Have you ever noticed your Pomeranian grinding their teeth when they’re excited or sleeping and wondered what is happening to your pooch? While grinding teeth is a thing that humans often do when they’re angry or upset, it’s not something that you often see in Pomeranians.
So, why is your Pomeranian grinding their teeth? The medical term for grinding teeth is bruxism, and it occurs when your Pomeranian rubs their top and bottom teeth together on purpose. Teeth grinding isn’t normal Pomeranian behavior and is usually caused by an underlying medical condition.
So, what conditions might cause bruxism, and how can you deal with them? Keep on reading to find your answers.
What Causes Pomeranian Teeth Grinding?
Since a lot of people grind their teeth, owners think that it’s normal for their Pomeranians to do the same. However, teeth grinding isn’t a healthy habit because it wears the enamel and leaves the teeth vulnerable to bacteria and tooth decay.
To make matters worse, Pomeranians often have dental problems. Their small mouths and overcrowding teeth allow plaque to accumulate quickly. As such, untreated bruxism will lead to more dental problems in the future.
More importantly, teeth grinding in Pomeranians is often the result of another disease. Finding the cause for bruxism and treating it is essential for your Pomeranian’s well-being.
So, let’s take a look at the most common reasons why your Pomeranian is grinding their teeth.
1. Jaw Abnormalities
In general, jaw abnormalities are the most obvious cause for teeth grinding in dogs and the easiest to diagnose.
When the upper and lower teeth are misaligned, they might rub against each other. Crooked teeth also grind on the soft gum tissues and might cause open mouth sores. As a result, your Pomeranian might have difficulties eating and drinking.
Often, misaligned bites are due to retained puppy teeth, another condition common in Pomeranians. So, you have to observe your Pom when they’re teething to ensure that their teeth erupt properly.
2. Loose Teeth
Sometimes your Pomeranian might grind teeth due to toothache or a loose tooth that is bothering them. Humans often do the same when a tooth is aching.
Falling teeth aren’t a problem for Pomeranian puppies. That’s because all puppies go through a teething stage when they get their permanent set of 42 adult teeth. However, once teething is over, loose teeth are a sign of gum disease and poor oral health.
3. Broken Teeth
Sometimes, your Pomeranian might try to chew on something they shouldn’t or fall from a high place and end up with a broken tooth. When the pulp and root of the tooth are exposed, your Pomeranian will be in a lot of pain and might grind their teeth.
Broken teeth should be treated as soon as possible before infection sets in and leads to complications.
4. Abdominal Discomfort
Teeth grinding in Pomeranians might also be the result of abdominal discomfort and nausea. Since stomach pain might be caused by both serious and mild conditions, you should have your Pomeranian examined.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Last but not least, Pomeranian teeth grinding might be caused by stress and anxiety. Think about any recent changes in your home that could have affected your Pomeranian. A traumatic experience could also stress your Pomeranian and lead to bruxism.
What Are the Symptoms of Teeth Grinding?
Depending on what’s causing the bruxism, your Pomeranian might exhibit a variety of symptoms.
Most often, owners share that they hear the strange sound that Pomeranians make when they rub their teeth. However, that’s usually not the only indication that something is wrong with your Pom.
For example, abdominal problems might result in vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fever. Periodontal disease, on the other hand, manifests with inflamed gums, drooling, bleeding, bad breath, and reluctance to eat.
When the bone between the oral and nasal cavity is affected by gum diseases, your Pomeranian might sneeze or have frequent nasal discharge.
Open mouth sores are also likely if a broken tooth is rubbing on the gums. In this case, your Pomeranian will likely be in too much pain to eat normally.
How Is Pomeranian Teeth Grinding Treated?
Bruxism isn’t something that you can treat at home or something that you can leave and hope for the best. Without intervention, your Pomeranian might suffer additional teeth injury due to the thinning of the enamel.
You should take your Pomeranian to the vet for evaluation when you notice that they’re grinding their teeth regularly. Your vet will examine your Pom’s mouth and try to determine the cause and order an X-ray if there isn’t any visible damage.
In case your Pomeranian has inflamed gums, your vet will clean the accumulated plaque and tartar. However, if the disease has progressed to the jawbone, the affected teeth will have to be extracted.
If your Pomeranian has a broken tooth, your vet will try to repair it by all possible means or take it out if it’s too damaged. Crooked teeth also must be either capped or removed to stop bruxism and correct the bite.
When stress and anxiety are causing your Pomeranian to grind their teeth, you have to take measures to calm your Pom down. Your vet might prescribe some medication to lessen the anxiety, but you’ll have to make some changes to help your Pom:
- Locate what’s triggering your Pomeranian’s anxiety and work on resolving the problem.
- Make sure that your Pomeranian has a regular exercise schedule.
- Provide enough stimulation to keep your Pomeranian busy while you’re gone.
- Use a noise machine if your Pom doesn’t like silence.
- Spend quality time with your Pomeranian.
How to Prevent Pomeranian Teeth Grinding?
Somethings you can’t do much to prevent teeth grinding, especially when it’s the result of a tooth injury. However, you can take steps to reduce the risk of bruxism due to teeth issues and stress.
1. Clean Your Pomeranian’s Teeth
The only way to prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay in Pomeranians is to brush their teeth. Brushing will remove accumulated plaque, bacteria, and leftover food and prevent it from turning into tartar.
In addition to this, brushing your Pom’s teeth will improve their breath and help you notice any changes in the mouth.
2. Change Your Pomeranian’s Diet
What your Pomeranian is eating can affect the health of their teeth. For example, a diet high in carbohydrates increases your Pom’s chances of tooth decay.
That’s why you have to give them high-quality dog food, which has all the right minerals and vitamins for the proper development of the teeth.
3. Remove Retained Teeth
I already mentioned that Pomeranians retain their puppy teeth. So, you have to keep an eye on the most likely teeth to be retained – canines and incisors.
Moreover, you should have any retained teeth removed as soon as possible. That will allow the adult tooth to erupt normally and prevent misalignment of the teeth. Also, you should talk to your vet if something about your Pom’s bite worries you.
4. Keep Your Pomeranian Happy
Pomeranians are companion dogs, and they aren’t happy when they’re away from their owners for long. So, you have to make sure that you’re spending enough quality time with your dog.
You should keep in mind that Pomeranians bond strongly with their owners. As such, some might develop separation anxiety and require your help to overcome the problem.
Moreover, whenever you have to change something in your routine or add a new member to the family, you have to do it slowly. Otherwise, you’re going to upset your Pomeranian and make them anxious.
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line is that it’s never normal for a healthy Pomeranian to grind their teeth. You should get to the root of the problem to ensure that your Pomeranian’s teeth are in good condition or that your Pomeranian isn’t suffering from anxiety.
Have you ever had to deal with Pomeranian teeth grinding? Share your experience with us in the comment section.
