Pomeranian Dental Care: Why Their Teeth Need Extra Attention
If there is one health topic every Pomeranian owner needs to take seriously from day one, it is dental care. Small breeds are disproportionately affected by dental disease, and Pomeranians sit near the top of the list. Their compact jaws create crowded teeth, plaque builds up rapidly and periodontal disease can set in shockingly early. The good news? With a consistent daily routine, you can prevent most dental problems and protect your Pom’s overall health for years to come.
Why Pomeranians Are Prone to Dental Problems
The root of the problem — no pun intended — lies in the Pomeranian’s skull structure. Despite being descended from much larger Spitz-type dogs, the Pomeranian’s jaw has been miniaturised through selective breeding. The result is a full set of 42 adult teeth crammed into a jaw that is simply too small to accommodate them all comfortably.
This crowding means teeth overlap, creating pockets where food particles and bacteria accumulate. Areas that a toothbrush cannot easily reach become breeding grounds for plaque, which hardens into tartar within just 24 to 48 hours. Once tartar forms, only a professional veterinary cleaning can remove it.
Common Dental Problems in Pomeranians
Pomeranian owners should be aware of these frequent dental issues:
- Tartar and plaque buildup: The most common issue. Yellow or brown deposits on the teeth, often starting along the gum line. Left untreated, this leads to more serious problems.
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria. Signs include red, swollen or bleeding gums. This is reversible with proper treatment.
- Periodontal disease: When gingivitis progresses, it attacks the structures supporting the teeth — the gums, ligaments and bone. This is the most serious common dental condition and is irreversible once bone loss occurs.
- Tooth decay and cavities: Less common than in humans but still occurs, particularly in crowded areas where bacteria thrive.
- Retained baby teeth: Pomeranians frequently retain their deciduous (baby) teeth even after the adult teeth erupt. This creates double rows of teeth, worsening crowding and requiring veterinary extraction.
- Tooth loss: The end stage of untreated periodontal disease. Many poorly cared-for Pomeranians lose multiple teeth by middle age.
The Systemic Impact of Dental Disease
Dental disease in Pomeranians is not just a mouth problem — it is a whole-body problem. Bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream through the rich blood supply in the gum tissue. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can colonise and damage vital organs:
- Heart: Bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart valves) is a documented consequence of chronic dental disease in dogs.
- Kidneys: Chronic bacterial exposure can cause kidney inflammation and progressive damage.
- Liver: Similarly affected by circulating oral bacteria.
Studies have shown that dogs with severe periodontal disease have a measurably shorter lifespan. For a breed like the Pomeranian that can live 12 to 16 years, neglecting dental care can shave years off that potential. Learn more about factors affecting Pomeranian lifespan in our dedicated guide.
Daily Dental Care Routine
The cornerstone of Pomeranian dental health is daily brushing. Yes, daily. Here is how to establish an effective routine:
What You Need
- A finger brush or ultra-soft small dog toothbrush
- Enzymatic dog toothpaste (never use human toothpaste — the fluoride is toxic to dogs)
- Patience and treats for positive reinforcement
The Brushing Technique
Start by letting your Pom taste the toothpaste — most enzymatic formulas come in poultry or beef flavours that dogs enjoy. Then gently lift the lip and brush using small circular motions, focusing on the outer surfaces of the teeth where tartar accumulates most. Pay special attention to the back molars and the gum line. The entire process should take no more than two to three minutes.
If your Pomeranian resists, start slowly. On day one, just let them lick the toothpaste off your finger. On day two, rub the paste on a few teeth with your finger. Gradually introduce the brush over a week. Always end each session with praise and a small reward.
Dental Chews and Toys
While not a substitute for brushing, dental chews provide supplementary cleaning. Look for products with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of acceptance. Choose chews sized appropriately for Pomeranians — nothing too hard that could fracture teeth, and nothing too large that poses a choking hazard. Rubber dental toys with textured surfaces can also help scrape plaque during play.
Dental Water Additives and Sprays
Enzymatic water additives and oral sprays can help reduce bacterial load in the mouth. These are useful as an additional layer of protection but should never replace physical brushing.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Even with perfect home care, most Pomeranians will need professional dental cleanings under anaesthesia. How often depends on the individual dog, but a general guideline is:
- Young adults (1–4 years): Every 12 to 18 months if daily brushing is maintained.
- Middle-aged (5–8 years): Every 6 to 12 months.
- Seniors (9+ years): As recommended by your vet, typically every 6 to 12 months, with pre-anaesthetic blood work.
Professional cleanings allow your vet to scale below the gum line, take dental X-rays to check for hidden problems and extract any damaged teeth. In Luxembourg, a dental cleaning for a small dog typically costs between €150 and €350, depending on the extent of work needed.
Signs of Dental Pain in Pomeranians
Dogs are remarkably good at hiding pain. Watch for these subtle signs that your Pom may have a dental problem:
- Dropping food while eating or chewing on one side only
- Reluctance to eat hard food or treats
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on furniture
- Bad breath (beyond normal “dog breath”)
- Drooling more than usual
- Swelling around the muzzle or under the eyes
- Blood on chew toys or in the water bowl
- Behavioural changes — increased irritability or withdrawal
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a veterinary dental examination promptly. Dental infections can escalate quickly and cause significant suffering.
Starting Dental Care from Puppyhood
The best time to establish a dental care routine is when your Pomeranian is still a puppy. Puppies who are handled around the mouth from a young age accept tooth brushing much more readily as adults. At Woefkesranch, we begin gentle mouth handling as part of our puppy socialisation programme, making the transition to tooth brushing in their new homes much easier.
Between four and six months of age, monitor the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth. If you notice retained baby teeth — particularly the canines — consult your vet about extraction. Leaving retained teeth in place worsens crowding and accelerates dental disease.
Your Pomeranian’s dental health is one of the most impactful investments you can make in their long-term wellbeing. For more information about our Pomeranian puppies and our commitment to health-focused breeding, visit our Pomeranian breed page or get in touch with Woefkesranch today.
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