The smallest member of the dog family – the tiny Chihuahua is notorious for its proneness to developing teeth issues. Every owner is well-familiar with the Chihuahua bad teeth and Chihuahua bad breath.
However, this tiny dog is not to blame. A study published in 1994 showed that the risk of developing periodontal disease increases as the dog’s size decreases. Plus, periodontal disease is the most common chronic problem in canines. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 80% of dogs have some level of periodontal disease by the age of 3.
In this article, we will talk about Chihuahua dental problems or more precisely – periodontal disease. We will cover the condition and discuss possible solutions and prevention options. Keep reading, to learn everything you need to know and avoid having a young Chihuahua with no teeth.
Help, my chihuahua has bad breath!
“My chihuahua is losing teeth” and “my Chihuahua has bad breath” are two complaints veterinarians hear on a daily basis. And the truth is, it is not just Chihuahuas that have serious dental problems – all small dogs share the same problem.
It is also comforting to know that Chihuahua teeth problems can be prevented or at least managed and stopped before they progress to a more severe point.
However, there is bad news too – Chihuahua dental problems can affect its lifespan by reducing it for up to 3 years. This statistical data accents the importance of prevention and early management.
The lifespan is affected because of the Chihuahua teeth infections or better said, the bacteria causing the infection can spread to distant organs (heart, kidneys, liver, joints) causing potentially fatal infections.
Chihuahua teeth – anatomy and age chart
Before explaining the Chihuahua teeth problem number 1, let’s talk about the anatomy of the Chihuahua mouth and some dental basics. Same as all dogs, Chihuahuas are born without teeth and then start growing the first set of teeth – the 28 deciduous teeth. Here is the baby Chihuahua teeth chart for easy understanding:
Upper jaw
- Incisors: 6
- Canines: 2
- Premolars: 6
- Molars: /
Lower jaw
- Incisors: 6
- Canines: 2
- Premolars: 6
- Molars: /
Then, when around 4-5 months old, Chihuahuas start losing their baby teeth and grow new permanent teeth. The growth of these new teeth is completed at the age of 8 months. Once again, same as all other dogs, Chihuahuas have 42 permanent teeth. Here is the adult Chihuahua teeth diagram:
Upper jaw
- Incisors: 6
- Canines: 2
- Premolars: 8
- Molars: 4
Lower jaw
- Incisors: 6
- Canines: 2
- Premolars: 8
- Molars: 6
Risk factors for chihuahua dental problems
Since the Chihuahua mouth has the same number of teeth as all dogs and the anatomy of the teeth is the same, what makes Chihuahuas so prone to dental issues. Small dog teeth problems stem from the three following factors:
- Chihuahuas have crowded teeth – despite the fact that the Chihuahua teeth are small they are still too big for the miniature jaw leading to overcrowding. In other words, Chihuahuas have a disproportionally big teeth-to-jaw ratio. Obviously, food is more likely to get stuck if the teeth are crowded thus increasing the risk of plaque formation and Chihuahua tooth decay.
- Chihuahuas are prone to retained baby teeth – this phenomenon occurs in many dogs but it is prevalent in smaller dogs. Namely, the baby Chihuahua teeth fail to fall which may delay the growth of the permanent Chihuahua teeth. If the permanent teeth manage to erupt, the presence of two rows of teeth will contribute to the already present space problem and once again cause overcrowding.
- Chihuahuas prefer soft and wet foods – chihuahuas have delicate palates and usually prefer wet and soft foods over regular kibble. This contributes to the Chihuahua dental problems because munching on kibble helps remove the accumulated plaque from the teeth thus preventing more serious issues.
Chihuahua gum disease and periodontal disease
The Chihuahua dental problem number one is periodontal disease. The American Veterinary Dental College describes the periodontal disease as a condition in which the gum tissue, bone, and surrounding structures get destroyed by bacterial infections.
Periodontal disease starts with tartar build-up which puts pressure on the gums and triggers gingivitis (gum infection). Then the Chihuahua gum disease progresses and starts affecting the other dental structures – root, bone, and surrounding supportive tissues.
In more advanced and severe cases, the Chihuahua tooth decay culminates with bone loss leading to Chihuahua lose teeth and falling out.
Based on the level of progression, periodontal disease can be graded and classified in four different stages:
- Stage 1 – also known as gingivitis, is the only reversible stage of the disease as long as adequate treatment is entailed
- Stage 2 – the disease is progressed but the bone loss is limited to less than 25%
- Stage 3 – a more advanced stage in which there is between 25% and 50% bone loss
- Stage 4 – the culmination and end-stage of the periodontal disease which manifests with more than 50% bone loss and subsequent Chihuahua teeth falling out.
Chihuahua dental care 101
Before we explain the details about Chihuahua dental care, we should emphasize the fact that prevention is much cheaper than treatment.
Namely, based on the teeth, type of extraction, and where you live, extracting one tooth can set you back for $500-$800. And to be honest, Chihuahua tooth decay is rarely limited to one tooth, meaning the vet bills will quickly pile up.
With the price tags of the Chihuahua dental care treatment options in mind, let’s discuss the three prevention options and how they can be used simultaneously for maximum results.
Chihuahua teeth brushing
Chihuahua toothbrushes and toothpaste are the two must-haves when parenting the world’s smallest dog with the biggest dental issues. Ideally, you should use a toothbrush made specifically for dogs and choose the smallest size. Alternatively, you can also use a baby brush with extra soft bristles.
As for the toothpaste, it is imperative that you use a canine option. This is because human toothpaste formulas contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs – for example, fluorine and xylitol. There are also different canine toothpaste types – organic, regular, enzymatic. We suggest discussing with your vet which one is the best choice for preventing or managing Chihuahua tooth decay.
Chihuahua teeth cleaning
Chihuahua teeth cleaning or professional scaling is something you should practice at least once per year and if necessary, even more often than that. The procedure is performed by a regular vet or veterinary dentist under general anesthesia and with a special ultrasonic device. During the procedure, the vet may decide to extract the Chihuahua loose teeth if indicated.
Periodontal disease vaccine – the future of Chihuahua dental care
In 2006, vet scientists formulated a new vaccine for preventing Chihuahua gum disease and the subsequent periodontal disease. The vaccine specifically targets the three most common Porphyromo bacteria causing dental issues in dogs.
While not part of the mandatory vaccination schedule, this new vaccine is critical for toy dog breeds prone to small dog teeth diseases. The first vaccine should be administered at the age of 6 months and repeated after three weeks. After that, for continuous care and prevention, Chihuahuas need annual booster doses.
Summing up: small dog teeth problems
Sadly, Chihuahua teeth falling out at an early age is not an uncommon scenario. In fact, it is likely to see a Chihuahua with no teeth at all at the age of 3 to 4 years. This is because small dog teeth problems are widespread and Chihuahuas as the smallest dog breed are mostly affected.
The good news is that Chihuahua dental problems can be prevented with proper dental care – Chihuahua brush and toothpaste as well as regular Chihuahua teeth cleaning at the vet’s office. Plus, it is better to invest time and effort in prevention than paying thousands of dollars for teeth extractions and dealing with the Chihuahua-no-teeth scenario.
FAQs
How many teeth do Chihuahuas have?
Contrary to popular belief, Chihuahuas have the same number of teeth as all dogs – 28 deciduous teeth and 42 permanent teeth. The misbelief that Chihuahuas have more teeth stems from the fact that they have small jaws and a big teeth-to-jaw ratio.
How to clean Chihuahua teeth?
The Chihuahua teeth cleaning is based on regular brushing (at least three times per week) and professional scaling at the vet’s office once or twice per year based on individual needs. Chihuahua dental care is critical for preventing small dog teeth problems and small dog bad breath.
When do Chihuahuas lose their baby teeth?
Same as all dog breeds, Chihuahuas start losing their baby teeth when between 4 and 5 months old. Under normal circumstances, the process finishes at the age of 8 months. However, Chihuahuas are prone to retained baby teeth.
Why do small dogs have bad teeth?
Small dogs are more likely to have bad teeth because of various factors, including small jaws and crowded teeth, a higher incidence of retained baby teeth, and delicate food preferences for wet diets. Small dog teeth problems are incredibly common.
Why does my Chihuahua have bad breath?
The Chihuahua bad breath is usually the result of periodontal disease or the advanced phases of Chihuahua gum disease. However, Chihuahua stomach issues (which are quite common) can also result in a disrupted oral microbiome and cause bad breath.
