Great Pyrenees Dental Health Overview
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic, large-breed guardian dog known for its thick white coat and calm, patient temperament. While generally healthy, Great Pyrenees are susceptible to periodontal disease if their teeth are not regularly cleaned. Their large mouths mean more surface area for plaque and tartar to accumulate.
Fortunately, their gentle nature often makes dental brushing easier than with high-energy breeds. Starting a dental routine early in puppyhood establishes lifelong habits that protect their teeth and overall health.
Great Pyrenees Tooth Structure
Adult Great Pyrenees have 42 permanent teeth. Their large, powerful jaws are built for guarding livestock, which means they have strong, well-anchored teeth. However, large-breed dogs tend to develop plaque and tartar faster than small breeds, making regular dental care essential.
Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that are gradually replaced starting around 12 weeks. By 6–7 months, the full adult dentition should be complete.
Common Dental Problems in Great Pyrenees
Periodontal disease is the primary dental concern for this breed. Without regular brushing, plaque hardens into tartar along the gumline within days. Over time this causes gingivitis, gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Large breeds like the Great Pyrenees are particularly susceptible because they produce more saliva and often eat larger pieces of food that don’t naturally clean the teeth.
Retained deciduous teeth can occur during the teething phase. If baby teeth don’t fall out as permanent teeth erupt, crowding creates pockets where bacteria breed rapidly. Check your puppy’s mouth regularly between 3–7 months.
Tooth fractures are less common in Great Pyrenees than in some breeds, but their size means they can damage teeth on hard objects. Avoid giving antlers, large bones, or extremely hard nylon chews.
Dental Care Routine for Great Pyrenees
Begin dental care as a puppy by handling the muzzle and lips daily. Progress from finger massage to a soft finger brush, then to a full toothbrush once your dog is comfortable. Their calm temperament typically means this transition goes smoothly.
Brush at minimum 3 times per week, focusing on the outer surfaces of the upper back molars and canine teeth where tartar accumulates most. Use veterinary enzymatic toothpaste — never human toothpaste — in flavors your dog enjoys.
Dental chews, water additives, and dental wipes supplement brushing but don’t replace it. Annual professional cleanings maintain what home care can’t reach.
Professional Dental Cleaning for Great Pyrenees
Due to their large size, professional dental cleanings for Great Pyrenees tend to cost more than for average-sized dogs — typically $400–$800. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and includes ultrasonic scaling, polishing, dental X-rays, and full oral examination.
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is particularly important for giant breeds. Despite their large size, Great Pyrenees generally tolerate anesthesia well when properly assessed beforehand.
Best Dental Products for Great Pyrenees
Choose a large-headed, long-handled toothbrush that can reach the back molars easily. Enzymatic toothpaste in chicken or beef flavor is usually well-accepted. For chews, select size-appropriate VOHC-approved options designed for large breeds — they’re sized to last long enough to be effective without posing a choking hazard.
Dental water additives are an easy supplement for Great Pyrenees owners who find brushing challenging due to the dog’s size. Look for VOHC-accepted products for proven efficacy.
Related reading: Belgian Tervuren dental care guide