How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? A Complete Guide to Canine Dental Health
Understanding canine dental development helps protect your dog from health issues.
Your dog’s dental health is crucial to their overall well-being. Just like humans, dogs Experience two sets of teeth during their lives â puppy teeth (also called deciduous or milk teeth) and adult (permanent) teeth. Understanding the dental development of your dog and practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent serious health complications.
Table of Contents
- Why Dog Dental Health Matters
- How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
- Puppy Teething Stages
- How Many Teeth Do Adult Dogs Have?
- Types of Dog Teeth and Their Functions
- How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth
- Dental Problems in Dogs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Dog Dental Health Matters
Proper dental hygiene is more than just keeping your dog’s smile bright. Dental disease is the most common health issue in dogs, affecting up to 80% of dogs by the age of two. Poor canine oral health can lead to painful conditions, tooth loss, and serious systemic problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys . A daily or regular dental care routine, plus professional veterinary attention, is essential for your dog’s long-term health.
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Puppies, like human children, start life with a set of temporary teeth known as deciduous teeth, milk teeth, or baby teeth. These teeth:
- Begin to emerge at around two weeks of age
- Are typically fully grown in by 8â10 weeks old
- Total 28 teeth â 14 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw
Puppy teeth are particularly sharp and needle-like, allowing young puppies with still-developing jaws to chew food, toys, and treats as they wean from milk to solid dog food.
Why Are Puppy Teeth So Sharp?
The sharpness of puppy teeth helps them:
- Effectively tear and chew solid foods during the change from milk
- Practice social biting and play, helping them learn bite inhibition
Puppy Teething Stages
Unlike humans, puppies undergo rapid teething and dental development. The timeline typically unfolds as follows:
| Age | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2â4 Weeks | Incisors appear |
| 3â6 Weeks | Canine teeth emerge, followed by premolars |
| 8â10 Weeks | All 28 puppy teeth now in place |
| 4 Months | Incisors begin to fall out |
| 5â6 Months | Canine teeth shed |
| 5â8 Months | Premolars and molars erupt; deciduous teeth generally gone |
| 6â7 Months | Most dogs have a full set of adult teeth |
Most puppy teeth will have fallen out naturally by the time a dog is six months old. If any puppy teeth remain after six months, they may need to be removed by a veterinarian to avoid dental crowding or misalignment .
How Many Teeth Do Adult Dogs Have?
What others are reading
Adult dogs have a full set of 42 permanent teeth, which is about 10 more than adult humans have. These comprise:
- 20 teeth in the upper jaw (maxilla)
- 22 teeth in the lower jaw (mandible)
The permanent teeth consist of:
- Incisors: 12 (6 top, 6 bottom)
- Canines: 4 (2 top, 2 bottom)
- Premolars: 16 (8 top, 8 bottom)
- Molars: 10 (4 top, 6 bottom)
This dental formula is typical for adult dogs, regardless of their breed or size. However, smaller breeds often face greater challenges in accommodating all 42 teeth into a compact jaw, increasing their risk of dental problems .
Types of Dog Teeth and Their Functions
Dogsâ teeth are specialized for different roles, reflecting their ancestry as carnivorous predators that also adapt to an omnivorous diet. The four main types of adult dog teeth are:
- Incisors (small, front teeth): Used for nibbling, grooming, and grasping objects.
- Canines (the long, pointed fangs): Designed for tearing food, holding objects, and self-defense.
- Premolars (behind the canines, sharp-edged): For shearing or slicing meat and chewing food.
- Molars (far back in the jaw, flat-topped): Suited for crushing and grinding food.
Hereâs a summary of the canine dental formula:
| Type of Tooth | Upper Jaw | Lower Jaw | Total | Main Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 6 | 6 | 12 | Nibbling, grooming |
| Canines | 2 | 2 | 4 | Grabbing, tearing |
| Premolars | 8 | 8 | 16 | Caching, shredding |
| Molars | 4 | 6 | 10 | Grinding, crushing |
| Total | 20 | 22 | 42 |
How to Care for Your Dogâs Teeth
Consistent dog dental care is vital for preventing disease and extending your dogâs lifespan. Key practices include:
- Brushing your dogâs teeth with a canine-formulated toothbrush and toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, as it may contain xylitol and other harmful ingredients)
- Starting dental care at a young age to reduce anxiety and promote lifelong oral health habits
- Providing dental chews, toys, and treats designed to help clean teeth and massage gums
- Annual or semiannual dental checkups and professional cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian
- Being attentive to any changes in your dogâs eating or chewing habits
Steps for At-Home Dog Dental Care
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or silicone finger brush
- Introduce gentle brushing for just a few seconds at first, rewarding your dog for cooperation
- Gradually increase brushing time to cover both outer and inner surfaces of the teeth and gums
- Use only veterinary-approved toothpaste
- Ask your vet for advice about the safest and most effective dental products for your dog
Dental Problems in Dogs
Dental disease is far more than a cosmetic concern for dogs; it can cause pain, difficulty eating, and lead to serious health complications. Common dog dental problems include:
- Plaque and tartar buildup: Caused by food particles and bacteria adhering to tooth surfaces
- Periodontal disease: Results from untreated tartar; can damage gums, tooth roots, and underlying bone
- Retained puppy teeth: Must be extracted if not naturally shed after six months
- Tooth fractures: Often from chewing hard objects
- Malocclusion: Misaligned teeth, especially in small breeds
Symptoms of Dental Disease in Dogs
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Red or bleeding gums
- Loose, broken, or discolored teeth
- Difficulty eating or chewing food
- Reluctance to eat hard food or treats
- Pawing at the mouth, drooling, or dropping food
Breed Size and Dental Health
Both small and large dogs have 42 adult teeth, but dental health risks differ:
- Small dogs often experience dental crowding, tartar, and periodontal disease, especially in toy and miniature breeds. Teeth may grow in at odd angles, and extractions are common later in life.
- Large dogs have more space for their teeth, but are still susceptible to fractures from chewing on bones, toys, or other tough objects.
Regardless of size, regular dental exams can help detect and address issues early, maintaining both comfort and health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many teeth do puppies have?
Puppies have 28 baby teeth, which usually appear between two and ten weeks of age.
When do dogs lose their baby teeth?
Puppies typically start losing their baby teeth by four months old, replacing them with permanent teeth by six to seven months.
How many teeth do adult dogs have?
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth â 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw.
What should I do if my puppy’s baby teeth don’t fall out?
If you notice retained baby teeth after your puppy is six months old, consult your veterinarian. These may need to be safely extracted to prevent dental crowding or misalignment.
How can I keep my dog’s teeth clean at home?
- Brush your dogâs teeth regularly with dog-safe toothpaste.
- Offer dental toys and chews to help mechanically remove plaque.
- Schedule regular professional dental cleanings with a veterinarian.
Why is dental care important for dogs?
Good dental care helps prevent oral pain, tooth loss, and systemic diseases, promoting better quality of life and longevity.
Can small breeds have more dental problems than large breeds?
Yes. Smaller breeds often experience crowding and plaque accumulation, making them more susceptible to periodontal disease. Regular dental care is especially crucial for these breeds.
Which signs indicate my dog may have dental disease?
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Difficulty eating
- Loose or missing teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
If you notice these signs, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
References
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-many-teeth-do-dogs-have/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dental-problems-differ-for-large-and-small-dogs/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dental-care-dog/
- https://www.akcchf.org/disease-history/dental-health-for-dogs/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/timeline-of-puppy-teething/
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