Boston Terriers are a popular smaller breed of dog, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. However, many people don’t realize that Boston Terriers also have a high incidence of malocclusions or misaligned teeth. As a Boston Terrier owner for many years, I can confirm this is true.
Also known as malocclusion, underbites are a common issue in Boston Terriers. The condition is mostly related to genetics. Not only can it create difficulty for the dog in eating and drinking, but if not treated, the problem can exacerbate into more complex dental issues.
If you’re curious to learn what causes Boston Terrier underbites, how dangerous it is for the breed, and what you can do about it, among getting other information, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading, and you will have all your concerns addressed on the underbite in the Boston Terrier breed.
What are Underbites in Dogs?
Underbites in dogs are often called “reverse scissor bites.” This is because the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth in the opposite direction of a normal bite. Underbites can be mild, moderate, or severe. They’re relatively common in certain dog breeds and can also be caused by misalignment of the teeth or jaw or by injury.
Underbites can cause a number of problems for dogs. For one, it can be difficult for them to eat and chew properly. In severe cases, it can also lead to difficulty breathing too.
Do Boston Terriers Have Underbites?
Yes, they can have it. Underbites, a malocclusion type, are common in Boston Terriers. An underbite can cause difficulty eating and drinking and may also lead to gum disease.
If you suspect that your Boston Terrier is suffering from underbites, you have multiple treatment options to choose, depending on the complexity of the condition. You’ll study them later in the guide.
Now that you know that Boston Terriers do have underbites, it is time to study some indications that your dog is faced with the problem:
How Can I Tell That My Boston Terrier has Underbites?
There are a few ways that you can tell if your Boston Terrier has underbites. The simplest way is to look at their teeth. If their bottom teeth protrude past their top teeth, they most likely have underbites.
Another way to tell is by looking at their lower jaw. If their lower jaw is shorter than their upper jaw, they also have underbites. Finally, you can tell by looking at their nose. If their nose is pushed up and their nostrils flared, they have underbites.
As your Boston Terrier gets older, you may notice that their underbite begins to worsen. While this is not necessarily a cause for alarm, it is something that you should keep an eye on. If your dog’s underbite begins to significantly worsen, it could lead to problems with eating and drinking. When you do notice that your Boston Terrier is facing difficulty eating or drinking, contact your veterinarian right away.
What Can Lead to Underbites in Boston Terriers?
There are a number of different factors that can contribute to underbites in Boston Terriers. Some explanations include:
Genetics
Underbites in Boston Terriers mostly occur for genetic reasons. If your dog’s parents or grandparents had an underbite, there’s a good chance your dog will too.
Poor Nutrition
A lack of certain nutrients in your dog’s diet can lead to an underbite. For example, a deficiency in calcium can cause the teeth to grow improperly and lead to an underbite.
Misalignment
This is another common cause of underbites in Boston Terriers. If your dog’s teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause an underbite.
Bad habits
Some dogs develop underbites due to bad habits, such as sucking on their lower lip or tongue.
Injury
If your dog has suffered an injury to its jaw, it can cause an underbite.
Dental disease
Dental disease is another common cause of underbites in Boston Terriers. If your dog has periodontal disease or other dental problems, it can lead to an underbite.
Tumors
Tumors in the mouth can also cause an underbite.
Health Risks Associated With Underbites Among Boston Terriers
Underbites in Boston Terriers can lead to some serious health issues. Here are some health risks associated with underbites among Boston Terriers:
Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing: If your dog has an underbite, it may have difficulty swallowing or chewing properly. Problems such as choking, gagging, or regurgitating food may then become inevitable
Excessive Buildup of Tartar and Calculus: Because underbites can make it difficult for dogs to properly clean their teeth, they are more prone to developing tartar and calculus buildup. This can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems.
May Cause Oronasal Fistula: In extreme cases, an underbite can cause the formation of an oronasal fistula. The condition refers to a hole that forms between the dog’s mouth and nose and can become infected.
Trauma to gums, cheeks, palate, and other teeth: A dog with an underbite is more likely to suffer from trauma to the gums, cheeks, palate, and other teeth. Misalignment of the teeth is often the major reason for these dental complications. On top of that, teeth misalignment may alsocause the dog to bite down hard on its own tissue.
Treatment for Boston Terrier Underbites
Here are some treatment options for Boston Terrier Underbites:
Movement of Secondary Teeth: The most common treatment for Boston Terrier underbites is the movement of secondary teeth. Under this treatment, active or passive force is applied to teeth to correct their position or eruption angle. The aim is to usher a more comfortable bite.
Crown Modification: Another treatment option for Boston Terrier underbites is crown modification. The technique alters and shortens crowns to prevent the tooth from causing trauma. It moves the teeth to their correct positions.
Extraction of Teeth: If the underbite is severe, it may be necessary to extract one or more teeth. Tooth extraction is a last resort after other treatment options have failed.
Interceptive Orthodontics: Interceptive orthodontics is a treatment option that involves extraction, shifting, and shortening of teeth, so they precisely fit like a puzzle, not hurting the dig anymore.
Conclusion
Boston Terriers are known for their adorable underbites. But many people don’t know that there can be some health risks associated with this feature. Now that you possess deep insights into Boston Terrier underbites, including the potential health risks of the condition underbite and how you can address the problem, you should find yourself in a much better position to take care of your furry friend. We genuinely hope you find this information helpful!