Dachshund Teeth

Harvey was never a chewer of furniture, but give him a crunchy treat and you’d hear that satisfying snap echo through the house. It was only when I leaned in one day and caught a whiff of his breath that I realised how much work dachshund teeth really need. Like many owners, we’d been brushing less than we should have and it showed.

Dental health is often overlooked in dachshunds, but it’s critical. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, more than 80% of dogs develop dental disease by age three, and small breeds like dachshunds are at even higher risk. Plaque, tartar, gum disease, and even tooth loss aren’t just mouth problems, they can lead to pain, infections, and systemic health issues.

With their compact jaws and tendency to develop tartar quickly, dachshunds need a proactive approach to oral care. It’s not just about fresh breath, it’s about adding years of comfort and health to their lives.

Like all dogs, dachshunds start life with 28 puppy teeth, which are eventually replaced by 42 adult teeth around 4–6 months of age. In theory, this is the same as a Labrador or a German Shepherd — but the difference is jaw size. Dachshunds have narrow, elongated jaws that often leave their teeth crowded together, with very little room between them.

This unique anatomy creates a perfect storm for dental disease:

• Crowding – Tight spaces trap food particles that are difficult to clean naturally through chewing.
  
  
• Malocclusion (misaligned teeth) – Uneven wear can crack or loosen teeth over time.
  
  
• Plaque buildup – Bacteria multiply faster in crowded areas, leading to tartar.
  
  
• Retained puppy teeth – Some dachshunds fail to shed all of their baby teeth, compounding the overcrowding problem.
  
  

According to PetMD, small breeds like dachshunds are two to three times more likely to develop periodontal disease compared to larger breeds. This isn’t because owners neglect them, it’s because their mouths are predisposed to problems.

When Harvey’s adult teeth came in, our vet gave us a blunt truth: “He’ll need lifelong dental care, not just occasional brushing.” It wasn’t about bad habits, it was about breed anatomy.

Dachshunds can experience all the usual canine dental problems, but a few stand out as especially common for the breed.

1. Plaque & Tartar
   
   
2. • Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms within hours after eating.
     
     
   • If not brushed away, it hardens into tartar within a couple of days.
     
     
   • Once tartar sets in, only a professional dental cleaning can remove it.
     
     
2. Gingivitis
   
   
3. • The first stage of gum disease.
     
     
   • Signs include red, swollen gums that may bleed when touched.
     
     
   • At this stage, brushing can still reverse damage if done consistently.
     
     
3. Periodontal Disease
   
   
4. • Advanced gum disease where infection spreads below the gumline.
     
     
   • Causes tooth loosening, bone loss, and significant pain.
     
     
   • Untreated periodontal disease can spread bacteria into the bloodstream, affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
     
     
4. Retained Puppy Teeth
   
   
5. • Some dachshunds don’t lose all their baby teeth.
     
     
   • Crowding worsens as adult teeth erupt alongside puppy teeth.
     
     
   • Often requires vet removal to prevent infection and malocclusion.
     
     
5. Broken or Worn Teeth
   
   
6. • Caused by chewing on very hard objects (bones, antlers, rocks).
     
     
   • Painful fractures expose tooth pulp, sometimes requiring extraction.
     
     
6. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
   
   
7. • More than just unpleasant — it’s usually a sign of infection, plaque, or underlying disease.
     
     
   • Chronic bad breath should always prompt a dental check.
     
     

One of the biggest challenges with dachshund dental disease is that dogs rarely show obvious pain until the condition is advanced. They may still eat, chew, and play while hiding discomfort. Early signs are subtle:

• Slight odor
  
  
• Yellowing at the gumline
  
  
• Occasional pawing at the mouth
  
  
• Preference for softer foods
  
  

By the time teeth are loose or falling out, disease has usually been present for months, if not years.

When Harvey was three, his breath gave away what brushing alone hadn’t controlled: tartar had set in. We thought because he happily crunched kibble, everything was fine — but the smell told a different story. After a professional cleaning, his appetite improved, his mood lifted, and that sluggishness we’d chalked up to “getting older” disappeared. It was a reminder that dental health doesn’t just affect the mouth — it affects the whole body.

Dental problems in dachshunds aren’t inevitable — but prevention requires consistency. The good news is that daily habits, combined with occasional professional care, can dramatically reduce the risk of disease. When Harvey had his first dental cleaning at age three, our vet told us something that stuck: “If you brushed his teeth as often as you brush your own, he’d likely never need another deep cleaning.” While daily brushing is ambitious, it reminded us that frequency matters more than intensity.

Brushing is the single most effective way to keep plaque from hardening into tartar.

• Start young – Introduce brushing in puppyhood to normalise it.
  
  
• Dog-safe toothpaste only – Human toothpaste is toxic to dogs (often contains xylitol).
  
  
• Soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush – Small heads fit better in dachshund mouths.
  
  
• Frequency – Aim for daily, but at least 3x per week to make a real difference.
  
  
• Technique – Focus on the outer surfaces of teeth where plaque accumulates most.
  
  

When Harvey was resistant at first, we introduced brushing slowly — letting him lick toothpaste off the brush, then gradually working up to short sessions.

Chews help reduce plaque between brushings, but not all are created equal.

• VOHC-approved chews – Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal for proven benefit.
  
  
• Avoid very hard chews – Antlers, hooves, and hard bones risk tooth fractures.
  
  
• Rubber chew toys – KONGs and dental toys can massage gums while providing play.
  
  
• Use treats wisely – Low-calorie dental sticks are best; high-fat versions add to obesity risk.
  
  

Even with perfect home care, most dachshunds will eventually need a professional cleaning.

• Scaling under anesthesia – The only way to remove hardened tartar below the gumline.
  
  
• X-rays – Detect hidden tooth root or bone damage.
  
  
• Extractions – Severely infected or broken teeth may need removal.
  
  

Most vets recommend cleanings every 1–2 years depending on individual risk. Small breeds like dachshunds often need them more frequently.

Diet plays a subtle but important role in dental health.

• Kibble vs wet food – While not a substitute for brushing, dry kibble reduces plaque buildup compared to soft wet food.
  
  
• Dental diets – Some prescription foods are designed to scrape teeth while chewing.
  
  
• Additives – Water additives or dental powders can help slow plaque formation.
  
  
• Avoid sugary human foods – These accelerate dental decay and weight gain.
  
  

The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that feeding diets designed for dental care can reduce tartar accumulation by up to 40%.

Weekly checks can catch early issues before they become painful.

1. Lift your dachshund’s lip gently.
   
   
2. Look for redness along the gumline or yellow-brown buildup.
   
   
3. Check for missing or broken teeth.
   
   
4. Smell the breath — a foul odor is an early warning sign.
   
   

Brushing Harvey’s teeth has become part of our weekly rhythm — not every day, but enough to make a difference. We use a soft finger brush and a chicken-flavored dog toothpaste he actually enjoys. Once brushing became routine, we noticed his gums looked healthier, his breath improved, and his last vet check was tartar-free. The trick wasn’t perfection, but consistency.

Weekly checks help catch problems early.

1. Lift the lip and check for redness or swelling.
   
   
2. Look for yellow or brown tartar near the gumline.
   
   
3. Note any missing or broken teeth.
   
   
4. Smell the breath — foul odor often signals infection.
   
   

When Harvey dropped food from his mouth during dinner, we discovered a cracked molar. Without that observation, we may not have noticed until infection set in.

Dental prevention isn’t about choosing one method — it’s about combining them. A little brushing, some VOHC-approved chews, an annual check-up, and mindful diet together keep dachshund mouths far healthier than relying on any one approach.

Our journey with Harvey’s teeth taught us that prevention isn’t about one “big fix”, it’s about lots of small habits. Brushing three times a week, checking his gums weekly, and booking professional cleanings every couple of years have been far easier than dealing with tooth extractions or chronic bad breath. Most importantly, it means he eats, plays, and chews happily which, for a dachshund, is the heart of their joy.

When Harvey was a puppy, our vet warned us to watch for retained baby teeth — and sure enough, one molar didn’t fall out properly. In adulthood, tartar became the main challenge, and by senior years, we know we’ll need to adapt his food if chewing becomes difficult. Each stage brings different risks, but the principle stays the same: prevention early, consistency always.

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Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.