Attention to persistent primary teeth is essential to the dental health of our patients, especially smaller breeds such as Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians and miniature Schnauzers. In cats and dogs, primary (baby) tooth roots are normally resorbed from pressure as the permanent (secondary, adult) teeth erupt pushing them out of the alveolus, starting at 14 weeks of age. The mechanism that causes resorption of primary roots isn't fully understood, nor is the cause of resorption failure. Persistent primary teeth fail to exfoliate because the permanent tooth buds are malpo-sitioned rostrally (maxillary canines) or lingually (mandibular canines), removing the direct force to push them out of mouth. Permanent canines normally erupt by the time most dogs and cats are 6 months old.
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