Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth (temporary) and 42 pe
rmanent teeth. Deciduous or "milk" teeth begin to appear when a puppy is about four weeks of age, and are lost gradually between 14 and 30 weeks of age. During this time, puppies may eat slightly less and chew more. Hard rubber or rawhide toys made especially for dogs are a good investment to help prevent household damage during this time.
Common signs of dental problems in dogs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Red, swollen and bleeding gums
- Drooling
- Blood in the saliva
- Yellow-brown tartar at the gum line
- Broken teeth
- Foul breath
Dogs sometimes suffer from broken teeth, often a result of biting on sticks or rocks. A cracked or broken tooth can be painful if the nerve tissue is exposed; if it becomes infected, there is the danger of the infection spreading through the bloodstream. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended.
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