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.) - any action that may be considered obnoxious behavior once the dog gains in size/strength.
The chinese Crested has unusual teeth - not bad or good - just unusual.
Some baby teeth fail to loosen - the mouth may exhibit as many as 8 tiny teeth across the front line, necessitating vet intervention.
Occasionally, canine teeth will form irregularly - similar to a tusk. If they cause problems, see your vet. No problems? Leave well enough alone.
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 necessarily improve the overall quality of dentition. Dogs exhibiting good dentition have still been documented as transmitting/perpetrating poor teeth quality, due to ancestry. Unfortunately, a beautiful mouth will sometimes mask potential genetic transmission because people look at the here & now, & give no thought to yesterday. Today's breeders are generally doing a much better job of culling the herd - working to make CC's stronger & healthier all the way around.
It is prudent to select for improved dentition but does not translate to a perfect process.
Definition of a hairless mouth:
*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 a must 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 femurs, commercially prepared "green dental chewies" 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 couture shoes - its all fair game.
Teach the pup the right way from the beginning - try 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 development:
*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
Regular hygiene is the best rule during teething stages -- it teaches the dog to accept dental cleaning as part of the weekly routine. Furthermore, it alerts the owner to possible reasons for behavioral changes/trouble.
Warning signs:
+Bad breath - foul smelling breath usually means bacteria is present - plaque is building.
+Build-up on gum lines: Brown/yellow deposits are signs of hardened plaque , sometimes called "tartar" or "calculus" - can lead to heart disease.
+Red line along gums: A healthy mouth has pink gums. Early signs of gingivitis (gum inflammation) presents itself as as a red line on the base of gums - this can lead to teeth loss.
+Loose/broken teeth, pus & sensitivity: Late stages of peridontis - bacteria has found its way into the gums, wearing away bones that anchor teeth in place.
Senior teeth can be troublesome teeth - keep regular w/ vet visits & hygiene. Dental diseases can lead to serious, more systemic concerns. Keep an eye out for drooling, difficulty eating, swollen/bleeding gums, bad breath, weight loss, pawing at mouth, refusal to munch on long-favored chewies.
Generally speaking, CC's do not favor the teeth cleaning process, however, regular hygiene is a must.
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