Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

Typical Wear Patterns of Canine Teeth
THE MOUTH AND THROAT • 241
Age Wear Pattern
1 year Cusps are worn off lower incisors #1; tartar begins to form on the
canines.
2 years Cusps are worn off lower incisors #2; tartar is quite noticeable on the
canines.
3 years Cusps are worn off upper incisors #1.
4 years Cusps are worn off upper incisors #2.
5 years Cusps are worn slightly (at the corner) on lower incisors #3; the
canines begin to show wear.
6 years Cusps are worn off lower incisors #3; the canines are becoming
blunted.
Treatment: Puppies 3 to 4 months of age should be checked from time to
time to see that their adult teeth are coming in normally. Whenever baby
teeth interfere with adult teeth, the baby teeth should be pulled. If this is
done by 4 to 5 months of age, the bite should correct spontaneously.
Retained baby teeth, such
as the ones indicated by
the arrows, can force the
adult teeth out of line,
causing malocclusion and
gum injury.