Did you know bad breath is often a sign of serious dental disease in pets? It shows the need for an urgent oral health check. Did you know that bad breath in puppies isn’t just a nuisance — it can signal serious oral hygiene problems like dental plaque buildup, bacteria accumulation, and even early gingivitis?

At Simon Veterinary Surgical, we emphasize the importance of early puppy dental evaluations not just to check for tooth alignment but also to protect against long-term tooth decay, inflammation, and painful oral conditions that may otherwise go unnoticed.

By focusing on your puppy’s tooth development in their first few months, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of better chewing comfort, lower dental disease risk, and fewer procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia.

To learn more, check out Simon Veterinary Surgical Dental Care. Or give us a call at 833-329-0777.

“Puppies may look healthy on the outside, but inside their mouths, unseen bacteria can already be working against their future health,” explains Dr. Jin Jung, a veterinary dental specialist featured in this video on early dog dental care.

That’s why early orthodontic screenings, paired with simple daily routines like tooth brushing and the use of a quality puppy toothbrush kit, can go a long way in preventing problems.

Key Takeaways

Bad breath is a crucial indicator of advanced dental disease in pets.
Routine oral evaluations are essential for maintaining puppy dental health.
Early dental assessments help prevent painful complications and costly treatments.
Certain breeds are more prone to malocclusions, requiring specialized orthodontic care.
Scheduling early orthodontic evaluations ensures your puppy’s long-term comfort and health.

Importance of Early Dental Assessment

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that orthodontic problems often begin before a puppy turns six months old — long before their adult teeth finish emerging.

Early dental assessments give your veterinarian a chance to spot abnormalities like:

Retained baby teeth (which block proper adult tooth growth)
Misalignment issues that interfere with normal chewing or cause oral discomfort
Genetic signs of malocclusion, often missed without dental radiography

Certain breeds like French Bulldogs, Yorkies, and Shetland Sheepdogs are particularly prone to these issues due to tooth crowding, skull shape, or tooth emergence timing.

🔬 According to AVDC.org, these early evaluations — often performed under safe sedation with dental radiography — help identify risks before they result in painful conditions like gingival recession, abscesses, or even tooth enamel erosion.

“Our pup had one base narrow canine that could have pierced his palate,” shared a Reddit user in this discussion. “Catching it early saved him from needing full surgery later.”

These initial assessments typically include:

A full physical examination
Evaluation of the bite and tooth position
Check for signs of inflammation, swelling, or abnormal bleeding

Starting this process early means problems can often be solved with non-invasive treatments, rather than more expensive surgical procedures later on.

Common Dental Issues in Puppies

Several orthodontic issues in puppies are more common than most owners realize. Identifying and addressing them early makes a huge difference in treatment success.

Overcrowding of Teeth

Often found in small or brachycephalic breeds, overcrowding limits natural cleaning by saliva and leads to bacteria buildup, calculus deposits, and even tooth discoloration.

One Redditor shared paying over $700 for cleaning and extraction due to ignoring signs of crowding (source).

Misalignment and Malocclusion

There are three types:

Class I: Normal jaw, misaligned teeth (e.g. base narrow canines)
Class II: Upper jaw longer (overbite)
Class III: Lower jaw longer (underbite)

These conditions can cause:

Chewing difficulties
Tooth damage
Gum trauma

Treatment may involve:

Orthodontic appliances
Composite bonding
Dental reshaping

Retained Baby Teeth

When baby teeth don’t fall out, they cause blockage and lead to infection, tooth decay, or tooth enamel damage. This is especially common in poodles and dachshunds.

Regular checkups let your vet schedule timely extractions, reducing the risk of serious oral pathology and improving your pet’s long-term oral hygiene.

Understanding Puppy Dental Development

Your puppy’s journey from toothless to a full set of adult teeth happens faster than most owners expect — and knowing what’s normal (and what isn’t) is critical.

Puppy Teething Timeline

Puppies get 28 baby teeth between 3-8 weeks old. These are replaced by 42 adult teeth from 4-7 months. During teething, puppies often chew a lot, drool, and might have sore gums. Giving them teething toys and massaging their gums can help ease their pain.

During this period, you might notice:

Increased chewing behavior
Occasional gum bleeding
Drooling or mild inflammation
A desire for soft textures like peanut butter or chilled washcloths

This is the ideal time to introduce puppy-safe dental chew toys that promote natural saliva production, ease discomfort, and help loosen baby teeth. Choose options made of nylon or vet-approved rubber textures that won’t harm tooth enamel.

🔗 PetMD’s guide on dental care notes that properly selected chew toys not only soothe teething pain but also help prevent calculus buildup.

Recognizing Healthy vs. Problematic Development

A healthy puppy mouth should show a scissor bite — upper front teeth just overlapping the lowers — and a clear path for new teeth to emerge without obstruction.

Signs of trouble include:

Retained baby teeth at 6+ months
Crooked or overlapping adult teeth
Red, swollen gums or visible gingivitis
Bad odor from the mouth, a sign of bacterial plaque and early dental disease

Some issues may be breed-normal (e.g., underbites in bulldogs), but they still need a veterinary dental evaluation to ensure they won’t lead to more serious pathology or affect appetite and chewing ability.

🪥 Adding a puppy toothbrush kit and enzyme-based toothpaste during this time builds positive habits while reinforcing oral health.

“I started brushing my dog’s teeth three times a week with a finger brush and peanut butter-flavored paste. Now she’s totally chill at the vet,” one Reddit user reported in this thread.

Importance of Orthodontic Evaluations

A puppy’s mouth changes fast, and early evaluations allow vets to intercept problems before they affect long-term health, comfort, and development.
In many cases, what looks like minor misalignment can quickly lead to gingival trauma, abscesses, or even problems affecting the circulatory system due to chronic bacteria exposure.

✅ Long-Term Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Early orthodontic care gives your vet the opportunity to:

Prevent tooth decay by spotting early malocclusion
Reduce the need for surgical intervention under full anesthesia
Improve your puppy’s appetite, chewing ability, and overall comfort
Avoid inflammation and chronic dental disease that worsens over time

According to the 2019 AAHA Dental Guidelines, regular exams paired with diagnostic imaging like dental radiography greatly improve oral treatment outcomes.

Veterinarians often use ultrasound tools, digital x-rays, and advanced oral examination protocols to detect subtle signs of pathology — like hidden gingival recession, edema, or small abscesses around tooth roots.

Prevention > Correction

Some issues caught early can be managed with orthodontic appliances, such as:

Composite tip extensions
Incline planes
Crown height adjustments

Others may benefit from daily use of puppy dental chews, which reduce plaque, prevent calculus formation, and stimulate enzyme activity in saliva — all while satisfying the chewing urge.

“Our vet recommended daily chews when our lab pup showed signs of early gingivitis. We went from bleeding gums to clean teeth in 6 weeks,” one pet owner shared on Reddit. (source)

Risks of Untreated Dental Problems

Failing to act on misaligned teeth or retained baby teeth can result in:

Painful oral ulcers
Tooth enamel damage
Bacterial infections spreading to organs
Difficulty with eating, drinking, or even dog training due to oral pain

In severe cases, procedures may involve sedation, injections, extractions, or full oral surgery, which are more expensive and stressful for both puppy and owner.

That’s why early orthodontic assessment — especially before 6 months — is one of the most cost-effective, health-protective steps you can take for your dog.

When to Schedule Your Puppy’s First Evaluation

Scheduling a puppy’s first dental check-up at the right stage of tooth development is critical for identifying problems before they become expensive or painful. The ideal age for an initial orthodontic evaluation is around six months, when most permanent teeth have emerged but are still settling into place.

At this point, your veterinarian can evaluate:

Tooth positioning
Signs of retained deciduous teeth
Early gingivitis or plaque buildup
Potential bite issues or jaw asymmetries

➡️ These visits often include a physical examination, dental radiography, and oral hygiene assessment — all of which are painless and often performed under light sedation if needed.

“We caught my pup’s bad bite at six months — the vet used X-rays and a cone beam scan to plan a simple brace. Without it, he would’ve needed surgery,” shared one pet owner in a canine dental care group.

Factors That May Require Earlier Appointments

Some pups need their evaluation even earlier. Here’s when to act sooner:

Flat-faced breeds (e.g., pugs, Frenchies) prone to dental crowding
Very small breeds (e.g., Chihuahuas, Yorkies) where tooth enamel damage develops quickly
Puppies showing:
- Unusual chewing habits
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath or mouth odor
- Trouble eating or a sudden drop in appetite

🧠 According to the American Veterinary Dental College, daily brushing and early dental assessments significantly reduce risk of dental pathology and improve long-term oral outcomes.

For breeds at high risk of malocclusion, early intervention may avoid painful procedures like extractions, gingival flaps, or root planing later.

🦷 During this phase, your vet may also recommend introducing a puppy toothbrush kit or transitioning to dental chews designed to minimize bacterial load and improve oral hygiene naturally.

Veterinary Clinics Specializing in Puppy Orthodontics

Choosing a veterinary dental specialist ensures your puppy receives expert care for complex tooth alignment, oral hygiene concerns, and long-term bite functionality. But how do you separate a general provider from a true expert in canine orthodontics?

Look for:

Board certification from the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC)
Advanced training in canine dental anatomy, tooth eruption timing, and malocclusion correction
Access to state-of-the-art diagnostics like cone beam CT, dental radiography, and laser therapy
In-house capabilities for treatments like crown reductions, orthodontic appliances, and abscess drainage

What to Look For in a Puppy Dental Care Provider

Instead of just “a good vet,” aim for a provider who offers comprehensive dental services — from diagnosis to aftercare — in a facility equipped to handle delicate and small-patient needs.

Top indicators of quality include:

Sterile surgical environments for procedures requiring anesthesia
Sedation safety protocols, especially for puppies under 10 pounds
Access to nutritional guidance and at-home dental product recommendations
A success rate in early interventions, such as fixing malocclusions without full surgery

🦷 One provider reports over 95% success in procedures like tooth extractions with crown restorations and enamel shaping — a powerful stat for pet owners facing complex care choices.

Reddit user u/canine_dad shared: “The dental team gave us options from braces to minimal reshaping. They even helped us file a pet insurance claim to cover 70% of the procedure cost.”

Common Orthodontic Issues in Puppies

Even the cutest puppy smiles can hide dental issues that may lead to long-term discomfort, bacterial overgrowth, and costly procedures if left unaddressed.

Let’s break down the three most common problems vets see during early orthodontic evaluations:

1. Overcrowding of Teeth

Overcrowding happens when teeth emerge too close together, often in toy breeds and those with shortened snouts. This reduces natural cleaning by saliva, allowing calculus and plaque to accumulate — perfect conditions for tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath.

Why it matters:

Prevents proper chewing and normal bite function
Increases risk of enamel erosion, bacterial infection, and even inflammation of the gums
May cause tooth discoloration, gum bleeding, and discomfort while eating

Management options include:

Gentle tooth extraction of overlapping baby teeth
The use of vet-recommended puppy dental chews to remove soft plaque between brushings

💬 One Reddit pet owner shared: “Our vet caught it early and just removed two retained canines — a week later, his chewing improved and the smell disappeared.”

2. Misalignment and Malocclusion

Malocclusions occur when the teeth or jaws don’t align properly, causing an unbalanced bite that may worsen over time.

There are three major types:

Class I – Mispositioned teeth with a normal jaw size
Class II – Overbite due to a long upper jaw
Class III – Underbite from a longer lower jaw (common in boxers, bulldogs)

Risks include:

Tooth trauma from contact during eating
Development of painful ulcers, abscesses, or tooth root exposure
Potential behavioral issues from oral discomfort affecting training

These cases often benefit from orthodontic appliances, crown reductions, or mild tooth reshaping — and early intervention can mean avoiding surgery altogether.

3. Retained Baby Teeth

When deciduous teeth don’t fall out on time (typically by 6–7 months), they block the adult teeth from erupting properly, leading to:

Crowding and twisting of the permanent teeth
Abnormal plaque accumulation
Higher risk of periodontal disease

Common in breeds like:
Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Toy Poodles

The most effective solution is timely extraction during a routine check-up, often done under light sedation. This simple procedure can prevent tooth enamel defects and promote better oral hygiene for life.

🛒 Pro tip: During this phase, adding a safe dental chew toy to your puppy’s routine supports healthy chewing behavior and helps naturally massage gums, minimizing irritation and improving saliva enzyme activity.

🧪 According to PetMD’s dental guide, consistent use of textured chew toys can reduce early-stage gingivitis by up to 60%.

Diagnostic Techniques for Orthodontic Evaluations

Many early dental issues hide below the surface — invisible to the naked eye. That’s why veterinarians rely on a blend of clinical observation, imaging, and enzyme analysis to detect subtle abnormalities in your puppy’s mouth before they become major problems.

Let’s break down the key tools and methods used in puppy orthodontic diagnostics:

1. Comprehensive Oral Examination

During an exam, your vet will:

Assess the alignment and position of both baby and adult teeth
Examine for gingival inflammation, bleeding, or early signs of plaque buildup
Evaluate the mouth’s structural shape and tooth emergence pattern
Measure hydration status (via skin turgor) and overall oral moisture to monitor saliva quality

These exams often include gentle probing with specialized dental tools and can reveal hidden discomfort that your pup may not show during everyday activities.

“Our vet found two loose incisors during a routine check. There was no sign until they were gently probed — the tooth enamel was soft, and infection had already started,” noted one Reddit user.

2. Dental Radiography

Digital dental X-rays allow veterinarians to:

View tooth roots, jaw bone health, and internal tooth enamel damage
Identify abscesses, impacted teeth, or retained root fragments
Detect infection spread before it causes swelling or visible changes

🔬 CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scans are sometimes used for more complex cases — especially in small breeds where spatial misalignments can be subtle but serious.

🧠 According to the AVDC, radiographs are considered the gold standard in detecting pathology not visible in surface exams.

3. Salivary Enzyme & Fluoride Treatments

Though less common, some progressive veterinary practices analyze salivary enzymes to monitor bacterial activity in the mouth. High bacterial enzyme levels can indicate the need for immediate hygiene interventions.

Meanwhile, topical fluoride treatments are often applied after cleanings or during exams to:

Strengthen tooth enamel
Reduce bacterial adhesion
Slow dental plaque formation

Combined with at-home tooth brushing and a balanced, healthy diet, these diagnostics help paint a complete picture of your puppy’s oral hygiene status.

👅 Many vets now recommend incorporating enzyme-enhanced toothpaste into your pup’s daily routine to support long-term dental health.

Treatment Options Available for Puppies

Once a puppy’s dental issue is identified, your veterinarian will create a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the problem, solutions may range from non-invasive tools to minor surgical procedures — all designed to relieve discomfort, restore function, and support long-term oral hygiene.

Let’s walk through the most common interventions:

Orthodontic Appliances & Adjustments

For alignment issues like base narrow canines or Class I malocclusions, orthodontic devices can correct bite problems while your puppy is still growing. These devices are safe, customizable, and highly effective in young dogs whose bones and teeth are still developing.

Common tools include:

Composite tip extensions – to redirect tooth growth
Incline planes – to reposition biting surfaces
Acrylic spacers – to ease overcrowding

💡 These procedures are often done under light sedation and involve minimal downtime. Most devices stay in place for 4–8 weeks and require follow-ups for adjustments.

🐶 To support recovery and avoid damage to the device, vets recommend switching to soft food, avoiding bones or hard treats, and using brushing alternatives like oral antiseptic rinses or enzyme-enhanced gels.

Surgical Interventions

Some cases require more involved care, especially when:

Teeth are impacted or cannot be corrected with appliances
There’s severe tooth enamel damage or abscess formation
Retained baby teeth have caused crowding or decay

Surgical options include:

Tooth extraction
Crown height reduction with pulp cap
Enameloplasty (reshaping tooth surfaces)

These procedures are performed under general anesthesia with full pain management protocols, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications post-op.

Below is a table comparing different puppy orthodontic treatments and surgeries:

Treatment Type	Effectiveness Rate
Composite Tip Extensions	85-90%
Acrylic Incline Planes	80-85%
Crown Reductions with Pulp Caps	90-95%
Orthodontic Braces	Highly Effective
Surgical Interventions	Variable (depends on the condition)

Cost Considerations for Puppy Orthodontics

While some owners assume puppy dental problems will “fix themselves,” untreated issues often lead to bigger complications — and bigger bills.

Being proactive with dental evaluations and treatments can actually reduce costs by avoiding emergency procedures, infections, and tooth loss later in life.

How Much Does Puppy Dental Care Really Cost?

While some pet parents hope dental issues will resolve on their own, ignoring them often leads to bigger complications — and higher bills.

Here’s what you can typically expect to spend for puppy dental evaluations and treatments:

Initial oral exam and X-rays: $250 to $600
Orthodontic evaluation: $300 to $800
Braces or orthodontic appliances: $1,000 to $3,500
Tooth extractions (surgical): $300 to $1,000 per tooth
Crown height reduction procedures: $800 to $1,500
Full dental cleaning under anesthesia: $450 to $1,200

Additional costs may include:

Follow-up appointments
Pain management and medications

Insurance Options for Pet Orthodontics

Looking into pet dental insurance plans is smart. Most dental treatments for pets are paid out-of-pocket. Many pet insurance plans now cover dental procedures — but it depends on the policy.

Look for coverage that includes:

Orthodontics
Dental cleanings under anesthesia
Extractions
X-rays and radiographic diagnostics

🧾 Reddit user u/canine_care2024 shared: “Nationwide reimbursed 80% of our dog’s tooth extraction and follow-ups because we started the plan early. Just needed vet documentation.”

💡 Tip: Ask your vet to document early signs of tooth pathology or malocclusion — this helps establish “medical necessity,” which increases the chance of claim approval.later on. It keeps your puppy's mouth healthy.

Post-Evaluation Care for Puppies

Whether your puppy received orthodontic appliances, had a tooth extracted, or just completed an early oral evaluation, the care you provide at home will determine how successful the treatment is.

Vets often say it’s what happens after the procedure that truly shapes your dog’s long-term oral hygiene and comfort.

Home Care Tips for Healthy Puppy Teeth

Creating a home routine supports healing, strengthens enamel, and keeps bacteria from creeping back in.

Here’s what to include:

Daily Brushing: Use a soft-bristled puppy toothbrush kit and dog-safe toothpaste. Even light brushing stimulates saliva flow, disrupts plaque, and removes early calculus.
Puppy Dental Chews: These chews support gum health, freshen bad breath, and prevent tooth decay — all while satisfying their urge to chew.
Soft Diet (if recovering): After procedures, offer soft food to avoid irritating healing tissues. Mix in peanut butter or vet-approved dental paste for flavor.
Pain Management: Follow any medication schedule for antibiotics or anti-inflammatories. Watch for signs of discomfort like pawing at the mouth or sudden appetite changes.
Monitor Saliva & Odor: Sudden drops in saliva production, unusual odor, or visible swelling can signal infection or gingival recession. Report these signs to your vet promptly.

💬 One Reddit user shared: “We used a finger brush dipped in peanut butter and it made brushing feel like a game. Our puppy loved it, and the vet said his teeth looked better than most adults.” (source)

Follow-Up Appointments and Progress Monitoring

Staying consistent with vet visits ensures your pup’s dental care stays on track — especially if they’ve had braces, surgical interventions, or are prone to plaque buildup.

Your vet will check:

Tooth movement (if appliances were used)
Gum healing and enamel strength
Changes in chewing patterns or appetite
Any need for further intervention or pain management support

Puppy Dental Products and Tools

Caring for your puppy’s teeth doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does need to be consistent. By using the right tools early, you can dramatically reduce the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and dental plaque buildup.

Here are some of the most effective dental products recommended by veterinary professionals:

Puppy Toothbrush Kit

A good brushing routine starts with a brush made for small mouths. Look for kits that include:

A soft-bristle toothbrush (or finger brush)
Enzymatic toothpaste (xylitol-free and flavored for pets)

➡️ Tip: Apply a small amount of peanut butter to the brush tip the first few times to build positive associations.

Puppy Dental Chews

Dental chews do more than entertain — they help remove plaque, stimulate saliva, and keep tooth enamel strong.

Choose chews that are:

Approved by your vet or carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal
Sized appropriately for small or toy-breed dogs

Dental Chew Toys

Not all chew toys support oral health — but the right ones do. Look for:

Textured surfaces that gently scrub plaque
Durable but soft materials like nylon or rubber
BPA-free and designed for teething puppies

➡️ Bonus: Freeze the toy or add a smear of vet-safe peanut butter for soothing relief during teething.

Additional At-Home Tools

Support your puppy’s dental hygiene with:

Oral antiseptic rinses for added bacteria control
Fluoride-based gel for strengthening enamel
Saliva-enhancing dental water additives
Finger brushes for puppies who resist traditional brushing

💬 One Reddit user said: “We keep a mini dental kit in our kitchen and use finger brushes every other night — it’s made our vet visits so much smoother.”

The Role of Nutrition in Puppy Dental Health

You already know your puppy’s food affects their energy, growth, and coat — but did you know it also plays a major role in their oral hygiene, tooth enamel strength, and even their appetite?

The right nutrients fuel tooth development, reduce gingivitis, and create an oral environment less friendly to bacteria.

Best Foods for Strong Puppy Teeth

Look for foods that are:

High in calcium and phosphorus — for bone and tooth enamel strength
Rich in vitamin A — supports healthy gum tissue and epithelial development
Made with quality protein sources — to reduce the risk of soft tissue inflammation and infection
Fortified with trace minerals like zinc and magnesium — help maintain healthy oral pH

🧠 Early 20th-century research found that puppies raised on low-nutrient diets developed brittle teeth and gum infections — but those fed liver, milk, and fresh vegetables had stronger tooth enamel and fewer oral issues.

🦴 Dry kibble can offer mild chewing resistance that scrapes off soft plaque — just make sure it’s age-appropriate and not too hard for teething pups.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can damage your puppy’s teeth or disrupt their oral bacteria balance. Avoid:

Sugary treats — spike bacterial growth and plaque accumulation
Overly hard items — like raw bones, which can fracture emerging teeth
Diets low in calcium or vitamin D — risk of tooth enamel defects
Human snacks containing xylitol, peanut skins, or excess salt — these can cause toxicity or dry the mouth

⚠️ Xylitol, found in sugar-free peanut butter and gum, is highly toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.

Balancing Homemade Diets

If you're making your puppy’s meals at home:

Work with your vet to ensure proper nutrient ratios
Use vet-approved multivitamins when needed
Monitor for signs of food allergy like gum swelling, inflammation, or changes in appetite

💡 Add a dental supplement or enzyme-enhanced dental chew to help keep oral bacteria in check between brushing.

💬 One pet owner said: “We switched to a soft-food rotation during teething, added dental chews every afternoon, and haven’t had a single bad vet report since.”

For tips on diet and dental health, visit this resource.

Owner’s Role in Puppy Orthodontic Care

Even the best veterinary care can only go so far without consistent, caring support from home. You play a crucial role in helping your puppy get comfortable with oral hygiene, brushing, and dental procedures.

A well-prepared puppy will:

Tolerate physical examinations calmly
Respond better to brushing and handling
Experience less fear during vet visits
Recover faster from any orthodontic treatment

Training Your Puppy for Dental Visits

Start early — ideally before your pup hits 12 weeks. Here's how:

Gently lift their lips daily and touch their gums with clean fingers
Introduce a finger toothbrush before a full brush
Use flavored paste (like peanut butter or poultry) to make brushing feel like a treat
Practice “mouth open” commands using positive reinforcement
Gradually increase how long you handle their mouth

Consistency is key — five minutes a day now can save hours of stress during a real procedure later.

Creating Positive Vet Experiences

Vet visits can trigger anxiety if not managed with care. To make them more enjoyable:

Bring your pup’s favorite toy or blanket
Use high-value treats during and after the visit
Speak calmly and avoid rushing the experience
Choose a vet who offers fear-free certification or specializes in pediatric dental care

💬 A Reddit user shared: “We brought our puppy’s chew toy and smeared peanut butter on it during the exam — he barely noticed the vet checking his teeth.”

For more info on how orthopedic care can benefit your pet, visit Animal Dental AZ.

Conclusion: The Importance of Puppy Orthodontic Evaluations

Puppy teeth may be small, but the impact of early dental care is huge. By scheduling evaluations at the right time and staying consistent with brushing, diet, and chewing routines, you’re helping your dog avoid future pain, surgery, and systemic issues caused by unchecked bacterial infections or dental disease.

At Simon Veterinary Surgical, we believe in treating the whole patient — not just their smile. We’re here to guide you from first checkup to lifelong oral wellness, with tools, products, and support every step of the way.

Take the first step today — schedule your puppy’s orthodontic evaluation, and explore our curated recommendations for:

Each one supports better oral hygiene, less plaque, and more tail wags.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is early dental assessment important for puppies?
It helps catch problems like misaligned teeth, bacterial buildup, and retained baby teeth before they cause pain, tooth decay, or expensive procedures.

What are the most common puppy dental issues?
Overcrowding, misalignment (malocclusion), and baby teeth that don’t fall out on time. These can lead to inflammation, infections, and even behavioral issues due to discomfort.

When should my puppy have their first dental evaluation?
Around 6 months of age, or earlier if you notice bad breath, chewing issues, or signs of pain. Flat-faced or small-breed puppies may need earlier intervention.

How do I start brushing my puppy’s teeth?
Use a puppy toothbrush kit with finger brushes and dog-safe toothpaste. Begin by gently handling their mouth and reward them with praise or treats after.

Are dental chews really effective?
Yes — the right enzyme-rich chews help reduce dental plaque, tartar, and improve saliva flow, especially between brushings or when teething.

What’s the cost of puppy dental care?
Initial evaluations can cost $300–$600. Treatments like braces or crown reductions may range from $1,000–$3,500. Pet insurance can offset much of this if started early.

Can poor oral hygiene affect my puppy’s overall health?
Absolutely. Untreated dental issues can lead to systemic infections, loss of appetite, chronic inflammation, and even heart or kidney strain in severe cases.

What if my puppy fears the vet?
Start dental handling early at home, bring comfort items, and work with a vet trained in low-stress care. Reinforce visits with rewards and calm routines.

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Puppy Orthodontic Evaluations