takeaways
- A retained baby tooth stays in place even after the adult tooth erupts, causing crowding.
- The canine teeth are the most common site, and small and toy breeds are most prone.
- Watch for doubled-up teeth around four to six months of age.
- Never try to remove a retained tooth at home; this is a job for your veterinarian.
- Keep up gentle daily care, and choose the right chew size with the DENTA-METER and your vet's okay.
Frequently asked questions
What does a retained baby tooth look like?
It looks like two teeth occupying one spot, usually a smaller baby tooth right beside a larger adult tooth, most often at the canines. You can spot it by gently lifting your puppy's lips during the teething transition.
Are retained baby teeth a problem?
They can be, because crowding traps food and bacteria and may push the adult tooth out of alignment. Your veterinarian can assess whether a retained tooth needs to be removed to protect the bite and keep the area clean.
Which breeds get retained baby teeth most often?
Small and toy breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Maltese, are most prone because their small jaws leave little extra room. Owners of these breeds should watch the canines closely as adult teeth come in.
Can a retained baby tooth fall out on its own?
Occasionally a retained tooth loosens late, but you should not count on it. If an adult tooth has erupted and the baby tooth is still there, have your veterinarian evaluate it rather than waiting indefinitely.