Adult dogs usually have 42 permanent teeth. Puppies usually have 28 baby teeth. Puppy teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth as the dog grows. [1]
Dogs use their teeth to bite, grip, tear, chew, groom, carry toys, and investigate objects. Adult dogs have incisors, canine teeth, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth performs a different function.
How many teeth do adult dogs have?
Most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. These teeth are divided between the upper and lower jaws.
The complete adult set normally includes 12 incisors, 4 canine teeth, 16 premolars, and 10 molars.
What types of teeth do dogs have?
Adult dogs have four main types of teeth: incisors, canine teeth, premolars, and molars.
| Tooth type | Number | Primary function |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 12 | Nibbling, scraping, grooming, and picking up small objects |
| Canine teeth | 4 | Gripping, holding, and tearing |
| Premolars | 16 | Tearing and chewing food |
| Molars | 10 | Crushing and grinding food |
| Total | 42 | Complete permanent adult dentition |
The Merck Veterinary Manual identifies the same permanent tooth count and distribution. [2]
How many teeth do puppies have?
Puppies usually have 28 deciduous teeth. Deciduous teeth are temporary teeth commonly called baby teeth or milk teeth.
Puppy teeth normally begin erupting when a puppy is approximately 3 to 5 weeks old. These small teeth help puppies begin chewing and exploring their environment.
Puppy teeth are also narrow and sharp, which explains why playful puppy biting can feel surprisingly intense.
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Permanent dog teeth usually begin appearing at approximately 4 to 5 months of age. Most dogs have their complete set of permanent teeth by approximately 7 months.
- Baby teeth usually begin erupting at 3 to 5 weeks.
- Permanent teeth usually begin appearing at 4 to 5 months.
- All permanent teeth are normally present by approximately 7 months.
Some puppies swallow their baby teeth while eating or playing. Pet parents may also find small teeth near toys, bedding, or feeding areas. [1]
Do dogs need dental care?
Yes. Dogs need regular dental care to reduce plaque and tartar and identify oral health problems early.
Plaque can harden into tartar. Dental disease may cause bad breath, gum inflammation, pain, infection, tooth damage, or difficulty eating.
The American Veterinary Medical Association states that regular tooth brushing is the most effective home-care method for maintaining dental health between professional veterinary cleanings.
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with toothpaste formulated for pets.
- Use veterinary-recommended dental chews, diets, or oral-care products.
- Inspect your dog’s mouth for changes in the teeth or gums.
- Arrange regular veterinary examinations.
- Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for professional dental cleaning.
Daily brushing is ideal, although brushing several times each week may still be beneficial. [3]
What are the signs of dental problems in dogs?
Common signs of canine dental problems include persistent bad breath, visible tartar, swollen gums, abnormal chewing, drooling, and difficulty eating.
- Bad breath that does not improve
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose, broken, discolored, or missing teeth
- Drooling more than usual
- Dropping food while eating
- Chewing on only one side of the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Pain or swelling around the mouth
- Changes in behavior or increased irritability
If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian. Dental pain can affect a dog’s comfort, appetite, behavior, and general health.
Can grooming help with dog dental care?
Grooming can support routine cleanliness, but grooming does not replace veterinary dental care.
Some grooming facilities offer basic services such as tooth brushing or breath freshening. These services may help with surface cleanliness but cannot diagnose or treat periodontal disease, damaged teeth, infection, or problems beneath the gumline.
Deep cleaning, dental X-rays, treatment of gum disease, and removal or repair of teeth should be handled by a veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dentist.
The American Veterinary Dental College states that removing visible tartar alone is cosmetic and does not treat disease beneath the gumline. [4]
How many teeth do dogs have?
Puppies usually have 28 baby teeth. Adult dogs usually have 42 permanent teeth.
Regular brushing, veterinary examinations, and early attention to warning signs can help keep a dog’s teeth and gums healthier and more comfortable.