Please open your mouth and say "Ah." The teeth are your four-legged friend's most important tool. A dog's teeth differ from those of humans in many ways. So if you want to take optimal care of them, it's worth taking a closer look at them. In this article, we want to explain what a dog's teeth look like and what you should pay particular attention to when caring for them.
The different types of dog teeth
In principle, we distinguish between two types of dog bite: the scissor bite and the pincer bite. The scissor bite is considered ideal for hunting dogs. Here, the upper incisors extend slightly beyond the lower jaw. The upper and lower molars are thus offset from one another, which means that food is cut between them, similar to scissors.
When the molars of the upper and lower jaw meet, this is known as a pincer bite. This is something you should pay particular attention to in older animals, as this type of dog teeth show signs of wear and tear that can lead to problems.
Various types of dogs are also known for their underbite. Here, the lower jaw is significantly longer than the upper jaw, which results in a pronounced underbite. This feature is typical of boxers and bulldogs, for example. An overbite or underbite is rare, but can impair the function of the mouth. A dog's teeth with a weak lower jaw therefore require special attention.
The teeth in the dog's mouth
The structure of a dog's teeth is generally simple. The upper jaw consists of three incisors on each side, one canine tooth, and four front and two back molars. The structure of the lower jaw is identical, but includes one additional molar on each side. In total, a fully grown dog has 42 teeth.
Contrary to what the name suggests, the incisors are used for nibbling and gnawing. Fangs hook into the prey and hold it in place. The cutting and grinding of food is done by the molars in the dog's teeth.
Dental care in dogs
Each tooth in the chewing apparatus serves a purpose and therefore requires care. Food particles and foreign bodies get caught between the molars during the chewing process. chew toys and Dental care snacks can help to care for your dog's teeth. However, a pet toothbrush is necessary for optimal cleaning of the spaces between the teeth. This is the only way to safely prevent plaque, gingivitis and dental diseases in your dog's teeth and ensure your pet's health.
More You can find tips on caring for your dog’s teeth here.
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