Dog Tips

When the Baby Teeth May Be Overstaying Their Welcome

Sometimes a puppy's or kitten's baby tooth does not fall out like it should, and it can lead to bigger dental problems down the road. Learn about the signs, the breeds most at risk, and when it is best to see the vet.

Reviewed by Dr. Tracy Duffner

Sep 11, 2026 • 4 min read

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STORY AT-A-GLANCE

Retained deciduous teeth, also called retained baby teeth, occur when a puppy's or kitten's baby tooth does not fall out after the permanent tooth begins erupting beside it
Most puppies begin losing baby teeth at around 12 weeks and finish teething by about 6 months, while kittens follow a similar timeline as their adult teeth gradually replace their first set
A double row of teeth, bad breath, and reluctance to chew are common signs, though pets often hide dental pain remarkably well
Retained teeth can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of bad breath, gum disease, discomfort, and bite problems that may affect normal tooth and jaw development over time
Veterinarians typically treat retained teeth with extraction under anesthesia, while pet parents can support healthy teething by offering appropriate chew toys, practicing good dental care, and monitoring for problems

If you have ever looked inside your puppy or kitten's mouth and thought they seemed to have two sets of teeth, you are probably right. Retained deciduous teeth occur when a baby tooth does not fall out after the permanent tooth has already started coming in.¹ While it may seem like a minor issue at first, catching it early can help prevent crowding, gum disease, and bite problems that may become harder to correct as your pet gets older.

What You Should Know About Teething

Teething is a normal part of puppyhood and kittenhood. As young pets grow, their baby teeth gradually fall out and are replaced by a permanent adult set. While the process can be messy and sometimes uncomfortable, most puppies and kittens move through it without any major issues.

Deciduous teeth are your pet's first set of teeth — Also known as milk teeth or baby teeth, they begin erupting during the first few weeks of life and are eventually replaced by permanent adult teeth.²

Additionally, puppies typically begin getting their baby teeth between 3 and 4 weeks of age and develop a total of 28 teeth, while kittens usually start teething between 2 and 4 weeks of age and have 26 baby teeth.³
Dogs and cats follow a similar teething timeline — The Pawlicy Advisor blog explains that puppies typically begin losing baby teeth at around 12 weeks and finish teething by about 6 months, while kittens start shedding baby teeth around 12 weeks and begin getting adult incisors between 3 1/2 and 4 months.⁴
Teeth that are likely to stay put — According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the upper canine teeth are retained most often, followed by the lower canines and incisors. Premolars are affected less frequently, while molars are never involved because dogs and cats do not have baby molars. Genetics appears to be the primary reason this happens.⁵
Which canine breeds are at risk? Retained baby teeth are seen more often in purebred dogs and brachycephalic breeds, which include flat-faced dogs such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers. Toy breeds such as Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Yorkies commonly have retained deciduous teeth. However, larger dogs and cats can develop the condition as well, although this is rare.
Common teething symptoms — Increased chewing, drooling, mild appetite changes, and finding baby teeth around the house are all normal parts of teething. However, bad breath, swollen gums, chewing on one side, dropping food, or a baby tooth that remains in place at around 6 months of age may indicate a problem. Because pets are often good at concealing dental pain, it is a good idea to have these signs evaluated by your veterinarian.

Why Retained Teeth Are a Problem

The WellPets blog says that a retained baby tooth may not look like a serious issue, especially if your pet is still eating, playing, and acting normally. However, once a permanent tooth erupts beside a baby tooth that has not fallen out, both teeth need to compete for the same space. This crowding can alter the way adult teeth erupt and create problems that become more difficult to correct as a puppy or kitten grows.⁶

One of the biggest concerns is malocclusion, a condition in which the teeth of the upper and lower jaws no longer align properly. Retained teeth can create abnormal tooth contact, or "interlocking," that interferes with normal jaw growth and development. In severe cases, this can affect the way a pet bites, chews, and uses its mouth.

Retained teeth also create tight spaces where food, plaque, and bacteria can accumulate. Over time, this buildup can lead to tartar, gingivitis, and periodontitis, a serious infection of the gums and supporting tissues. Misaligned teeth may also rub against nearby soft tissues, causing pain, inflammation, infection, abnormal tooth wear, and even tooth fractures.⁷

How Vets Treat Stubborn Milk Teeth

Once a retained baby tooth has been identified, veterinarians typically recommend removing it, especially if the permanent tooth has already erupted beside it. This situation violates the dental "Rule of Succession," which states that one tooth should replace another, not share the same space.

Treatment involves a complete oral exam and dental radiographs (X-rays) performed under anesthesia to evaluate the tooth and its root. The entire tooth needs to be removed to prevent pain and infection. When extraction is performed early, the permanent tooth has a much better chance of erupting into its normal position.⁸

What You Can Do to Make Teething Easier for Your Pet

While retained baby teeth cannot be prevented because genetics plays a major role, there are several ways to make the teething process more comfortable for your puppy or kitten. A little extra support during these months can help soothe sore gums, encourage healthy chewing habits, and promote better dental health overall.⁹

Offer age-appropriate toys — Dental chew toys can help relieve teething discomfort and support the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth. Puppies can usually handle durable nylon or hard-rubber toys, while kittens should stick to softer options to avoid damaging their teeth.
Start a dental care routine early — Introducing a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste while your pet is young can help keep their teeth clean and make future brushing sessions much easier.
Consult your veterinarian — Dental treats, prescription dental diets, dental powders, and water additives may help support oral health, but it is always best to ask your veterinarian which options are appropriate for your pet.