If you own a Pomeranian, their teeth are almost certainly in worse shape than you think — even if your dog is young, eats well, and seems perfectly happy. Small breeds like Poms are disproportionately prone to dental disease, and the consequences go far beyond bad breath. Understanding why their mouths need consistent, hands-on care could genuinely add years to your dog’s life.
What I’ve Learned With Sash
- Pomeranians are structurally predisposed to dental disease, and most owners don’t realise this until a vet bill arrives.
- Dental disease in Poms isn’t just a mouth problem — it can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
- There are practical, daily steps you can take at home that genuinely slow the progression of dental disease in small breeds.
Why Pomeranians Are So Vulnerable to Dental Problems
Sash has a mouth that looks impossibly tiny, and that’s exactly the problem. Pomeranians, like most toy breeds, have the same number of teeth as a large dog — 42 adult teeth — crammed into a jaw that simply wasn’t built to accommodate them comfortably. This overcrowding creates the perfect environment for plaque and tartar to accumulate at an accelerated rate.
According to the American Kennel Club, small and toy breeds are significantly more susceptible to periodontal disease than their larger counterparts. The spacing (or lack of it) between teeth means food, bacteria, and debris have nowhere to go except to sit along the gumline and cause damage.
Retained Baby Teeth: A Common Pom Problem
One issue specific to the breed is retained deciduous teeth — baby teeth that simply refuse to fall out when the adult teeth come in. I noticed this with Sash around the time her adult canines were erupting. She had what looked like double fangs on one side. It sounds cute; it isn’t. Retained teeth trap food and bacteria, cause adult teeth to erupt in the wrong position, and can lead to bite misalignment. A vet will typically recommend extraction if this happens, sooner rather than later.
Overcrowding and Bite Conformation
Beyond retained teeth, even dogs who lose their baby teeth on schedule often end up with crowded adult dentition. Teeth that sit too close together — or at angles — collect debris faster than a well-spaced set. This isn’t something you can fix at home; it’s structural. But it does mean your home care routine needs to be more consistent, not less, to compensate.
The Stages of Dental Disease in Dogs
Dental (periodontal) disease in dogs is classified in four stages by veterinary dental specialists. Most owners have no idea their dog has a problem until stage two or three, because dogs are stoic and don’t stop eating just because their mouth hurts.
| Stage | What’s Happening | Visible Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Gingivitis — gum inflammation, no bone loss | Red or swollen gums, slight bad breath |
| Stage 2 | Early periodontitis — up to 25% attachment loss | Visible tartar, persistent bad breath |
| Stage 3 | Moderate periodontitis — 25–50% attachment loss | Gum recession, possible tooth mobility |
| Stage 4 | Advanced periodontitis — over 50% attachment loss | Loose or missing teeth, possible jaw damage |
The insidious part is that stage one is entirely reversible with professional cleaning and a consistent home routine. By stage three or four, the damage is permanent. With Sash, I was fortunate that her first professional dental under anaesthetic caught early gingivitis — we course-corrected before it progressed.
Beyond the Mouth: Why This Matters for Their Overall Health
Here’s the part that really shifted my approach: dental disease doesn’t stay in the mouth. The bacteria that colonise infected gum tissue can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, kidneys, and liver. Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Jan Bellows has written extensively on the connection between periodontal disease and endocarditis — infection of the heart valves — in small breed dogs. Toy breeds already carry a higher baseline risk for heart disease, so adding a preventable bacterial source on top of that is a serious concern.
For anyone who wants a broader picture of the health challenges Poms face across their lifetime, the Pomeranian health section of this site covers the full spectrum — dental disease is just one piece of a complicated puzzle for this breed.
What an Effective Home Care Routine Actually Looks Like
I’ll be real: getting Sash comfortable with tooth brushing took weeks of patience and an embarrassing number of chicken-flavoured training treats. But it is achievable, and it makes a measurable difference.
Tooth Brushing
Daily brushing is the gold standard, and nothing else replaces it. Use a toothbrush designed for small dogs — the angled head matters when you’re trying to reach back molars in a tiny mouth — and always use a dog-specific toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains xylitol or fluoride, both of which are toxic to dogs. Start by letting your Pom lick the toothpaste off your finger for a few days before introducing the brush. Build up to full brushing gradually.
Dental Chews and Water Additives
These are adjuncts, not substitutes. Products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal have been independently tested for efficacy in reducing plaque and tartar. Not every dental chew on the market has earned that seal — check before you buy. Water additives can help between brushing sessions, though some Poms refuse to drink water that smells different, so introduce them slowly.
Dental Wipes
For days when brushing isn’t possible, dental wipes designed for dogs offer a reasonable backup. They won’t remove established tartar, but they do disrupt the bacterial film (plaque) on tooth surfaces before it hardens. I keep a pack in the car for when Sash and I travel.
Professional Cleanings Under Anaesthesia
Home care slows progression; it doesn’t replace professional treatment. Veterinary dental cleanings require general anaesthesia for a reason — your vet needs to scale below the gumline, probe each tooth, take dental X-rays, and address problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. “Anaesthesia-free” dental cleanings, which are offered by some groomers and pet shops, only address the visible tooth surface and provide a false sense of security. They’re not recommended by veterinary dental specialists.
How often your Pom needs a professional cleaning depends on their individual dental anatomy and how consistently you brush at home. Sash goes annually. Some Poms need it every six months.
Signs That Your Pomeranian’s Teeth Need Veterinary Attention Now
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing
- Yellow or brown buildup along the gumline
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing their face on furniture
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or loss of interest in eating
- Visible loose or missing teeth
- Excessive drooling, especially if new or unusual for your dog
If you spot any of these, book a vet appointment promptly. Don’t wait until the next routine check-up. Dental pain in dogs is real even when they’re not obviously crying out, and earlier intervention almost always means less damage and lower costs.
For a broader look at keeping your Pomeranian in good health across all body systems, the general health guides on this site are worth bookmarking as a practical ongoing resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Pomeranian’s teeth?
Daily brushing is the veterinary recommendation for small breeds like Pomeranians, who accumulate plaque faster than larger dogs. If daily isn’t achievable, aim for at least three to four times per week — but know that less frequent brushing does mean faster tartar buildup and a higher likelihood of needing more frequent professional cleanings.
At what age do Pomeranians start developing dental problems?
Dental disease can begin surprisingly early in Pomeranians. Gingivitis has been identified in dogs as young as one to two years old, particularly in toy breeds with overcrowded dentition. This is why establishing a brushing routine during puppyhood — before problems start — is far more effective than trying to manage disease once it’s set in.
Is it safe for my Pomeranian to have dental cleaning under anaesthesia?
For most healthy Pomeranians, professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia is considered safe when carried out by a qualified veterinarian with proper pre-anaesthetic bloodwork and monitoring. The risks of untreated dental disease — systemic bacterial infection, organ damage, chronic pain — typically outweigh the anaesthetic risk. Your vet will assess your individual dog’s health before proceeding.
Can dental disease in Pomeranians cause other health problems?
Yes. Bacteria from infected gum tissue can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. Toy breeds like Pomeranians already carry a higher genetic predisposition to heart disease, so preventing an additional bacterial burden through good dental care is genuinely important for their long-term health, not just their comfort.
What dental products are actually worth buying for a Pomeranian?
Look for products carrying the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal, which indicates independent evidence of efficacy in reducing plaque or tartar. This includes certain toothpastes, dental chews, and water additives. A small, angled toothbrush designed for toy breeds will also make daily brushing more effective than using a standard finger brush. Your vet can recommend specific products suited to your Pom’s individual needs.
Vet Note: The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and dental disease can progress differently depending on your Pomeranian’s individual health, genetics, and history. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before starting any new dental health routine, changing your dog’s care plan, or if you have concerns about your dog’s oral or general health.