Help! My Dog Lost a Tooth: What Should I Do Now?

So your furry friend just lost a tooth, and you’re freaking out a little bit. I totally get it! When my golden retriever Buddy lost his first adult tooth, I nearly had a panic attack. But don’t worry – I’ve done tons of research since then, and I’m here to walk you through exactly what to do if your dog loses a tooth.

What’s Normal vs. When to Worry

First things first – is your dog a puppy or an adult? This makes a HUGE difference!

For Puppies (3-7 months)

If your puppy is between 3-7 months old, losing teeth is totally normal Just like human kids, puppies lose their baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) to make way for adult ones. These baby teeth are usually smaller than adult teeth and may not cause your pup much discomfort when they fall out

For Adult Dogs

Now, if your adult dog loses a tooth, that’s a different story Adult dogs aren’t supposed to lose teeth Their permanent teeth should, well, be permanent! So if your grown dog is losing teeth, there’s likely an underlying issue that needs attention.

Common Causes of Tooth Loss in Adult Dogs

There are several reasons why your adult dog might lose a tooth

1. Periodontal Disease – This is the #1 cause of tooth loss in dogs. It starts with plaque buildup that leads to inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures. Small dogs are especially prone to this!

2. Trauma – If your dog had an accident, was in a fight, or loves chewing on super hard objects (like rocks or metal), they might have damaged a tooth beyond repair.

3. Dental Decay – Though less common in dogs than humans, dental decay can still happen, especially with a diet high in sugars or poor oral hygiene.

4. Resorptive Lesions – These nasty little problems cause progressive destruction of tooth tissue from the inside out.

5. Oral Tumors – In some cases, tumors in the mouth can affect the teeth and surrounding tissues.

6. Age-Related Issues – As dogs get older, their teeth naturally wear down and may become more brittle.

What Should I Do Right Now?

Okay, so your dog’s tooth just fell out. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Stay Calm – Your dog feeds off your energy, so try not to panic.

2. Find the Tooth (if possible) – This can help your vet determine what happened.

3. Check for Bleeding – If there’s heavy bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.

4. Examine Your Dog’s Mouth (if they’ll let you) – Look for swelling, redness, or other abnormalities. But don’t force their mouth open if they’re resistant!

5. Call Your Vet – This is the most important step. A lost tooth warrants a vet visit to determine the cause and prevent further issues.

Signs Your Dog Might Be Having Dental Problems

Even before a tooth falls out, your dog might show these warning signs of dental issues:

• Bad breath (like, REALLY bad)
• Drooling more than usual
• Pawing at the mouth
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Visible tartar buildup (yellow or brown crud on teeth)
• Changes in eating habits
• Weight loss
• Facial swelling
• Nasal discharge or sneezing

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for a tooth to fall out – schedule that vet appointment ASAP!

What Will the Vet Do?

When you take your dog to the vet for a lost tooth, they’ll likely:

1. Examine the mouth – They’ll check for other loose teeth, signs of infection, or underlying issues.

2. Take X-rays – This helps determine if there’s bone loss or other teeth at risk.

3. Perform dental cleaning – To remove plaque and tartar buildup on remaining teeth.

4. Possibly extract other teeth – If they find additional damaged or infected teeth.

5. Prescribe antibiotics – If there’s an infection present.

6. Recommend pain medication – To keep your pup comfortable during healing.

Will My Dog’s Tooth Grow Back?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but no – adult dog teeth DO NOT grow back. Unlike some animals (and those lucky sharks!), dogs only get two sets of teeth in their lifetime: baby teeth and adult teeth. Once an adult tooth is gone, it’s gone for good.

This is why prevention is so incredibly important!

How to Prevent Future Tooth Loss

The good news is that many causes of tooth loss are preventable with proper dental care:

Daily Dental Care

• Brush your dog’s teeth – Ideally daily, using dog-specific toothpaste (NEVER human toothpaste).
• Dental chews and toys – Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
• Dental wipes – If your dog won’t tolerate brushing, these are better than nothing!

Diet and Nutrition

• Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for your dog’s age and size.
• Consider dental formulas specially designed to reduce plaque.
• Avoid giving your dog extremely hard objects to chew (no antlers, bones, or rocks).

Regular Vet Checkups

• Schedule annual dental exams.
• Don’t skip professional cleanings when recommended.
• Address dental issues early before they lead to tooth loss.

What About the Cost?

I know, I know – vet bills can be scary! But here’s the thing: treating advanced dental disease is WAY more expensive than prevention. Professional dental cleanings might cost $200-$1,000 depending on your location and your dog’s needs.

If you’re concerned about costs, consider:

• Pet insurance that covers dental care
• Wellness plans offered by many vet clinics
• Care Credit or similar medical credit options
• Starting a pet emergency fund

My Personal Experience

When my Buddy lost his tooth, I freaked out at first. But after rushing him to the vet, I learned he had early-stage periodontal disease. We got him a thorough cleaning, started a serious dental care routine at home, and five years later, he hasn’t lost another tooth!

The key was consistency – I brush his teeth every night while we watch TV. It’s become our little routine, and he actually seems to enjoy it now (or maybe he just likes the chicken-flavored toothpaste!).

What Happens if I Do Nothing?

Look, I get it. Life is busy, and adding dog dental care to your to-do list might seem overwhelming. But ignoring dental issues can lead to:

• Pain and suffering for your dog
• Difficulty eating and weight loss
• Infections that can spread to vital organs
• More teeth falling out
• Much more expensive treatments down the road

Your dog relies on you to make good decisions for their health, and dental care is a big part of that!

Final Thoughts

Finding a dog tooth on the floor can be alarming, but now you know exactly what to do. Remember:

1. Determine if it’s normal puppy tooth loss or concerning adult tooth loss
2. Check for bleeding or other immediate concerns
3. Call your vet
4. Start a dental care routine to prevent future issues

Your dog’s smile is worth protecting! Even though they might not appreciate the toothbrushing sessions at first, their health (and breath!) will be so much better for it.

Have you ever dealt with tooth loss in your dog? What did you do? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: I’m not a veterinarian, just a passionate dog owner who’s done extensive research on canine dental health. Always consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of your pet’s dental issues.

Yes, you should be worried and should call your veterinarian right away if your adult dog lost a tooth, as it’s a sign of a serious issue like advanced periodontal disease, trauma, or a tumor. You should not ignore this, as it can lead to infections that spread to other parts of the body. Your vet can determine the cause, check for any remaining tooth fragments that need removal, and recommend treatment to prevent further tooth loss.

A loose dog tooth requires prompt veterinary care to identify the cause and address potential pain, infection, or further complications, especially if it was caused by trauma.

You **should not let an older dog’s tooth fall out on its own because a loose tooth indicates a serious underlying dental problem like periodontal disease or trauma, requiring veterinary intervention and professional treatment.