French Bulldog Teeth

Your Frenchie’s dental care is one of the most important aspects of their well-being. Measures like regular brushing and care are required for your French bulldog’s teeth.

Irregular dental care or neglect can cause many painful problems for your beloved Frenchie. One of the first steps to better care for your French bulldog teeth is understanding them.

In this article, we’ll break down the functions, problems, and precautions you should take when it comes to your French bulldog teeth.

 

Types Of Teeth

 

Just like humans, French bulldog mouths have teeth with different functions. An adult bulldog has 42. These are divided between 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower.

Among these, 12 are incisors, 4 are canines, 16 are premolars, and 10 are molars.

Incisors

Frenchies have 6 incisors in the upper jaw and 6 in the lower. 10 of these are small and flat, while the two on either side of the upper jaw are a bit pointy.

Incisors are mainly used for gnawing and scrapping. These are the teeth dogs use to bite into food.

Canines

These long, pointy teeth are equally divided on either side of both jaws. Frenchies with broad and square underjaws have their incisors and canines positioned in a straight line.

Canine teeth are used to lock into and tear meat/food. These teeth developed strongly because, in the past, dogs used to be hunters.

Pre-Molars

There are 8 premolars in each jaw of a bulldog’s teeth. They have sharp edges and are found behind canines.

The premolars are the teeth used to chew and shred food. These are also used while playing.

Molars

There are 6 molars in the lower and 4 molars in the upper jaw. Molars are predominantly grinding teeth.

French bulldogs use these teeth for breaking down food into smaller pieces while chewing.

 

The Underbite

A French bulldog having an underbite is very normal. If they can eat, drink, and clean themselves without discomfort and pain, there’s nothing to worry about. There is a possibility that your dog’s teeth are exposed when they close their mouth.

If the underjaw incisors are too pronounced, it may be a problem. Such situations cause difficulties in eating, drinking, and grooming. In some cases, the gums and teeth might bleed.

In such a case, the underbite does cause health problems. Let’s discuss these!

Tissue Damage

There is supposed to be a gap between the upper and lower jaw incisors. But in some cases, because of the underbite, these teeth rub against each other and wear out the soft tissues.

 

Infections And Diseases

Due to the wearing of the soft tissues, the teeth don’t have a protective covering. The misaligned teeth can also injure gums. This leaves the wounds more susceptible to infections and diseases.

 

Malnutrition

The underbite’s injuries to the teeth and gums cause pain while chewing and drinking. This might result in your Frenchie being unable to eat. Furthermore, it might result in them lacking essential nutrients.

Other Dental Diseases

 

If the underbite is not problematic, poor dental hygiene and care can result in other problems. Ensuring your French bulldog teeth have proper dental care and regular check-ups can help prevent these problems.

Plaque And Tartar

Plaque is a coat of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. This coat slowly transforms into tartar which is a yellowish coating at the base of the crown.

Tartar is more dangerous as it facilitates the growth of bacteria. This bacteria can cause infections in the teeth and gums.

Gum Disease

The formation of plaque and tartar can cause gum disease. Your Frenchie might develop these 2 types of gum diseases –

• Periodontal Disease – This disease affects teeth, their roots, and other supporting structures in the gums. This causes fragile teeth.
• Gingivitis – It causes the gums to become swollen. In extreme cases, it can also cause the gums to bleed. If left untreated, it may transition into periodontal disease.

How To Keep Your Frenchie’s Teeth Healthy

Keeping your Frenchie’s teeth healthy and clean is very important. It is also the best way to prevent any diseases.

Here are 3 ways of doing so –

• Brushing – This is the simplest way to ensure dental hygiene. You can get special brushes and toothpaste for your dogs. Ensure you don’t use human toothpaste, as fluoride is poisonous.
• Toys and dental treats – Toys made of tough rubber help slowly clean your dog’s mouth. Dental treats keep their mouth active and hence prevent plaque formation.
• Diet – Provide healthy food and exercise to ensure their bones and teeth get the vital nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your Frenchie’s teeth is of great importance when it comes to their health. A lack of dental care can cause immense pain and discomfort to your beloved pets. Simple measures like brushing and chewing toys can help immensely in maintaining their hygiene.

Make sure you incorporate these measures to keep your Frenchie healthy and happy.