Why brachycephalic dog breeds face unique dental issues

Brachycephalic breeds have shortened skulls and facial structures, yet the same number of teeth as other dogs. This mismatch between tooth number and available space affects how teeth erupt and align, and forces them into crowded, compressed positions within the jaw.

This overcrowding creates an environment where natural cleaning is less effective, and even regular home care can struggle to prevent buildup. As Dr Bec Tucker explains, “We often see that the teeth rotate and almost stack on top of each other, which traps plaque, hair and food and speeds up periodontal disease.”

Brachycephalic dogs are more likely to develop periodontal disease at a younger age, and the damage tends to progress quickly. Gum recession, bone loss and infection are common, and many cases end up needing extractions or specialist dental care.

Are some brachycephalic breeds more susceptible to certain dental issues than others? They are. “I would say that pugs are probably the worst for gum and periodontal disease. They seem to be more significantly affected than other brachycephalics,” says Dr Bec. Their extreme dental crowding and jaw shape are thought to make plaque buildup harder to manage, increasing the risk of earlier and more severe disease.

And then there’s Boxers. “Boxers are very prone to gingival overgrowth. Brachycephalics are overrepresented, and we think it may be in part because they’re mouth breathing and getting drier gums, which contributes to irritation,” explains Dr Bec.

There are also some variations that can affect how much trauma a dog experiences from an underbite. In dogs with a very pronounced underbite, such as English Bulldogs, the jaws can be so offset that the teeth and soft tissues no longer make damaging contact. In contrast, dogs with a milder underbite, like Shih Tzus, are more likely to experience tooth-on-tissue trauma because the teeth and gums still meet at awkward angles, often requiring early intervention to prevent ongoing injury.

While we have detailed a significant number of issues that brachycephalic breeds can be extremely susceptible to, they can still live happy, normal lives with great oral health when cared for properly. Early dental assessment is critical for simpler, less invasive intervention and preventing ongoing damage. “When they’re getting their permanent teeth, it’s a really good idea for primary care vets to count them, and if any are missing, they should be radiographed to make sure they’re not impacted,” says Dr Tucker.

With malocclusions so common, addressing traumatic tooth contact early is crucial to avoid ongoing pain and oral injury. “If there’s trauma from the way the jaws and teeth are sitting, we can’t change the jaw length, but we can remove or reshape teeth to make sure they’re comfortable and prevent further damage,” explains Dr Bec.

For owners, the most proactive care you can offer, aside from regular checkups and professional cleaning, is home care. Getting your dog used to tooth brushing early makes a real difference later. It not only helps them accept the routine behaviourally, but also keeps plaque under control, reducing the risk of dental disease. For brachycephalic breeds, that means fewer dental surgeries, which is a major benefit given their higher risk of complications with anaesthesia. Good home care can spare them a lot of intervention over their lifetime.