Yorkie's teeth falling out! When to brush a Yorkie's teeth? All about your pet's teeth

Content

• Tooth replacement in Yorkshire Terriers
• Delay in tooth replacement in Yorkshire Terriers
• Bite in Yorkshire Terriers
• Tooth care for Yorkshire Terriers
• How to clean a Yorkshire Terrier's teeth at home?
• What to use to clean a Yorkshire Terrier's teeth?
• How often to clean a Yorkshire Terrier's teeth?
• Tooth extraction in Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terrier's teeth, like all small dogs, require close attention throughout the pet's life. The dog owner needs to know when to clean the Yorkshire Terrier's teeth to avoid surprises in the future. During the tooth replacement period, it is necessary to keep an eye on the Yorkshire Terrier and ensure that there are toys available for the dog, otherwise, the Yorkshire Terrier may chew on cords, wires, or shoes. It is also important to monitor how the new teeth are growing. Small breed dogs often have narrow jaws, which can cause teeth to grow crowded or some may not grow, fall out on time, etc. Proper dental health affects the correct functioning of the digestive system, and other more serious dental problems may occur.

Diseases related to teeth in Yorkshire Terriers arise for various reasons. One of the most common reasons is genetics, where puppies inherit a predisposition to incorrect jaw structure or the absence of one or more teeth. The condition of enamel, other tissues, and gums also depends on the parents. Dental problems can be caused by improper nutrition (too soft food, unbalanced diet), overall poor health, injuries, improper care of the pet in general, and its teeth.

Tooth replacement in Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terrier's teeth start to erupt around 40-45 days after birth, before that, it has smooth gums and does not cause pain to the mother while feeding. This is a difference in small breeds - in larger breeds, the process starts 1-2 weeks earlier. A Yorkshire Terrier has a total of 28 milk teeth, 14 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw. The first to appear are 12 incisors, followed by 4 canines and 12 premolars. This milk set will be with the puppy for the next 2-3 months until the permanent or root teeth appear.

During the tooth replacement in Yorkshire Terriers, their behavior does not change much, except for a constant desire to chew on anything they find. Unlike human children, small dogs do not suffer from gum pain, inflammation, or heat; only a mild itching from teething is noticeable. It is a good time to introduce the pet to special, durable toys and show that chewing on new shoes is not allowed. Here is how the teeth change in Yorkshire Terriers by months:

• 3-5 months - incisors;
• 4-6 months - canines;
• 5-9 months - molars and additional premolars.

Delay in tooth replacement in Yorkshire Terriers

By 8-9 months, the teeth should be completely renewed. Delays are often observed in so-called dwarfs, whose development generally lags behind normal timings. Sometimes owners do not know what to do if the milk teeth of a Yorkshire Terrier do not fall out: it is necessary to show the dog to a veterinarian, preferably a specialized and experienced one. Little Yorkshire Terriers can have various problems. For example, there may be no initial tooth germ or it may not be able to break through the gums. In this case, the veterinarian takes an X-ray and examines the image to see the stage of tooth development and takes measures based on the observed picture.

To prevent delays in root growth, it is important to know what to feed a Yorkshire Terrier during tooth replacement. Carrots, small pieces of green apples, and pumpkin are beneficial. Beef tendons, chicken necks, and cartilage are suitable meat products. Large bones simply do not fit in a small mouth, and bird bones can quickly crack and damage the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, as well as the enamel of the teeth.

Bite in Yorkshire Terriers

According to the standard, a Yorkshire Terrier should have a scissor bite (the upper row tightly overlaps the lower one) and a full set of teeth, meaning an adult animal should have 42 teeth. However, the presence or absence of molars, incisors, canines, and premolars not only affect the expert's assessment but also the quality of life. Therefore, it is better to choose standard puppies from parents with normal jaw structure and a full set of teeth.

Only a veterinarian can advise on how to correct a Yorkshire Terrier's bite, but besides a complex and painful operation in severe cases, there is no salvation. Minor problems can be corrected with braces and plates, sometimes interfering teeth are removed. Causes that can lead to an incorrect bite:

• poor heredity;
• injuries sustained in childhood;
• improper nutrition;
• excess or deficiency of minerals;
• late or non-shedding milk teeth;
• excessive load on the teeth.

Tooth care for Yorkshire Terriers

The first signs of tooth diseases in Yorkshire Terriers are bad breath, plaque or deposits, bleeding gums, inflammation. The pet may refuse food, especially rough, hard food, be depressed, or irritable. Sometimes it refuses to show its teeth. Therefore, it is important to establish a proper oral care program and get the pet used to periodic check-ups.

Since genetics is a key factor in dental health, it is advisable to notice the first changes to prevent serious diseases when an adult Yorkshire Terrier loses teeth. This usually happens naturally after the age of 10, but diseases can cause a lot of discomfort. One of the common issues is tartar, which is preceded by plaque. It appears due to changes in saliva composition and abnormal tooth positioning. It is necessary to inspect the Yorkshire Terrier's mouth, paying attention to the enamel on the tongue side and clean the plaque on time. This also helps prevent periodontal disease in Yorkshire Terriers (severe gum inflammation). Other diseases are difficult to prevent, but regular teeth cleaning reduces the risks of their occurrence. Yorkshire Terriers should be taken to the veterinarian approximately 1-2 times a year, preferably with a specialization in "orthodontics". Visits to the clinic during tooth replacement are mandatory.

How to clean a Yorkshire Terrier's teeth at home?

Simple teeth cleaning is necessary for preventive purposes. For this, special toothpaste is applied to a brush with moderately soft bristles and gently, without pressure, brushed along the enamel in a clockwise direction. Teeth should not be brushed if the dog has gum or tongue injuries.

The second method is to use mouthwash lotions. They are poured into the Yorkshire Terrier's mouth in a measured dose according to the instructions, held for a certain time, and then rinsed off the teeth with warm clean water. It is preferable that the lotion does not reach the stomach.

Popular methods of home teeth cleaning among owners and breeders are risky as they can harm the animal's health. The simplest options include using hard food products, as during tooth replacement. They gently clean the enamel from plaque, provide the correct jaw load to improve chewing muscles. Tomato paste, tomatoes, citric acid can damage the teeth, gums, and worsen problems.

Food and therapeutic product manufacturers produce special dental care treats and toys. Bones with fillers and adhesive substances, granules act similarly to solid products.

What to use to clean a Yorkshire Terrier's teeth?

Toothpaste for Yorkshire Terriers should only be purchased at pet stores or veterinary clinics. Human toothpaste is not suitable as it can cause poisoning if ingested. Dog toothpaste does not contain fluoride. In addition to them, foams for adding to food, mouthwash lotions, tooth cleaning powders have shown effectiveness. They not only help with plaque but also freshen breath.

Finger toothbrushes are convenient to use. The terrier cannot bite them, and they help to reach the back teeth. These brushes are soft to the touch, resembling the material of baby pacifiers. There are options with triple bristles or tools for cleaning distant premolars.

How often to clean a Yorkshire Terrier's teeth?

The frequency of this hygiene procedure depends on the condition of the dog's teeth. Some dogs with good genetics may never need it, while others may need it every day. After removing tartar and plaque, veterinarians recommend using pastes and brushes more often to continue the effect.

The frequency of tooth cleaning can be determined empirically. If plaque appears quickly and does not wear off naturally, it is advisable to perform hygiene procedures at least 3-4 times a week. Gradually, it will be noticeable on the teeth when the procedure can be skipped.

Tooth extraction in Yorkshire Terriers

Under normal circumstances, removing milk teeth in Yorkshire Terriers is not required as they fall out on their own when the time comes. Loosely rooted teeth are gently removed with fingers in gloves, but only if they hinder the growth of permanent teeth. In other cases, the help of an orthodontist is sought. They will remove double canines in Yorkshire Terriers, which, besides poorly developing permanent teeth, can accumulate food between them and cause decay. Removal can be done with or without anesthesia. The veterinarian conducts preliminary tests, examines the dog, and takes X-rays.

Bad teeth in Yorkshire Terriers can occur at 6 years old or 2 years old, so it is advisable to periodically have a full examination by a veterinarian. In addition to tooth extraction, treatment, prosthetics, oral cavity sanitation, and bite correction are also performed. The specialist will provide recommendations on caring for the specific pet, taking into account its characteristics.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Question: When do Yorkshire Terriers go through tooth replacement? Answer: Tooth replacement occurs between 3 to 9 months, depending on the individual characteristics of the dog.   Question: How often should you clean a Yorkshire Terrier's teeth? Answer: It all depends on the condition of the dog's teeth. It is better to consult with a veterinarian to determine the necessary teeth cleaning schedule.   Question: Is it necessary to remove teeth from a Yorkshire Terrier? Answer: If the situation requires it, then yes. It is better to consult with an orthodontist during the tooth replacement period. This way, you will be prepared for how the tooth replacement will go. And if difficulties arise, the specialist will immediately provide recommendations on tooth care and, if necessary, schedule a follow-up appointment.