Teeth are crucial for your dog’s good health, so taking proper care of them is a responsibility that cannot and should not be taken lightly.
While one of the most important things in understanding how to maintain your Jack Russell’s dental care is knowing just how many teeth dogs have, there are also other factors, such as size, shape, and hardness that you also need to know and understand in order to best care for your pooch.
How Many Teeth Do Jack Russells Have?
The number of teeth a Jack Russell changes with age. They have 28 deciduous teeth (milk teeth) which appear 2 – 3 weeks after birth. The deciduous teeth will fall out 8 to 10 weeks later and at 6 months old, a Jack Russell will end up with a total of 42 adult permanent teeth which includes 12 Incisors, 4 Canines, 16 Premolars, and 10 Molars.
12 Incisors
Incisors are the small teeth in the front of your dog’s mouth. These strong teeth are prominent and crucial to your dog’s function. They help him tear meat from bones and act as a fulcrum when he swings his snout side-to-side while grooming. Dogs have twelve incisors, six on the top and 6 at the bottom of their mouths.
4 Canines
The canine teeth are the sharp pointed teeth on either side of the mouth. These teeth are used to hold or grip an item, for instance, a bone. They are also used for puncturing and tearing flesh.
16 Premolars
Your dog’s premolars live behind his canines in the upper and lower jaws. These teeth do a lot of work, helping to crunch, tear, and crush anything from hard bones to dry kibble. As he ages, his premolars could become worn down or even break. Brushing and regular veterinary care will keep them in good shape so he can chew all the things.
10 Molars
Molars are second in size only to your dog’s canines. But they’re definitely cut from a different cloth: molars are huge teeth that are covered in hard enamel. They’re designed to be used for grinding and chewing.
Jack Russell Teeth Diagram
A Jack Russell teeth diagram is a chart that shows all of its types of teeth, including their names and the place where they are found. Usually, this chart is split into two parts, upper and lower jaws.
Taking care of your Jack Russell’s Teeth
Even when your four-legged pal has all of their teeth, it’s still very important to brush them on a daily basis. Your dog’s dental health is just as important as your own and should be one of the things you take care of on a regular basis, especially since it’s not something your pup can do for himself.
1.) Brush your Jack Russell’s Teeth
Brushing your Jack Russell’s teeth is an important thing to do in order to ensure that his/her mouth is clean.
Every time you brush, pay special attention to the back molars because they are where bad breath comes from. With regular brushing, however, this can be easily solved and prevented.
Also, brushing isn’t just for preventing bad breath; it also helps remove plaque and tartar that cause bacteria in their mouths.
2.) Use a Dog Toothpaste
A great way to go about caring for your pup’s teeth is to use dog toothpaste. This kind of toothpaste is specifically designed for dogs and it won’t cause any harm to your pet.
As a matter of fact, you may find that your dog starts to look forward to brushing their teeth because they love the taste of their toothpaste.
We recommend Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste.
3.) Buy a Dog Toothbrush
One of the most important things to remember about brushing your dog’s teeth is that it needs to be done correctly. This means using either a finger brush or toothbrush made specifically for dogs. There are several varieties of toothbrushes, so just make sure you select one that feels comfortable in the palm of your hand.
We recommended the Virbac C.E.T. Pet Toothbrush.
4.) Use Treats or Doggie Bones
In addition to brushing their teeth, you can use dog treats or bones on a daily basis to keep their teeth and gums healthy. These are both great ways to help keep their mouths clean.
Treats work great because they’re fun for your pup and can be used for a wide variety of different things. Dog bones should also be small enough so that they don’t cause harm while being chewed on.
5.) Visit your Vet
Dental hygienists are great at keeping your dog’s teeth healthy, but they won’t be able to eliminate all the tartar and bad breath that he’s accumulated during his life. If your dog is suffering from bad breath, don’t hesitate to take him in for a check-up with his vet.
Plaque and tartar can be removed, as well as any cavities.
How often should you Brush your Jack Russell’s Teeth?
There are really no hard and fast rules as to when you should brush your dog’s teeth and how often, but the vast majority of professional Jack Russell breeders say that it should be done at least twice a week.
Also, remember that the longer you wait between brushes, the more difficult it is going to be to get rid of plaque and tartar, so just do it.
Conclusion
Having a Jack Russell is a wonderful experience for the entire family, but their teeth are important to take care of. And since they have 42 teeth that need regular brushing, this is something that may seem like a never-ending endeavor.
That said, it’s important to realize that your pup’s dental health will be directly related to how well you take care of them. So if you want them to have a clean mouth where no bacteria grow, all you need to do is maintain their oral hygiene on a regular basis.
