Why Toy Breeds Need Special Dental Attention
Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs share a common dental challenge: their mouths are small relative to their tooth count. This crowding traps food and bacteria between tightly packed teeth, accelerating plaque formation and gum disease.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, small and toy breeds develop periodontal disease at significantly higher rates than larger breeds — some studies show over 85% of toy breeds have some form of dental disease by age two. For Maltese and Shih Tzu owners, this makes daily home care not optional but essential.
Understanding the Maltese Mouth
Common dental issues in Maltese dogs
- Retained baby teeth — Maltese frequently retain deciduous (baby) teeth, especially canines. If puppy teeth don't fall out by 6-7 months, they crowd adult teeth and trap debris.
- Tooth decay and gum recession — The shallow jaw structure of Maltese leads to early gum recession, exposing tooth roots and causing sensitivity.
- Bad breath (halitosis) — Because food easily lodges between crowded teeth, Maltese often develop bacterial overgrowth and sulfur-compound breath earlier than other breeds.
Understanding the Shih Tzu Mouth
Common dental issues in Shih Tzu dogs
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) crowding — Shih Tzu have an undershot bite (lower jaw longer than upper), causing abnormal tooth wear and misalignment.
- Periodontal pocket formation — The flat face creates deep periodontal pockets around molars where bacteria thrive undetected until advanced disease sets in.
- Early tooth loss — Without intervention, Shih Tzu commonly lose multiple teeth by age 7-8 due to advanced periodontitis.
Daily Dental Routine for Maltese & Shih Tzu
Step 1: Gentle introduction (days 1-3)
Start by letting your dog sniff and lick a RunyePet Dental Finger Wipe. No cleaning — just positive association. Reward with praise.
Step 2: Outer-surface wipe (days 4-7)
Wrap the wipe around your finger and gently rub the outer surfaces of all teeth. Focus on the back molars where periodontal pockets form first. Shih Tzu and Maltese have small mouths, so the XL wipes may be too large — use the standard size.
Step 3: Add enzymatic support (week 2+)
Sprinkle RunyePet Dog Dental Cleaning Powder onto your dog's food once daily. The enzymes break down plaque-causing bacteria from the inside out, reaching areas your finger wipe may miss between deep-set teeth.
Step 4: Complete weekly deep clean
Once a week, use the RunyePet Dental Cleaning Kit for a thorough clean. The kit includes both wipes and tools designed for small mouths.
Breed-Specific Warning Signs
Watch for these signs that indicate dental disease is progressing:
- Maltese: Dropping food while eating, pawing at mouth, refusing hard treats
- Shih Tzu: Sneezing or nose discharge (sign of oral-nasal fistula), excessive drooling, visible tartar on back molars
- Both breeds: Red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, persistent bad breath that doesn't improve after cleaning
Schedule a veterinary dental cleaning by age 2 for both breeds, and annually thereafter. Professional cleaning under anesthesia is the only way to remove subgingival tartar from those deep periodontal pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maltese and Shih Tzu need professional dental cleanings?
Yes — annual professional cleanings under anesthesia are strongly recommended for both breeds starting at age 2. Their crowded teeth create subgingival tartar that home care cannot reach. Regular professional cleanings prevent early tooth loss.
Can I use the same dental products for my Maltese and Shih Tzu?
Yes. Standard-size RunyePet Dental Finger Wipes work well for both breeds. The XL size may be too large for these small mouths. The dental powder is breed-agnostic and safe for all small breeds.
At what age should I start dental care for a Maltese or Shih Tzu puppy?
Start as early as 8-12 weeks — even before adult teeth come in. Early finger-wipe introduction builds lifelong acceptance. For teething puppies, focus on gum massage with a clean finger wipe to soothe sore gums.
How is Maltese/Shih Tzu dental care different from larger breeds?
Small mouths mean less surface area to clean but higher disease risk. You need to be more thorough on fewer teeth. The main difference is tooth crowding creates plaque traps that larger breeds don't experience. Daily cleaning matters more for toy breeds than for any other category of dog.
The Bottom Line
Maltese and Shih Tzu owners face an uphill battle against genetically predisposed dental disease. The good news is that daily home care — a 30-second finger wipe and an enzymatic powder on food — dramatically reduces the risk of early tooth loss. Start early, be consistent, and combine home care with annual veterinary cleanings.
