Dogs have an estimated bite force of around 250 to 325 (PSI). That can get even higher depending on the breed, like the Cane Corso that has 700 PSI. Meanwhile, despite the American Pit Bull Terrier having a bad rap, they only have 235 PSI which is far from the strongest bites out there.
Yet despite their teeth being incredibly strong, you have to know that they’re fragile at the same time.
Want to know more about dog teeth? All the answers you need will be served through this in-depth article.
Are Dog Teeth Stronger than Human Teeth?
It depends on what we base the strength of your dog’s teeth on. When it comes to biting, then dogs have the advantage in comparison to an average human bite force that’s only around 162 PSI.
However, when it comes to the teeth structure, dogs have it slightly worse. A study shows that their enamel is thinner than that of a human’s teeth. With that, proper care is needed to keep your dog’s teeth healthy throughout their life.
Since pooches naturally have this desire to chew on things, you, as their parent, should monitor what they put in their mouth. From the typical toys they play with to the treats you give them, be sure to only give them hazard-free items.
You may also want to read: How to Teach Dogs Not to Destroy Toys: A Guide to Proper Behavior
Can Bad Teeth Kill Your Dog?
Bad teeth can pave the way for more serious health risks or they’re simply an indicator that something else is going on with your dog’s body. Either way, if the teeth of your dog are in a bad condition, leaving them untreated can entail other consequences.
For example, one common medical problem that may strike a dog is a periodontal disease. The WSAVA says that this is linked to endocarditis, a heart disease. This can prove to be even more fatal if your pooch has advanced gum disease.
The explanation behind this is that both the periodontal disease and the endocarditis have similar bacteria present in the area.
9 Dogs That Have the Best Teeth
Wondering which dog breeds have the best set? Well, there are over 200 canines recognized by the AKC, but only a few have teeth that won’t cause so much trouble.
Choosing the right four-legged companion is not easy, especially since we’re bombarded by a lot of designer dogs plus the other adorable purebred pups. As you know, some are genetically predisposed to having oral issues like those small dogs that can’t fit all 42 teeth inside their mouth.
Not to mention those brachycephalic breeds like Pugs that are prone to having teeth issues.
So, which dogs have the best teeth? Here’s the list:
1. Vizsla.
2. Newfoundland.
3. Siberian Husky.
4. Golden Retriever.
5. German Shepherd.
6. Labrador Retriever.
7. Doberman Pinscher.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer.
All the dogs mentioned have higher chances of having their teeth preserved by just having them regularly brushed and cleaned with the help of dental treats and good nutrition as well.
Dogs That Have the Sharpest Teeth
Surely, it is interesting to know which dog breeds have a strong bite as well. These are the canines that possess sharp teeth and massively powerful jaws. Know what these are through this list:
1. Kangal.
2. Rottweiler.
3. Cane Corso.
4. Leonberger.
5. Siberian Husky.
6. English Mastiff.
7. Dogo Argentino.
8. Pitbull-type dogs.
9. German Shepherd.
10. American bulldog.
You may be interested to read: Cane Corso vs Jaguar: Who’s the Underdog?
4 Things That Are Harmful to Your Dog’s Teeth
The last thing you’d want your dog to experience is having bad teeth. It’s highly detrimental to their health, more so if it’s left untreated. By properly checking on what they do, especially during playtime, you’re saving them from things that most dog owners don’t realize can be harmful to their dog’s teeth.
Be sure to watch out for these 4 things:
1. Nylon Bones
Nylon bones are manufactured to be harder than a dog’s teeth. Though the primary reason for this may be to cater to heavy chewers, it remains a highly non-ideal toy for any dog breed.
Toys like this that are harder than the actual teeth can cause fractures when chewed on.
2. Tennis Balls
Your pooch may be one of those that go gaga at the sight of tennis balls. But, this fun item can end up becoming the exact reason why your dog’s teeth’s health is declining. Make sure your pooch doesn’t chew on a tennis ball to help preserve the healthy lining of his enamel.
3. Ice Cubes
Believe it or not, some dogs would happily accept an ice cube from their human companions. Unfortunately, these would also cause fractures to their delicate teeth. Ice cubes, especially the ones frozen longer in the fridge can be too hard for anyone, especially small canines.
4. Pig Ears
Pig ears are point-blank, one of the unhealthiest and unsafe dog treats sold worldwide. These contain a high amount of fat which can cause an upset stomach in a sensitive dog or these can be carriers of bacteria that can affect the teeth.
Aside from that, chewers may bite off a huge chunk and swallow it all. This may result in choking which must be treated seriously right away.
Reading tip: Dog Treats That Are Bad For Dogs and 8 Natural Healthy Treats You Can Give Them
Do Dog Owners Brush Their Dogs’ Teeth Often?
Dog owners don’t brush their dogs’ teeth as often as you’d imagine. Despite this routine being advocated worldwide, such a process can be daunting as some dogs may exhibit uncooperativeness.
Ipsos has found out that although 95% of pet owners brush their teeth daily, only 8% of them commit to cleaning their dogs’ teeth. This may have been a contributing factor as to why 80% of the dogs aged over 3 years old have a dental disease as stated by the VCA.
4 Ways to Make Your Dog’s Teeth Stronger
1. Give them chew toys or dental treats: Chew toys or dental treats are a fun way of helping your dog remove their tartar and even plaque build-up. Not only would these soothe your puppy’s teething pain but as well as serve as a mental stimulation that would satisfy their natural urge to bite and gnaw.
2. Use some dental spray: Dental sprays are the best alternative for dogs that don’t like to stay still whilst getting their teeth brushed. Products like this eliminate bad breath as well as lower the amount of tartar and plaque.
3. Bring them to regular veterinary cleanings: Get your dog’s teeth checked regularly by a veterinarian. Vets will be able to identify if there are any onset of oral issues that need treatment immediately.
4. Brush their teeth using tasty toothpaste: Use only canine-appropriate toothpaste as human toothpaste contains toxic chemicals like fluoride. Dog toothpaste, on the other hand, may taste like chicken or beef so dogs would love the entire process of having their teeth brushed.
