Your puppy has moved in with you and is a happy little guy. Of course, wonderfully cute, if it weren’t for the teeth, which show a slight underbite.
In our guide below, we will tell you whether an underbite will grow together in puppies.
Does an overbite in puppies grow together?
It is not uncommonthat the teeth of puppies are misaligned. So, for example, an underbite. The reason lies in the development of the teeth and jaw. Both are of course still in the growth phase – just like the puppy.
That means: one slight underbite can grow together. Especially when the milk teeth have given way to the second set of teeth. Yes, even our dogs have a change of teeth.
Already knew?
There are some dog breedsthe unfortunately predestined for misalignments of individual teeth. These include the pug and the French bulldog. Why it is like that? Here is bred for the shortest possible snout.
Causes: How does an underbite develop?
The Breeding
It may be breeding. And then when the Snout as short as possible should be. This affects not only the nose, but also the teeth.
In these breeds is the Lower jaw distinctly longer than the upper jaw. That means: The two jaws cannot close properly. The result is an underbite.
The wrong food
The food can also play a role. gets a puppy dried animal food, this does not have to lead to dental problems. However, it can help Teeth break off from chewing too hard.
So it can be better for your puppy wet food admit. This protects the still sensitive teeth of the little fur nose.
Defective enamel
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance of any living thing. However, this also needs time to develop.
For this he needs important minerals, among other things calcium. However, if the dog food is not designed for this, this can too deficiency symptoms lead to misalignments.
Incorrect number of teeth
Another reason can be that the genes in your puppy with too few or too many teeth have equipped. If a tooth is missing, it can also lead to a misaligned jaw, as with additional teeth.
Because: If there is a gap, the other teeth push forward. If there are too many teeth, they have to find space. This is where an overbite can occur.
Already knew?
There is a Formula for the teeth of dogs.
For puppies applies: 3i 1c 3p above and below. It has 3 incisors (i), 1 canine (c) and 3 front molars (p).
adult dogs have 42 teeth, in this arrangement: 3I 1C 4P 2M (top), 3I 1C 4P 3M. So 3 incisors above and below, 1 canine above and below (C), 4 front molars above and below (P) and 2 back molars above and 3 of them below (M).
Problematic tooth development
Teeth can certainly have a mind of their own. And that literally. It can happen that a tooth has one root but two crowns.
It can also happen that two teeth grow together in a puppy’s teeth. This is called fusion. This can also be the cause of an underbite.
Can I do something about the underbite myself?
There are a few things you can do yourself to get your puppy’s underbite under control. The only exception: you have one of the races mentioned above. Here you can only visit the vet regularly for a check-up.
The vet is also a good idea if you suspect an underbite is present or may be developing.
To check this, you should Regularly keep an eye on your puppy’s teeth. If you notice anything unusual, you should go to the vet.
How is an underbite treated?
There are different ways to treat an underbite in puppies. A distinction is made here, among other things, in the grinding therapy and conversion therapy. Teeth that are too long are shortened during the grinding therapy.
In the conversion therapy misaligned teeth are brought back into place by chewing techniques and chewing games, for example.
You can do these chewing games, among other things rubber balls or light massaging reach with your fingers.
Another option is a bracketwhich of course very few dogs like to wear.
Last but not least can orthodontics correct an underbite. This is an operative procedure. Here the teeth are arranged correctly, as is the jawbone by shortening it.
Good to know
If an orthodontist needs to be consulted, please keep in mind that they treatment associated with high costs is.
Conclusion
As you can see, an overbite or underbite is not unusual at first. However, health is more important than a jaw that is perhaps not quite as harmonious. Because one misalignment of the jaw can affect your adult dog some health problems grant.
To prevent this misalignment from occurring, you should check your teeth regularly or have them checked by a veterinarian.
Have you already had experience with an underbite? Then share them with us in the comments.