Boxers are known for their unique underbites, but the same things that make them special can also cause them to grind their teeth. Understanding the underlying cause of their teeth grinding is essential for helping them find relief.
Boxer Dog Grinding Teeth
Why do Boxer dogs grind their teeth? The most common reason that boxers grind their teeth is due to the shape of their mouth. Boxers have undershot bites, which means their teeth line up incorrectly.
This causes them to touch and grind more easily. If your boxer is grinding its teeth and you want to know more about the reason for it, read on.
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Reasons Why Boxer Dogs Grind Their Teeth
Boxers can grind their teeth for many reasons. If you intend to seek help for the problem, you will need to determine the underlying cause.
1. Undershot Bite
Boxers have an undershot bite which means the bottom teeth stick out past the top teeth. This means the teeth can touch certain areas, which can make grinding easier.
2. Malocclusion
Some boxers have malocclusion, which means their jaws are not the same size, so their teeth cannot line up properly and are more likely to touch and grind in different areas.
3. Stress or Anxiety
Many boxers grind their teeth when they feel stressed or anxious. It can also be done out of boredom or as a way to stay calm and even fall asleep.
4. Tooth or Gum Issues
If your boxer has tooth or gum issues, it could be grinding its teeth for relief.
If a boxer has swollen gums, a toothache, or a sinus infection, it may grind its teeth to alleviate discomfort.
5. Pain
Dogs that are suffering from pain in other areas of the body may grind their teeth as a way to cope with it. This is especially common in older dogs.
Is It Normal For Dogs To Grind Their Teeth?
Due to the shape of a boxer’s mouth, some tooth grinding is inevitable and okay. If the dog is intentionally grinding its teeth, you may want to have a veterinary dentist check on the dog to see if there is a problem causing the grinding.
Boxer Dog Teeth
The teeth of a boxer dog are somewhat unique, and it’s important to understand what’s normal and what isn’t for the breed.
Boxer Breed Standard
According to the AKC, the Boxer bite should be undershot. The lower jaw should protrude beyond the upper jaw and curve slightly upward.
The incisor teeth of the lower jaw should be in a straight line. Neither the teeth nor the tongue should ever show when the mouth is closed.
Common Problems
Some problems are common in dogs that grind their teeth. Some things to watch out for include,
- Broken teeth
- Inflamed gums
- Tooth infections
- Mouth sores
- Cuts in the mouth
- Eating problems
How Do I Stop My Dog From Grinding His Teeth?
If your dog is grinding its teeth due to its mouth shape, the only option may be surgery.
If your dog is grinding due to behavior issues or stress, you may want to consider offering chew toys or bones for the dog to chew instead.
Dog Bruxism Treatment
Dog bruxism can be treated by a veterinarian, and the treatment often depends on the cause.
Sometimes the issue can be corrected with surgery that helps align the jaws and teeth to reduce the grinding.
If the bruxism is caused by other issues, these may also need to be treated by a veterinarian.
Related Questions:
Why Does My Dog Grind His Teeth After Yawning?
When your dog yawns, it could cause the jaw to move, and the dog may feel the need to grind the teeth to move the jaw back into position.
This could be a serious health problem and may require veterinary care.
Do Boxer Dogs Drool?
Boxers are known for drooling a lot. This is due to the shape of their jaws and teeth, as well as a short snout that affects their breathing.
Conclusion For Boxer Dog Grinding Teeth
If your boxer is grinding its teeth, it’s important to figure out why so you can correct the problem and help your dog find relief.
It could be a sign of stress or anxiety or may be due to a physical problem that requires veterinary care.
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