Yorkshire Terriers are prone to tooth loss due to their small jaw size and crowded teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Yorkshire Terriers typically start losing their baby teeth between 3 to 7 months of age.
Regular dental care is crucial to prevent tooth loss in Yorkshire Terriers, as their adult teeth are sensitive to decay and can be painful if left untreated.
Yorkshire Terriers need their teeth brushed daily to prevent tartar buildup and promote healthy gums.
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Yorkshire Terrier Teeth Problems
Yorkshire Terrier teeth problems are a common issue due to their small jawline and teeth anatomy. Small dog breeds like Yorkies experience dental issues due to the placement and anatomy of their teeth.
Proper dental care is crucial to prevent these problems. General tooth decay is the most common issue, caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar left behind from food. This can lead to tooth loss, gum disease, and periodontal disease, which are also common problems in Yorkies.
Some common signs of dental issues in Yorkies include sudden changes in eating and drinking habits, excessive drooling, and bad breath. If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to take your Yorkie to a pet homeopathy expert or a veterinary medicine professional for a dental exam.
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Common Problems
Yorkshire Terriers are prone to dental problems due to their small jawline and teeth anatomy. Excessive accumulation of tarter is a common issue.
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, which can be painful and result in other major health problems. This is often caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Yorkies can experience teeth problems similar to humans, including premature tooth loss and digestive disorders. This is often due to the accumulation of tarter and gum disease.
A common problem among small breeds, like Yorkshire Terriers, is overcrowded teeth, which can lead to dental problems. This can make brushing their teeth difficult or even cause tooth rotation or jaw bone issues.
If your Yorkie's teeth are not cleaned properly, it can easily lead to general tooth decay, gum disease, or periodontal disease. These issues can be painful and result in tooth loss.
Here are some common signs that your Yorkie's teeth have issues:
- Sudden change in eating and drinking habits
- Excessive drooling
- Constant pawing at the mouth or facial region
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Discolored or loose teeth (usually accompanied by bad breath)
- Unexpected changes in behavior and mood
- Frequent vocalization
Quality
Yorkies are prone to dental problems, and it's crucial to choose a high-quality toothpaste to help prevent them. You need to look for a toothpaste that guards against tooth decay and other oral diseases.
The quality of the toothpaste is important, and there are some great options available. Here are a few top picks:
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste is one of the most popular toothpaste for Yorkies. It helps guard against tooth decay and other gum diseases as well.
- Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste Dog Poultry Flavor is a cheaper alternative that many Yorkie parents swear by.
- Vet's Best Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is made from natural extracts from neem and aloe, and provides good basic protection against oral diseases.
These toothpastes have solid reviews and are worth considering for your Yorkie's oral health.
Puppy Care
Yorkshire terrier owners should be aware that Yorkies get their first set of teeth, also known as puppy teeth, by the time they are 6 weeks old.
These puppy teeth should fall out and be replaced by adult teeth in about 8-10 months, but sometimes they don't. This can lead to a problem where the tooth rows become misshapen due to the adult teeth not erupting correctly.
It's essential to have the puppy teeth extracted if this problem occurs, as it's a veterinarian procedure that removes unnecessary puppy teeth to prevent permanent misalignment of the Yorkie's teeth.
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Puppy
Yorkies get their first set of teeth, also known as puppy teeth, by the time they are 6 weeks old.
This is a crucial milestone in a Yorkie's dental development, and it's essential to monitor their teeth as they grow.
These puppy teeth should fall out and be replaced by their adult teeth in about 8-10 months.
However, problems can arise if these puppy teeth don't fall out as they should.
In such cases, the tooth rows become misshapen due to the adult teeth not erupting correctly.
This can lead to multiple rows of teeth, which can cause permanent misalignment of the Yorkie's teeth.
To prevent this, it's crucial to have the puppy teeth extracted by a veterinarian as soon as the problem is noticed.
Nutrition Matters
As a Yorkie owner, you know how much they love treats, but it's crucial to keep their diet in check to prevent unwanted weight gain and gum problems.
Feeding your senior Yorkie sugary foods can make them more vulnerable to plaque and tartar.
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Giving your Yorkie dog-appropriate sweet treats sometimes is okay, but make sure to clean their teeth afterward to prevent issues.
A balanced diet is essential for your Yorkie's overall health, and it's your job to ensure they're getting the right nutrients.
Loading up on sugary foods can lead to unwanted weight gain and gum problems, so be mindful of what you're feeding your Yorkie.
Choose Appropriate Toys
Choosing the right toys for your puppy is crucial for their safety and happiness. Select toys that are durable and won't easily break.
Picking toys with sharp edges or points can be hazardous for your puppy's mouth, tongue, and gums, so be sure to avoid those.
You can make brushing and cleaning more enjoyable for your puppy by incorporating chew toys into their routine, as seen with senior Yorkshire Terriers.
Dental treats can also provide mental stimulation for your puppy as you clean their teeth.
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Brush Regularly
Brushing your puppy's teeth regularly is crucial for their overall health and well-being. It's best to start brushing at an early age so they get used to it.
You can start with brushing every day, but if that's not feasible, brushing twice a week is still better than nothing. It's essential to make brushing a habit for your puppy's teeth to stay clean.
Brushing your puppy's teeth regularly will help prevent dental issues, and it's also a great way to bond with them. You should also take your puppy to the vet for regular dental examinations to catch any issues early on.
Never use human toothpaste on your puppy, as it's not suitable for them. Instead, look for dog-specific toothpaste that's available at pet stores or online.
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Adult Care
As your Yorkshire Terrier ages, their teeth and gums become more prone to dental disease. This is due to weakened tooth enamel and inflamed gums, which can lead to chronic pain, bleeding, and even heart disease and blood sugar level disruptions.
Adult teeth in dogs still require proper care and attention, regardless of age. Senior teeth are as vulnerable to deterioration and disease as puppy teeth, making regular cleaning a necessity for overall wellness.
Your older Yorkie's dental wellness problems will only become apparent if you don't have a proper dental hygiene plan in place. Establishing a consistent dental hygiene regimen is simpler than you think, and can be achieved with a few straightforward pointers.
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How Many Have?
As you care for your adult Yorkie, you might wonder about their dental health. Originally, Yorkie puppies have 28 teeth, which should come out by the time they are six weeks old.
Yorkies have a total of 42 adult teeth, which develop after about 8 to 10 months.
Adult
Adult Yorkies need regular dental care, just like their puppies do. Their adult teeth should come in by the time they're 10 months old, but overcrowding and tooth rotation are still common issues. Overcrowding can create hard-to-clean areas in the mouth, leading to other problems.
Yorkies are prone to tooth rotation due to their tiny roots, which don't provide a firm grip in their jawline. This can cause cleaning difficulties and even lead to jaw bone density degeneration. If you notice any dental issues, it's essential to take your Yorkie to the vet.
As Yorkies age, their teeth and gums become more susceptible to dental disease. Their gums may become inflamed, and their tooth enamel may weaken. This can lead to chronic pain, bleeding, and even heart disease or blood sugar level disruptions.
Senior Yorkies still need regular dental care, despite their age. In fact, their teeth are just as vulnerable to deterioration and disease as their puppy teeth. To keep your older Yorkie's teeth clean and healthy, you'll need to establish a consistent dental hygiene plan.
Here are some signs that your Yorkie's teeth may have issues:
- Sudden changes in eating and drinking habits
- Excessive drooling
- Constant pawing at the mouth or facial region
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Discolored or loose teeth
- Unexpected changes in behavior and mood
- Frequent vocalization
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to take your Yorkie to the vet for a dental exam. Regular dental care can help prevent serious health issues in your senior Yorkie.
Gum Disease and Plaque
Plaque buildup is a natural process that happens when leftover food debris gets stuck to your Yorkie's teeth and gum line.
If you don't regularly clean and brush your Yorkie's teeth, plaque will eventually harden into tartar. This can accumulate excessively in a senior Yorkie's teeth.
Plaque and tartar can lead to periodontal disease, a gum infection that affects the tissues holding your dog's teeth together. This is often triggered by poor dental care and hygiene.
Gum disease can also be set off by improper teeth brushing and using other cleaning methods that aren't suitable for your older pooch.
Just like in humans, gum disease in older Yorkies should not be neglected, as it can lead to other serious health issues. Examples of these include heart disease, worsening diabetes, and loss of teeth.
You can easily check for periodontal disease by examining your senior dog's gum line for swelling, lesions, bleeding, and lumps. If you notice these symptoms accompanied by a fever and trembling, drop by your vet's clinic immediately.
Veterinary Visits
Visits to the vet are a crucial part of keeping your Yorkie's teeth healthy.
Regular examinations are a must, and they can be as simple as a check-up or as involved as a full dental procedure.
If your pup is showing signs of dental issues, such as not wanting to eat or chew, it might be a sign of a problem.
Bleeding gums, swelling, and halitosis are all warning signs that your Yorkie needs a dental check-up.
During a full dental, your vet will take x-rays to see the teeth and the bone surrounding them.
They'll also use a hand-held probe to measure the space and pockets between the teeth and the gums.
A full dental involves ultrasonic scalers to clean the teeth above and below the gum line.
Polishing the teeth and applying a plaque guard are also part of the process.
Your vet might also need to treat any additional problems they find.
The frequency of professional cleanings varies from dog to dog, but regular at-home teeth cleaning is still essential.
Don't neglect your at-home teeth cleaning regimen, even if your Yorkie is getting regular professional cleanings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to do when your dog's teeth start falling out?
Contact your vet immediately if you notice your dog showing discomfort in its mouth or missing teeth
Is it normal for dogs to shed teeth?
Yes, it's normal for dogs to shed their deciduous teeth as permanent teeth erupt, typically starting around 12 weeks old and completing by 6 months. This natural process is a significant milestone in a puppy's dental development.
Sources
- https://yorkies-gram.com/yorkie-teeth/
- https://www.zumalka.com/blogs/blog-pet-health/senior-yorkshire-terriers-dental-care
- https://virtuavet.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/8-year-old-yorkie-needs-18-teeth-removed/
- https://www.mightyyorkiesofmd.com/post/yorkies-teeth-issues-and-treats
- https://be.chewy.com/dogs-teeth-are-falling-out/
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