Maltese Dental Care: Preventing Tooth Loss in a Toy Breed

This article is part of our complete guide: Maltese Grooming and Companion Care. Read the full guide for coat care, daily routines, and companion advice.

Why Maltese Teeth Need Extra Attention

I'm Donna Connolly, and after years of raising Maltese alongside my Bullmastiffs and French Bulldogs here on our five acres in Monett, Missouri, I can tell you the one thing owners of toy breeds overlook most often: the mouth. A Maltese weighs only a few pounds, yet it has the same number of adult teeth as a dog many times its size. Those teeth sit in a very small jaw, so they are crowded, and crowded teeth trap food and plaque.

Dental disease is among the most common health problems veterinarians see in dogs, and small breeds are widely recognized as being especially prone to it. The good news is that much of it can be prevented with simple habits. Our family believes in putting our pets first, and that includes the parts of their care nobody sees until there is a problem.

How Tooth Loss Actually Happens

Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on teeth within hours of eating. If it is not removed, minerals in saliva harden it into tartar (calculus). Tartar is rough, so it collects even more plaque, and the bacteria irritate the gums. That early stage is called gingivitis and it is reversible. If it continues, infection works its way below the gumline and begins to damage the tissue and bone that hold the tooth in place. That is periodontal disease, and it is the main reason dogs lose teeth.

The roots of small-breed teeth are short, and the bone around them is thin, so there is little margin for damage. Bad breath is often the first sign, and many owners write it off as "dog breath." It isn't normal. You can read more about periodontal disease in dogs at the Merck Veterinary Manual and on the VCA Animal Hospitals website.

Signs of Trouble to Watch For

• Persistent bad breath that doesn't fade after brushing or a chew.
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially along the gumline.
• Yellow or brown tartar on the back teeth, which are the first to build up.
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, or suddenly preferring soft food.
• Pawing at the mouth or pulling away when you touch the face.
• Loose or missing teeth and drooling that is new for your dog.

Maltese are stoic little dogs and often hide discomfort. By the time one stops eating, the problem has usually been going on a long time, so I check mouths weekly.

Daily Brushing: The Gold Standard

Veterinary dental experts generally agree that brushing is the single most effective thing you can do at home. Ideally it is done daily, though even a few times a week is better than nothing. Here is how I introduce it to a puppy:

• Use dog toothpaste only. Human toothpaste can contain ingredients, such as xylitol, that are dangerous for dogs.
• Start with a taste. Let your puppy lick a little paste off your finger for a few days.
• Add a finger brush or soft toothbrush. A small, soft-bristled brush suits a Maltese mouth well.
• Brush the outer surfaces in small circles at the gumline, focusing on the back teeth and the big upper ones.
• Keep sessions short and happy. Thirty seconds and a bit of praise is plenty at first.

Because our Maltese are tiny and sit in a lap so naturally, I brush while they relax on my knee, much like I do during grooming. If you're building a full routine, my Maltese grooming and companion care guide shows how I fit this into the daily schedule. The face is also where tear staining and wet beard hair collect, and keeping that clean helps comfort around the mouth too.

Chews, Diets, and Products: Choose Carefully

Dental chews and special diets can help slow plaque, but they don't replace brushing. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards a seal to products that have shown plaque or tartar control in testing; looking for that seal is a sensible way to cut through marketing claims.

• Avoid very hard items such as bones, antlers, and hard nylon. Hard objects can fracture teeth, and toy breeds have small teeth with little room for error.
• Size matters. Pick chews made for small dogs and supervise every time, since a Maltese can choke on pieces that are too large.
• Count the calories. Chews are treats, and a small dog gains weight quickly.
• Ask your vet before using water additives or gels, so you know they suit your dog.

Professional Cleanings Matter

Even with great home care, most Maltese will eventually need a professional cleaning. A proper dental cleaning is done under general anesthesia so the vet can scale above and below the gumline, polish the teeth, and take dental X-rays. Much of the disease is hidden beneath the gums, so cleaning without anesthesia, which only touches the visible surface, can give a false sense of security. The American Veterinary Medical Association and veterinary dental groups have long advised against anesthesia-free scaling for that reason.

Anesthesia in a healthy small dog is generally very safe when it is monitored well, and your vet will often recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork. Ask how your clinic monitors small patients. How often your dog needs cleanings depends on the individual; many toy breeds start around two to three years old, but your vet will tell you what suits yours.

Puppy Teeth and Retained Baby Teeth

Puppies lose their baby teeth and get adult teeth at roughly four to seven months old. Toy breeds are notorious for retained deciduous teeth, where a baby tooth stays in place while the adult tooth comes in beside it. The two crowd each other and trap food, which speeds up decay. If you see two teeth in one spot after about seven months, ask your vet. They often suggest removing the baby tooth during a spay or neuter so your puppy only needs one anesthetic.

Starting good habits early also helps with training and handling. Our puppies are used to having their mouths touched before they leave us, and I always encourage new owners to continue. If you are working on potty habits and routines at the same time, see our step-by-step Maltese housebreaking guide.

Whole-Dog Health and Choosing a Breeder

Oral health affects the whole dog. Bacteria from a diseased mouth can enter the bloodstream, and veterinarians associate severe dental disease with problems for organs such as the heart and kidneys. Genetics and jaw structure play a role too, which is one more reason to buy from a breeder who is open about health. Our guide to living with the aristocratic Maltese covers more about everyday life with the breed.

Keeping a dog healthy is part of the stewardship our family takes seriously. It's the same care we've given dogs on this farm for decades, as I describe in 30 Years on 5 Acres in Monett.

When to Call Your Vet

Call your vet promptly if you notice a swollen face or jaw, bleeding from the mouth, a broken or loose tooth, refusal to eat, or severe bad breath along with lethargy. A dog that can't eat or is in obvious pain shouldn't wait for the next routine visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my Maltese's teeth?

Daily is ideal, since plaque starts hardening into tartar within a few days. If daily isn't realistic, brush as often as you can and talk to your vet about the rest of your plan.

Is it normal for a Maltese to lose teeth?

Puppies lose baby teeth, which is normal. Adult tooth loss, however, usually signals periodontal disease and is something to address with your vet rather than accept as a part of aging.

Are dental chews enough?

No. They can be a helpful addition, but brushing and regular veterinary exams do more. Choose size-appropriate chews, preferably ones with the VOHC seal, and supervise.

Can I use human toothpaste?

No. Use toothpaste made for dogs, since some human products contain ingredients that are harmful if swallowed.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not veterinary advice; please consult your veterinarian about your dog's individual needs.