Shih Tzu Teeth Problems: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues due to their small jaw size and crowded teeth, which can lead to tooth overcrowding and misalignment.

Their teeth are also more susceptible to tartar buildup, which can cause bad breath, yellowing of the teeth, and gum inflammation.

Regular dental care is essential to prevent these problems, including daily brushing and dental chews to reduce tartar buildup.

Shih Tzus are also more likely to develop tooth decay due to their small size and eating habits, making regular dental check-ups crucial.

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Shih Tzus are prone to a bunch of dental abnormalities, including malocclusion, overcrowding, delayed tooth eruption, and oral cysts. These issues can be painful and even lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.

Malocclusion, or underbite, is a common issue in Shih Tzus. This can cause teeth to rub against each other in an abnormal way, leading to wear and tear on the teeth and jaw.

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Overcrowding is another problem that can arise in Shih Tzus. This occurs when there's not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly, leading to a higher risk of periodontal disease.

Delayed tooth eruption can also cause problems for Shih Tzus. This can lead to oral cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the teeth and gums.

Here are some common dental problems that can affect Shih Tzus:

Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues due to their small breed characteristics. Research shows that small breed dogs are 3 times more likely to develop periodontal disease, which is a major contributor to dental issues.

Genetic facial and skull structures can create tendencies toward dental abnormalities, increasing the risk of periodontal disease in Shih Tzus. This can lead to overcrowded or misaligned teeth.

A diet consisting predominantly of soft or sticky foods can contribute to plaque accumulation, making dental issues worse. In fact, a study found that small and toy breeds are particularly susceptible due to the anatomy of their mouths.

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Older Shih Tzus are more prone to periodontal disease due to prolonged exposure to plaque and tartar buildup. Regular dental care is essential to prevent these issues.

Here are some common dental issues seen in small breed dogs like Shih Tzus:

Inadequate dental care, such as infrequent tooth brushing or lack of professional cleanings, can exacerbate dental issues in Shih Tzus. Regular veterinary check-ups and professional dental cleanings can help prevent these problems.

Small breed dogs like Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues, including malocclusions, which can cause significant injury to the gums, hard palate, or teeth themselves.

Malocclusions occur when the teeth don't align properly, often referred to as underbites or overbites. This misalignment can lead to teeth bumping up against each other or soft tissue in the mouth.

Jaw integrity issues are also common in small breed dogs. This happens when the roots of large teeth take up too much space in the jaw, causing weak spots where the bone isn't as thick as it should be.

These weakened spots can become vulnerable to jaw fracture, especially in small and toy breed dogs like Shih Tzus.

In fact, studies show that periodontal disease, which is often caused by malocclusions and jaw issues, is 3 times more likely to develop in dogs who weigh less than 22 pounds (10kg).

Here are some common types of malocclusions that can affect Shih Tzus:

By being aware of these common issues, you can take proactive steps to maintain your Shih Tzu's dental health and prevent more serious problems from arising.

Preventing Shih Tzu teeth problems is easier than treating them. Brushing your Shih Tzu's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste can help prevent dental disease.

Regular dental care can also be achieved with daily dental chews and toothpaste combos, as well as offering plenty of chew toys that are flexible enough to dent with your fingernail. Keep your Shih Tzu up to date with vet check-ups and professional dental cleanings to catch any problems early.

Here are some ways to prevent Shih Tzu teeth problems:

In severe cases, Shih Tzus may need to have teeth extracted, but regular dental care can prevent this.

Preventing dental problems in dogs is a crucial aspect of their overall health. Regular brushing is one of the most effective ways to prevent periodontal disease, and it should be done daily or at least a few times a week.

Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, as human products can be harmful to pets. Dental chews and toys can also help clean their teeth naturally and reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.

A balanced diet that includes dental health benefits can be helpful in preventing periodontal disease. Some commercial dog foods are specifically formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of periodontal disease.

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Here are some ways to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy:

Periodontal disease can lead to severe pain and infections that may spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, liver, and kidneys. However, with proper treatment and preventive care, many dogs with periodontal disease can live long and healthy lives.

Treatments for periodontal disease in dogs involve a combination of professional veterinary care and diligent at-home maintenance. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination and may take dental X-rays to assess the extent of the disease.

A professional dental cleaning is often the first step in treating periodontal disease. This procedure involves scaling to remove plaque and tartar from your dog's teeth, both above and below the gum line. Your dog will need to be under anesthesia to ensure thorough cleaning and to reduce stress.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if your dog's periodontal disease is accompanied by infection. This is especially important in more advanced stages where the infection might have spread deeper into the gums and jawbone.

In severe cases, some teeth may be too damaged to save and will need to be extracted. Removing severely affected teeth can significantly improve your dog's overall oral health and comfort.

Sometimes, surgical procedures might be necessary for stage 4 periodontal disease. These can include flap surgery to clean deep pockets of infection or bone grafts to restore lost bone structure. Your vet will discuss the best course of action based on the specific needs of your dog.

Here are the treatment options for periodontal disease in dogs: