Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tooth resorption types and rates in small-breed dogs
By Bae, Jinhee et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2025·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence and classification of tooth resorption in small-breed dogs: A retrospective study using full-mouth intraoral radiographs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that tooth resorption (TR), a painful dental condition, is common in small-breed dogs, especially in older ones. The most affected teeth were the premolars, and Maltese dogs were particularly prone to this issue. As dogs age, the likelihood of TR increases, making it important for veterinarians to carefully evaluate older small dogs' teeth using dental X-rays. If your dog is showing signs of dental pain or has missing teeth, it’s a good idea to discuss tooth resorption with your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
People also search for: dog tooth resorption symptoms · Maltese dental problems · dental X-rays for dogs · small breed dog tooth pain · tooth extraction in older dogs
Abstract
Tooth resorption (TR) is a clinically significant dental condition in dogs; however, its classification and prevalence, particularly in small breeds, remain understudied despite its impact on quality of life. This retrospective study aimed to assess and classify the types of TR in small-breed dogs and investigate associations between TR and factors such as sex, skull type, body weight, number of missing teeth, TR type, breed, and age. Dental radiographs of 248 dogs weighing less than 15 kg, examined over a three-year period, were included in this study. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the associations between the examined variables and TR. The most common type of resorption was external replacement resorption (ERR), followed by external inflammatory resorption (EIR). Significant associations were found among age, number of missing teeth, and total TR (p < 0.01). In addition, the prevalence of ERR and EIR increased with age (p < 0.01). The rate of TR was significantly higher in premolars than in incisors, canines, and molars (p < 0.001). Maltese dogs showed a significantly higher prevalence of TR (p < 0.05), particularly ERR (p < 0.05), than other breeds. The TR rate increased significantly in dogs aged 9-11 years, 12-15 years, and over 15 years. Given the high prevalence of TR in older small-breed dogs, particularly in premolars and breeds such as Maltese, clinicians should exercise caution during tooth extraction. Thorough radiographic evaluation is recommended to accurately assess the extent of resorption, especially in older dogs and predisposed breeds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40374100/