Canine Teeth"Canine Teeth require the same type of care as human teeth including brushing and possibly straightening. Use this guide to learn about how to care for your dog's teeth." The Dog Health Guide is one of the most complete resources for understanding Canine Teeth. Here are some quick links to the site: Normal Teeth Normal Canine Bite Canine Tooth Brushing Canine Toothpaste Info on Puppy Teeth Missing Adult Teeth in Puppy Canine Gingivitis Remedies Canine Periodontal Disease Canine Halitosis Canine Bite Problems and Orthodonitia Canine Missing, Broken and Twisted Teeth Caring for canine teeth is one of the fastest growing areas of dog care with 5% of dogs getting some form dental care in their last visit to the Veterinarian. Over 80% of dogs over 2 years old have some kind of dental issue. Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and luckily is preventable and treatable. Like humans, brushing your dog’s teeth helps to avoid problems later on. See our section on Canine Tooth Brushing for advice on how to brush your dogs teeth. If you suspect that your dog has gingivitis or periodontal disease see our information on Canine Gingivitis Remedies . If you have a puppy, read this special section containing info on puppy teeth . Puppies grow teeth and loose them by the time they are age 7 months (also called deciduous teeth). Before you buy a puppy an x-ray can tell if the teeth are growing in correctly or if there is a genetic issue due to breeding. If you believe there is something wrong with your dog's bite click on this link orthodontic treatment of impacted canine teeth .
Normal Canine Teeth
The American Kennel Club sets standards for the minimum number of teeth for each breed. Puppies have 23 baby teeth. By the time your dog is an adult the average normal adult dog will have approximately 42 permanent teeth with 20 upper (maxilla) and 22 lower (mandible). Each jaw has 6 incisors, 2 canines and 8 premolars. In addition the lower jaw has 6 molars and the upper jaw has 4 molars. The teeth on each side the lower jaw (mandible) start with 3 molars, 4 premolars, 1 canine and then the incisors (3 on each side). The teach on each side of the upper jaw (maxilla) start in the back with two molars, 4 premolars, 1 canine and then 3 incisors. Missing teeth are usually in the premolar area. Missing or extra teeth are considered a genetic defect, but usually doesn’t affect the health of the dog. Collies and Doberman Pinchers are most often affected by extra or missing teeth and usually have less than the normal 8 premolars which tends not to be a problem for the dog. Breeds with extra teeth include Greyhounds and the different spaniel breeds. Extra teeth that are crowding normal teeth need to be removed. Canine Teeth and AgeYou can tell the age of a dog by the wear on the incisor canine teeth (front teeth - reliable up to age 6).Wear begins at age 1 with the caps getting worn off the lower incisors that are in the center of the front teeth. Tarter forms and then wear sets in on incisor 2 which is to the right and left of the two middle incisors. At age 5 the wear spreads to the next set of incisors which are to the right and left of the middle 4 teeth.
Normal Canine BiteIn normal dogs teeth are arranged “shoulder to shoulder” with no gaps allowing for food to naturally move from the teeth and gums . If there are gaps in the teeth or the teeth are aligned incorrectly, your dog could one day suffer pain or periodontal disease from the food that gets caught.The type of bite your dog has depends on its breed. There are basically two kinds of bites in dogs: The Scissors BiteDogs with medium or long length and width muzzles. The upper incisors are located in front of the lower incisors when the mouth is closed, and there is a smooth curve from tooth to tooth if there are no missing or rotated teeth.
Long and narrow muzzlesRough Collies Borzoi Doberman Greyhound Saluki 
Medium Length and Wide MuzzlesLabrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog Most Spaniels Terriers Hounds 
Reverse Scissors BiteIn dogs with a short wide muzzle, a reverse scissor bite is considered normal where the lower incisors are in front of the upper incisors. The lower canines and premolars will be shifted forward. Sometimes this bite caused the dog to have pain from trauma to the lower jaw tissues.Breeds with Short and Wide Muzzles Bulldog Pug Pekingese Boxer Boston Terrier Shih Tzu 
Promoting Dental HealthThere are several things you can do to help your dog maintain good dental health:1.
Brush Your Dog's Teeth
- Brushing your dog's teeth is just as important as brushing human teeth. This is done the same way but using a brush designed for use with dogs such as a finger brush and special toothpaste such as Four Paws Petdental Finger Toothbrush and Toothpaste 2. Dry Dog Food - Use a dry dog food that promotes good dental health such as Hill's Science Diet Oral Care Adult Dog Food 3. OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel ™ 4. Dog Chews - Reward your dog with hard dog chews such as Greenies® Dental Treats 5. Natural Supplements - Natural products such as Pet Alive Gums-n-Teeth help to prevent gingivitis by combining herbal remedies known to promote healthy teeth and gums. These types of products are helpful for dog's that frequently accumulate plaque on their teeth. Bellows, Dr. Jan, DVM, “Pet Orthodontics”. Excellent source for complete information on Canine Dentistry. Source for all Canine Dental pictures.
Dentalvet
Giffin, James M, MD, & Carlson, Liisa D., DVM, Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, 3rd Edition The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats, Prevention Magazine Return to Home from Canine Teeth
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- use of a dental sealant is becoming a standard recommendation by many veterinarians. The sealant forms a clear barrier over the teeth that in turn prevents plaque from forming.