01 Jul Types of Bite Abnormalities in Dogs
Bite abnormalities in dogs can vary in severity and cause, affecting their overall health and ability to eat properly. Here are some common types of bite abnormalities in dogs and their recommended treatment.
Underbite (Prognathism)
The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth.
– Causes: Genetic predisposition, selective breeding, or jaw misalignment.
– Treatment:
- Mild cases may not require treatment if the dog can eat and live normally.
- Severe cases might require corrective surgery, especially if the misalignment affects eating or causes discomfort.
- The best thing you can do for your pet is a consultation with a veterinary dentist for evaluation and treatment planning.
Overbite (Brachygnathism)
An overbite is when the upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw, causing the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth.
– Causes: Genetic factors, jaw structure abnormalities.
– Treatment:
- Severe cases might require orthodontic treatment or surgery to correct the alignment.
- Veterinary evaluation is essential to determine the best course of action.
- Mild overbites may not need intervention if they do not affect the dog’s health or ability to eat. However, veterinary evaluation is essential to determine the severity and best course of action.
Crossbite
One or more teeth are out of alignment, causing the upper and lower teeth to meet improperly.
– Causes: Genetic predisposition, jaw growth discrepancies.
– Treatment:
- Orthodontic treatment may involve braces or other corrective devices to realign the teeth.
- Surgical correction may be necessary in severe cases where the misalignment affects the dog’s ability to eat or causes discomfort.
Wry Mouth (Maxillary mandibular asymmetry)
The jaws are not aligned symmetrically, causing a tilted appearance of the mouth.
– Causes: Genetics, Trauma, developmental abnormalities.
– Treatment:
- Mild cases may not require treatment if they do not affect the dog’s health or function.
- Severe cases might require orthodontic treatment or surgery to correct the alignment and ensure proper function of the jaw.
Missing Teeth or Extra Teeth
Dogs may have missing teeth or extra teeth, which can affect their bite and overall dental health.
– Causes: Genetic factors, developmental abnormalities.
– Treatment:
- Missing teeth may not always require treatment if they do not affect the dog’s ability to eat or cause discomfort.
- Extra teeth might need extraction if they interfere with the bite or cause overcrowding.
- Regular dental check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial to monitor dental health and address any issues promptly.
General Treatment Guidelines
Consultation with a Veterinarian
Always seek professional advice from a veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dentist who can assess the severity of the bite abnormality and recommend appropriate treatment.
Surgical Correction
In cases where bite abnormalities significantly affect the dog’s health or quality of life, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct jaw alignment or remove problematic teeth.
Monitoring and Follow-up
Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are essential to assess progress and ensure the dog’s dental health is maintained.
Dog Dental Surgeon in Missoula, MT
Each dog’s case is unique, so treatment options should be tailored to the specific needs and condition of the individual dog. Early detection and intervention can often lead to better outcomes for managing bite abnormalities in dogs. If you have concerns about your dog’s bite or oral health, contact our team for an appointment today.