Shih Tzu Teeth: Everything You Need to Know

Originally bred to be companions to Chinese emperors, Shih Tzus were introduced to North America during the 1940s by returning World War II soldiers. Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1969, Shih Tzus are a popular dog breed in the U.S., thanks to their affectionate nature and adaptability. Their compact size and affable personalities make them equally at home in urban apartments or boisterous suburban family homes. However, these adorable little fur balls are prone to a variety of health concerns, including dental health issues. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about Shih Tzu teeth.

What Kind of Teeth Do Shih Tzus Have?

The Shih Tzu has a heterodont set of teeth that includes incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Like all dog breeds, Shih Tzus are also diphyodonts. This means they grow two sets of teeth in their lifetime. A few weeks after they are born, a set of deciduous teeth, or milk teeth, will erupt, and these teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth after a few months.

Shih Tzu canine teeth are sharp and capable of piercing flesh. However, since Shih Tzus are not aggressive, they primarily use their canines for eating and playing. There are times when a Shih Tzu may accidentally nip a finger, especially when it is teething.

Teething

Teething refers to the emergence of deciduous (baby) teeth. Shih Tzu baby teeth emerge in stages. Their front teeth, called incisors, begin to erupt at three to four weeks of age. They are followed by the sharp, fang-like canine teeth at five to six weeks. Premolars, the first molar-like (molariform) teeth, begin to show at six weeks. The deciduous teeth, which number 28, do not include molars.

The deciduous teeth fall out as the permanent teeth begin to erupt. 

How Many Permanent Teeth Do Shih Tzus Have?

Despite their tiny mouths, adult Shih Tzus have 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. These teeth are arranged in single rows in the upper and lower jaws.

The Shih Tzu’s permanent incisors, or front teeth, emerge when the puppy is between three and five months old. Its permanent canine teeth, sharp and pointed, erupt at 4 to 6 months. Permanent premolars erupt by 4 to 5 months of age, and the molars erupt when the puppy is between 5 and 7 months old.

However, it is not uncommon for Shih Tzus to retain some of their baby teeth even after the permanent teeth are in place. In such cases, a veterinarian should remove the retained baby teeth.

What Do Shih Tzus Use Their Teeth For?

Shih Tzus use their incisors to groom their fur by nibbling to remove fleas, ticks, and tangles. This is a natural part of the dog’s self-grooming behavior, where the small, front incisor teeth act as precision tools for picking things out of its coat. 

Like all dog breeds, Shih Tzus have long, sharp canine teeth that they use for gripping toys, bones, and food. Because domesticated dogs are typically fed rather than hunting prey, they rarely use their canines for tearing food. Shih Tzus more often use their molars for crushing and grinding their food. Shih Tzus naturally love to chew, and if they lack appropriate toys, exercise, or mental stimulation, they may become destructive and chew on furniture or shoes.

Shih Tzus use their premolars for gripping food, while their molars break and grind food into smaller, more digestible pieces.

Common Dental Issues in Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus often experience dental issues due to overcrowding and misalignment. Fitting 42 teeth into their small jaws creates spaces where bacteria, plaque, and tartar can accumulate, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva that forms on teeth. When it is not controlled by brushing, plaque hardens into tartar, also called calculus, which can cause tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease.

Bacteria from tartar (hardened plaque) can enter the bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding gums. This bacterium may then travel throughout the body, potentially causing serious conditions such as inflammation and heart disease.

Although plaque can be controlled with regular brushing, once it has hardened into tartar, it requires professional dental cleaning.

An underbite, where the lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw, is a common trait in Shih Tzus. While it does not always cause problems, it requires regular monitoring. An underbite can result in poor contact between teeth, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, decay, and gum disease.