Teeth & Dental Care

Why Frenchies Have Dental Problems

French Bulldogs' shortened jaw (brachycephalic anatomy) creates several unique dental challenges:

• Dental crowding — Full set of 42 adult teeth packed into a much smaller mouth than nature intended
• Misalignment (malocclusion) — Underbite is standard for the breed, but it causes uneven wear patterns and soft tissue injury
• Rotated and overlapping teeth — Crowded teeth create pockets where food and bacteria accumulate
• Abnormal chewing mechanics — The jaw structure doesn't allow the natural self-cleaning action of chewing

Common Dental Conditions

Periodontal Disease

The most common dental condition. Bacteria in plaque hardens into tartar, which pushes under the gumline, causing inflammation (gingivitis), then infection and bone loss (periodontitis). Can lead to tooth loss, pain, and bacteria entering the bloodstream affecting heart, liver, and kidneys.

Retained Baby Teeth

Some Frenchies don't lose all their baby (deciduous) teeth when adult teeth come in. The double teeth crowd the jaw further and trap food. Retained baby teeth should be extracted by your vet.

Fractured Teeth

French Bulldogs love to chew, but their crowded teeth are vulnerable to fractures from hard objects like bones, antlers, and hard nylon chews.

Daily Brushing Guide

Daily tooth brushing is the single most effective way to prevent dental disease. Plaque starts forming within 24 hours and hardens into tartar within 48-72 hours.

What You Need

• Dog-specific toothpaste — Enzymatic formula. Comes in flavors like chicken and peanut butter. Never use human toothpaste — it contains fluoride (toxic to dogs) and often xylitol (extremely toxic, can be fatal even in small amounts).
• Soft-bristle pet toothbrush — Or a finger brush (silicone sleeve that fits over your fingertip, great for beginners)

Step-by-Step Brushing

1. Start slow — Let your Frenchie taste the toothpaste first. Reward with praise.
2. Lift the lip — Gently lift the upper lip to expose teeth and gums
3. Brush at 45 degrees — Angle the brush toward the gumline. Use gentle circular motions.
4. Focus on outer surfaces — The outer (cheek-facing) side accumulates the most plaque
5. Back teeth matter most — The upper premolars and molars are where tartar builds fastest
6. Keep it short — 30-60 seconds is enough. Build up gradually over weeks.
7. End with a reward — Make it a positive experience every time

Professional Dental Cleaning

Even with daily brushing, most Frenchies need professional dental cleaning (scaling and polishing) periodically. This requires general anesthesia — both the AVDC and AAHA recommend anesthesia for safe, thorough cleaning.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning

1. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your Frenchie is safe for sedation
2. General anesthesia (with special precautions for brachycephalic airway)
3. Full dental X-rays to check roots and jawbone
4. Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar above and below the gumline
5. Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces (reduces future plaque adhesion)
6. Extraction of any damaged, loose, or severely infected teeth

Estimated cost: $500 – $1,500+ (varies by location, X-rays, and extractions needed)

Frequency: Annually for most Frenchies, or as your vet recommends based on dental condition

Safe Chews & Dental Products

Safe Options

• Rubber Kong toys — Durable, can be filled with treats
• Dental chews (VOHC approved) — Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal
• Bully sticks — Digestible, good for moderate chewers (supervise)
• Dental water additives — Added to water bowl, help reduce plaque bacteria

Avoid These

• Cooked bones — Splinter and can puncture the digestive tract
• Antlers and hooves — Too hard, cause tooth fractures
• Hard nylon bones — Can crack teeth
• Tennis balls — The fuzz is abrasive and wears down tooth enamel over time

The fingernail test: If you can't dent it with your fingernail, it's too hard for your Frenchie's teeth.

Dental Care Schedule