Canine teeth growing in wrong direction

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by Nicky87, Dec 13, 2016.

  1. Nicky87

    Nicky87 Registered Users

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    We would love some advice on our 5 month old lab and her bottom canine teeth growing up into the roof of her mouth.

    We had her baby teeth taken out advised by vet in hope that her adult teeth would then grow in the correct direction.

    Her adult teeth are now growing and in the same direction into the roof of her mouth. We have visited a dental specialist and have been advised to put caps on these to help with their growth. This is very expensive and we are unsure on what to do.

    Any advice from anyone that has also been in this situation would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you

    Nicky
     
  2. Snowshoe

    Snowshoe Registered Users

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    Does this Vet specialize in Dentistry? I think that would be a good idea.

    I'm actually not sure what you mean. The bottom teeth are supposed to grow UP. The top teeth grow DOWN. I'm not understanding what you wrote,
    My only suggestion is the one above, a Vet specializing in Dental procedures. But maybe you could provide a photo? Is an over or under bite part of the problem?
     
  3. Christoph W

    Christoph W Registered Users

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    we had that problem too. Our vet told us to get a heavy full rubber ball(we had a kong one) and let him carry it all day long so the canines get pushed in the right direction. Was very sceptic about that but it did work out!! Don't know if thats for you but its worth a try i think.
     
  4. Nicky87

    Nicky87 Registered Users

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    Oh wow really and did this work?
    How long did he carry the ball weeks/months?

    Thank you
     
  5. Christoph W

    Christoph W Registered Users

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    Yeah it worked. If it didn't happen to my dog i wouldn't believe it either tbh. We used it for roughly 2 weeks.
     
  6. Snowshoe

    Snowshoe Registered Users

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    I'm glad you have a possible solution but I still don't understand it. Can anyone explain what's happening to these teeth? You may have to use small words since it seems I'm thick about this. :)
     
  7. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    The OP says the bottom canine teeth are growing into the roof of the dog's mouth. This means the lower canine teeth align inside the upper canine teeth. This shouldn't be the case. The two sets of canine teeth should have a neatly matching appearance, with the lower canine teeth being in front of the upper canine teeth. The lower canine teeth should be in contact with the outside of the dog's upper gum, not the roof of the dog's mouth.

    I'd take the advice of the canine dentist on this. While I suppose it's possible that carrying a ball for long enough could realign teeth, it seems a bit of a long shot to me.

    Whether I would pay the bill for doggie dentistry depends on whether the dog will be in discomfort if this isn't corrected. If so, I'd foot the bill.
     
  8. drjs@5

    drjs@5 Registered Users

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    Thanks for that explanation @JulieT - I didn't quite get it either.
    I guess if it involves a lot of money, you would want to know that is the best treatment, so a veterinary dentist would be the best person to give that advice rather than a general vet. Not that I am ignoring the impact on the dog, I know its not all about money.

    Good luck
     
  9. Christoph W

    Christoph W Registered Users

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    Of course you need to listen to the vets advise. But if the dog is in no discomfort atm and the situation doesn't require promt treatment to prevent it getting worse i'd give it a try with the ball for lets say 1 or 2 weeks before i spend a fortune on some medical treatment. If it doesn't work out you can still bite the bullet and pay for the treatment. This is ONLY if "wasting" 1 or 2 weeks doesn't make the situation worse of course!!!
     

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