A dog’s mouth is one of its most essential tools—used for eating, playing, communicating, and exploring the world. Understanding the structure of a dog’s teeth, from the temporary set they are born with to the impressive permanent set they develop, is crucial for maintaining their health.
While human adults typically have 32 permanent teeth, the canine mouth is equipped for more rigorous work.
Number of Teeth by Age
The number of teeth a dog has depends entirely on its life stage. Like humans, dogs go through two sets of teeth during their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth.
Puppy Teeth (28)
Puppies are born without any visible teeth. Their first set, known as milk teeth or deciduous teeth, typically begins to erupt around two to four weeks of age. A full set of puppy teeth is complete by about eight weeks.
Puppies possess 28 teeth:
- 12 Incisors
- 4 Canine Teeth
- 12 Premolars
- Note: Puppies have no molars. Their baby teeth are sharper and more pointed than adult teeth.
Adult Dog Teeth (42)
Around four months of age, the puppy’s baby teeth begin to fall out, replaced by a much stronger and larger set of permanent teeth. By the time a dog is about six months old, they should have their complete adult set.
Adult dogs have 42 teeth:
- 12 Incisors (same as puppies)
- 4 Canine Teeth (same as puppies)
- 16 Premolars (four more than puppies)
- 10 Molars (this category is entirely new)
Types of Dog Teeth & What They Do
Each of the four types of teeth is uniquely shaped and positioned to perform specific functions essential for survival, whether in the wild or at the dinner bowl.
Incisors
- Location: The six small teeth located at the very front of the upper and lower jaws.
- Function: Used for grasping small objects, nipping at itching skin, and performing delicate grooming tasks. They are mainly used to scrape meat from bones and to hold food while the dog chews with its back teeth.
Canines
- Location: The four large, pointed, single-rooted teeth situated behind the incisors—the most recognizable “fangs.”
- Function: Designed for holding, puncturing, and tearing food. They allow the dog to grip prey, hold toys, and perform a protective bite. The upper canines fit into a space just in front of the lower canines, forming a powerful, interlocking grip.
Premolars
- Location: Found along the sides of the mouth, behind the canines and in front of the molars.
- Function: Used for shearing and slicing food. The largest and most prominent premolars are known as the carnassial teeth (the fourth upper premolar and the first lower molar), which act like powerful scissors to slice through tough materials.
Molars
- Location: The flat, heavy teeth located furthest back in the jaw.
- Function: These are primarily used for crushing and grinding hard food particles like kibble. They have a relatively flat chewing surface designed to break down tough food matter before swallowing.
When Dogs Lose Their Baby Teeth
The period when puppies lose their baby teeth—the teething phase—is a critical time for their oral development and a challenge for pet owners.
Typical Teething Timeline
The process of shedding baby teeth and growing permanent teeth is swift and usually complete by six months of age:
| Age Range | Dental Milestone |
| 2–4 Weeks | Incisors and Canine teeth begin to erupt. |
| 5–6 Weeks | All 28 puppy teeth are typically present. |
| 4–6 Months | Baby teeth begin to fall out, replaced by adult Incisors and Canines. |
| 5–7 Months | Adult Premolars and Molars finish erupting. |
Signs Your Dog Is Teething
During this four-to-six-month period, puppies experience discomfort as their large adult teeth push through the gums.
Common signs of teething include:
- Excessive Chewing: An intense drive to chew on objects to relieve sore gums. Provide appropriate chew toys to protect your furniture.
- Drooling: Increased saliva production.
- Minor Bleeding: Small spots of blood on toys or in their water bowl are normal.
- Crankiness: Increased irritability or a minor refusal of hard food due to mouth pain.
To help your puppy cope with the discomfort and provide safe chewing options, cooling down a durable toy can be very soothing. We recommend durable options like a small Kong toy that can be filled with peanut butter and frozen (you can find them here: Puppy Small Kong) or a solid rubber bone designed for puppies (like this one: Rubber Puppy Bone).
Dental Issues to Watch For
As a pet owner, you should regularly check your dog’s mouth for common issues that can lead to pain and long-term health problems.
Retained Baby Teeth
If a baby tooth does not fall out when the permanent tooth starts to emerge (usually by 6 months), it is called a retained deciduous tooth. This is common in smaller breeds. The presence of two teeth occupying the space meant for one can cause crowding, improper bite alignment, and severe food trapping, rapidly accelerating dental disease. These typically need to be surgically removed by a vet.
Tartar Buildup
Tartar, the hardened form of plaque, often appears as a yellow or brown scale, starting near the gum line on the molars and canines. Tartar is porous, traps bacteria, and is the primary driver of periodontal disease, which can lead to infection and tooth loss.
Gum Inflammation
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums (gingivitis) are a sign that the gums are irritated by plaque and bacteria. Early gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and dedicated home care, but if left untreated, it progresses to non-reversible periodontal disease.
FAQs About Dog Teeth
“Do older dogs lose teeth?”
Yes, older dogs commonly lose teeth, but this is not a normal part of aging. Tooth loss in senior dogs is almost always the result of advanced periodontal disease. The bacteria from years of plaque buildup destroy the bone and ligaments supporting the tooth root, causing the tooth to loosen and fall out. Preventing this requires diligent dental care throughout their lives.
“Is teething painful for puppies?”
Teething is uncomfortable for puppies, though not usually excruciating. The pressure from the erupting adult teeth causes soreness and tenderness in the gums, which is why puppies have an instinctive need to chew on things—the counter-pressure helps relieve the pain. Providing safe, size-appropriate chew toys is the best way to manage this discomfort.
“How often should dogs have dental cleanings?”
Most dogs benefit from a professional veterinary dental cleaning under anesthesia every 1 to 3 years, depending on their breed, size, and at-home dental care routine. Smaller breeds (which are genetically prone to crowding and dental disease) often require cleanings annually, sometimes starting as early as age three. Your veterinarian should evaluate your dog’s oral health annually to determine the appropriate schedule.