How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have And Why They Lose Them: Key Facts
Tracking a pet’s dental milestones can help you identify potential health issues.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have and Can They Lose Them?
Dental health is an important aspect of your dog’s overall wellbeing. Understanding how many teeth dogs have, the development process from puppyhood to adulthood, what each tooth does, and how common dental issues arise can help owners maintain optimal oral health in their pets.
Dog Dental Development: From Puppy Teeth to Adult Teeth
Just like humans, dogs have two sets of teeth in their lifetime: deciduous (puppy/baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth. This process of dental development is a key aspect of puppy growth, as well as an indicator of age and health.
- Deciduous Teeth (Puppy Teeth): Puppies are born without teeth. Their first set, known as deciduous or “baby teeth,” starts to erupt between 2 and 4 weeks of age.
- Permanent Teeth (Adult Teeth): These begin to appear from about 3-6 months of age as baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. By 6-7 months, most dogs will have a full set of permanent teeth.
Puppy Teeth Timeline
| Age | Dental Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2â4 weeks | First baby (deciduous) teeth erupt |
| 5â8 weeks | All 28 baby teeth present |
| 3â6 months | Puppy teeth start to fall out and adult teeth begin to erupt |
| 6â7 months | Complete set of 42 adult teeth usually present |
By adulthood, the full canine dentition consists of 42 permanent teeth.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
The exact number of teeth a dog has depends on its life stage.
- Puppies: 28 deciduous teeth (also called milk teeth)
- Adult Dogs: 42 permanent teeth, typically present by 6-7 months of age
Hereâs a quick breakdown of their dental formula:
| Teeth Type | Puppy Teeth Count | Adult Teeth Count |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 12 | 12 |
| Canines | 4 | 4 |
| Premolars | 12 | 16 |
| Molars | 0 | 10 |
For adult dogs, the upper jaw houses 20 teeth and the lower jaw accommodates 22 teeth.
Dog vs. Human Teeth: A Quick Comparison
| Species | Total Adult Teeth |
|---|---|
| Dog | 42 |
| Human | 32 |
Types of Dog Teeth and Their Functions
Dogs rely on different types of teeth, each with distinct purposes:
- Incisors: Small teeth at the front, used for scraping meat and grooming.
- Canines: Pointed “fangs” behind the incisors, essential for gripping objects, tearing meat, and defense.
- Premolars: Sharp, wide teeth on the sides, used for shredding and heavy chewing.
- Molars: Flat teeth at the back, designed for crushing hard foods such as kibble or treats.
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Anatomy and Function Table
| Tooth Type | Location | Number (Adult) | Main Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | Front (upper & lower jaw) | 12 | Scraping, grooming |
| Canines | Behind incisors (upper & lower jaw) | 4 | Tearing, gripping, defending |
| Premolars | Side of both jaws | 16 | Chewing, shredding |
| Molars | Back of both jaws | 10 | Grinding, crushing |
When Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth?
Tooth loss is a natural part of dental development for puppies, as baby teeth make way for permanent teeth. However, tooth loss in adult dogs is not normal and can indicate dental disease or trauma.
- Puppy Tooth Shedding: Begins around 3-6 months, typically complete by 7 months.
- Adult Tooth Loss: Usually a sign of underlying health issues, including periodontal disease, trauma, or severe decay.
Periodic exams by a veterinarian help catch dental problems before they result in tooth loss in adult dogs.
Common Causes of Tooth Loss in Adult Dogs
- Periodontal Disease: Gum infection is a leading cause of dog tooth loss. Plaque and tartar build-up can damage tooth-supporting structures.
- Fractured Teeth: Trauma or chewing on hard objects can crack or break teeth.
- Genetic Predisposition: Certain breeds may be predisposed to dental issues.
- Resorptive Lesions: Rare, but can cause internal damage leading to tooth loss.
- Misaligned Bite: Malocclusion can contribute to abnormal wear or tooth loss.
How to Tell a Dog’s Age by Its Teeth
Puppy teeth and the eruption timeline are a reliable indicator of age up to about 6â7 months. In adult dogs, wear patterns, tartar accumulation, and gum health can give rough age estimates, though this is not always precise.
- Puppies: Tooth count and eruption are good age markers.
- Adults: Tooth wear, tartar, gum recession give clues, but breed and individual habits affect accuracy.
Veterinarians use these guidelines, along with a physical exam, to estimate a dog’s ageâespecially in rescue or adopted cases, where birth records aren’t available.
Recognizing Dental Problems in Dogs
Healthy teeth and gums are vital for a dog’s comfort and overall health. Dental problems are common, especially in older animals. Owners should watch for warning signs and seek veterinary care promptly.
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Swollen, bleeding, or receding gums
- Discolored or loose teeth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loss of interest in food or play
- Drooling excessively
If you notice these symptoms, schedule a veterinarian visit as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent serious dental disease and maintain your dog’s quality of life.
Maintaining Dog Dental Health
Regular dental care reduces the risk of tooth loss and other oral health issues in dogs. Prevention is easier and less expensive than treating established disease.
- Brush Your Dog’s Teeth: Use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Daily brushing is ideal.
- Provide Dental Chews & Toys: These can help reduce tartar and plaque, but shouldnât replace brushing.
- Offer a Dental-Friendly Diet: Some foods (kibble, treats) are designed to support oral health.
- Schedule Regular Veterinary Exams: Annual dental check-ups allow early spotting of problems.
- Professional Cleanings: Your vet may recommend periodic cleanings under anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many teeth do adult dogs have?
Adult dogs typically have 42 permanent teethâ20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw.
Do puppy teeth fall out? When does this happen?
Yes. Deciduous teeth begin falling out around 3â6 months as adult teeth erupt, with the process usually complete by seven months.
Why do dogs lose their adult teeth?
Adult tooth loss is usually caused by gum disease, trauma, severe decay, or genetic issues.
Can you estimate a dogâs age based on its teeth?
Tooth development is a reliable indicator in puppies. In adults, degree of wear and tartar may help estimate age, but it’s imprecise.
How can I care for my dogâs teeth?
Daily brushing, healthy diet, dental chews, and regular veterinary check-ups are key practices in maintaining oral health.
Key Takeaways
- Puppies have 28 baby teeth; adults have 42 permanent teeth.
- Each tooth type serves a specific functionâincisors for grooming, canines for gripping, premolars for chewing, molars for grinding.
- Puppies lose their baby teeth as permanent teeth emerge, but tooth loss in adults usually signals a problem.
- Good dental hygiene prevents disease and maintains quality of life for dogs.
References
- Merck Vet Manual: Dental Development of Dogs
- Rancho Park Veterinary Clinic: How many Teeth do Dogs have?
- Animal Dental Specialists: Dogs Teeth and Age
- USDA: Aging Puppies by Teeth
- PC Companion Vets: How Many Teeth do Dogs Have?
References
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/dental-development-of-dogs
- https://animaldentalspecialists.com/can-you-tell-the-age-of-a-dog-by-their-teeth/
- https://www.ranchoparkveterinaryclinic.com/site/blog/2023/02/28/how-many-teeth-dogs
- https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ac-aid-aging-puppies-by-teeth.pdf
- https://www.pccompanionvets.com/site/blog/2024/08/31/how-many-teeth-dogs
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