CARE OF TEETH
A dog "tastes" new experiences by mouthing & biting - using it's teeth as if they were fingers. Young pups should not be encouraged to nibble at anything (fingers, etc.) that may be considered obnoxious behavior once the dog gains in size.
The chinese Crested has unusual teeth - not bad or good - just unusual.
Some baby teeth fail to loosen - the mouth exhibits as many as 8 tiny teeth across the front line, necessitating vet intervention.
Occasionally, canines will form irregularly - similar to a tusk. If they cause problems, see your vet.
It is theorized the same mutant gene that causes hairlessness also causes the adult teeth to fall out at an early age - evidenced by several hundred years of documentation. Many times, the dog maintains a healthy weight/appetite & the loss is not quickly noticed.
Contrary to belief, breeding hairless to coated dogs will not improve the oerall quality of dentition. Dogs exhibiting good dentition have still een documented as transmitting/perpetrating poor dentition, due to ancestry. Unfortunately, this will soemtimes mask the problem by covering thepossibility of transmission to future generations.
It is prudent to select for improved dentition but does not translate to a perfect process.
Definition of a hairlessmouth:
*Varies from primitive incisors
*Failure to form pre-molars
*Thin enamel
*Shallow roots
Assymetrical patterns & fused teeth are not unusual.
Regardless of the breed, dental hygiene is amust for prolonging what teeth nature has permitted the dog to retain.
Wonderful dog toothpaste is sold in flavors - giving your pup that "fresh,minty breath". Human toothpaste is not advised.
Brushes or gauze can be used to remove buildup - finger cots are also effective. Giant femur or knuckle bones provide gum stimuli & stave off boredom.
Puppy proof your house from an inquisitive youngster - electrical/computer cords, plants, leather, etc. String, yarn & the like can be swallowed creating serious problems - the "oral stage" is expected & normal.
A pup does not discriminate between old bones or new coutoure shoes - its all fair game.
Teach the pup the right way from the beginning - use oral gels if teething seems painful.
Early tooth loss, while sometimes unattractive - usually does not contribute to poor health. The tongue may protrude but weightloss is rarely a problem.
Approx. rules of tooth developemnt:
*Puppy teeth protrude around 4 weeks of age - or as late as 7
*Teething stabilizes around 4-6 months of age
*Some pups fret, while others exhibit no signs
Hygiene is the best rules during teeth stages -- it teaches teh dog to accept dental cleaning as part of the weekly routine. Furthermore, it alerts the owner to possible reasons for behavioral changes.
