Persistent Deciduous (Baby) Teeth

A retained deciduous (baby) tooth, also known as a persistent deciduous tooth, occurs when the baby tooth fails to exfoliate (fall out) at the expected time. This issue is prevalent, especially among small breed dogs, with the canine and premolar teeth being the most commonly affected. It is considered a heritable problem, where the adult tooth either fails to erupt in the correct position or does not develop at all, impeding the normal resorption of the baby tooth's root.

The presence of both an adult tooth and a baby tooth simultaneously indicates a retained deciduous tooth, necessitating immediate extraction of the baby tooth, as the adult tooth is erupting improperly. This situation can lead to overcrowding, and accelerating periodontal disease. Normal gingival development, crucial for creating a protective barrier against periodontal issues, is hindered when two teeth occupy the same space.

Alternatively, the persistence of the baby tooth may stem from the adult tooth's failure to develop. While some of these cases may pose no immediate concerns and age gracefully, many such teeth are prone to breakage and are not suited for a lifetime. Generally, extraction is advisable to avert potential future oral trauma.