If you have ever wondered how many teeth do dogs have, the short answer is simple. Most puppies have 28 baby teeth, and most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. Dogs, unlike humans, go through a fast tooth transition in puppyhood. This article will explain the number of teeth, the types of dog teeth, why dogs may be losing teeth, and how to protect your canine companion’s oral health with simple, practical care.
How Many Teeth Do Adult Dogs Have?
Most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. That includes 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 teeth in the lower jaw. These teeth work together to help dogs grab, tear, chew, and grind food.
Adult Dog Teeth Chart
|
Tooth Type |
Number in Upper Jaw |
Number in Lower Jaw |
Total |
Main Job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Incisors |
6 |
6 |
12 |
Nibbling, grooming, picking up small things |
|
Canines |
2 |
2 |
4 |
Holding, grabbing, tearing |
|
Premolars |
8 |
8 |
16 |
Cutting and shearing food |
|
Molars |
4 |
6 |
10 |
Crushing and grinding food |
|
Total |
20 |
22 |
42 |
— |
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Puppies usually have 28 baby teeth. These are also called deciduous teeth or milk teeth. Puppy teeth are small, sharp, and temporary. Unlike adult dogs, puppies do not have molars yet.
Puppy Teeth Chart
|
Tooth Type |
Number in Upper Jaw |
Number in Lower Jaw |
Total |
Main Job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Incisors |
6 |
6 |
12 |
Nibbling and picking up small things |
|
Canines |
2 |
2 |
4 |
Grabbing and holding |
|
Premolars |
6 |
6 |
12 |
Early chewing |
|
Molars |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Puppies do not have molars |
|
Total |
14 |
14 |
28 |
— |
Puppy Teeth vs Adult Teeth
|
Stage |
Total Teeth |
Type of Teeth |
Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Puppy |
28 |
Baby teeth / deciduous teeth |
No molars |
|
Adult Dog |
42 |
Permanent teeth |
Includes premolars and molars |
When Do Puppies Get Their Teeth
Understanding when puppy teeth come in and fall out can help pet parents know what is normal—and when something might be wrong. Puppies go through this process quickly, usually within the first 7 months of life.
Puppy Teething Timeline
|
Age |
What Happens |
What You May Notice |
|---|---|---|
|
0–2 weeks |
Puppies are born without visible teeth |
Soft gums, no chewing yet |
|
3–5 weeks |
Baby teeth begin to erupt |
Small, sharp teeth appear; mild chewing starts |
|
6–8 weeks |
Full set of 28 puppy teeth is present |
Active chewing, playful biting, sharp teeth |
|
3–4 months |
Puppy teeth start falling out |
You may find small teeth or notice wiggly teeth |
|
4–6 months |
Adult teeth begin replacing baby teeth |
Increased chewing, sore gums, drooling |
|
6–7 months |
Full set of 42 adult teeth develops |
Stronger chewing, less biting behavior |
What This Means for Dog Owners
-
This is a natural process—it is normal for puppies to lose teeth.
-
Many puppies swallow their baby teeth, so you may not always see them.
-
During teething, puppies often chew more because their gums feel sore.
-
You may notice wiggly teeth, mild bleeding, or more interest in chewing objects.
Practical Tip
Because puppies chew more during this stage, it helps to guide that behavior:
-
Offer safe chew toy instead of hard objects that could damage teeth
-
Protect household items during heavy chewing phases
-
Keep an eye out for retained teeth, especially in small dogs breed
When to Pay Attention
-
If your puppy still has baby teeth after 6–7 months
-
If you see double rows of teeth
-
If your puppy shows pain, swelling, or refuses to eat
In these cases, it’s best to check with a veterinarian to protect your dog’s dental health early.
What Do Dog Teeth Do? A Simple Guide to Each Types of Dog Teeth
Dogs have four main types of teeth, and each one plays a different role in how they eat, chew, and interact with the world. Understanding these types of dog teeth helps pet parents better understand normal behavior—and spot problems early.
Types of Dog Teeth at a Glance
|
Tooth Type |
Where It Is |
What It Looks Like |
What It Does |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Incisors |
Front of the mouth |
Small, flat teeth |
Nibbling, grooming, picking up small things |
|
Canines |
Next to incisors |
Long, pointed |
Grabbing, holding, tearing |
|
Premolars |
Behind canines |
Sharp, ridged edges |
Cutting and shearing food |
|
Molars |
Back of the mouth |
Flat and wide |
Grinding and crushing food |
Incisors
Incisors are the small teeth located at the front of a dog’s mouth. There are six on the upper jaw and six on the lower jaw.
What they do:
-
Help dogs nibble and scrape
-
Used for grooming and cleaning fur
-
Help pick up small objects or food pieces
In daily life, you might see your dog use incisors when gently nibbling on dog toys or scratching an itch. These teeth are not for heavy chewing, but they are still important for normal behavior.
Canines
Canines are the long, pointed teeth next to the incisors. Dogs have four canine teeth total—two on top and two on the bottom.
What they do:
-
Help dogs grip objects
-
Used to hold, carry, and tear food
-
Important for natural instincts like play and defense
These are often the most noticeable teeth in a dog’s smile. Canine teeth tear and hold items firmly, which is why dogs use them during tug games or when carrying toys.
Premolars
Premolars sit just behind the canine teeth. Adult dogs have 16 premolars in total.
What they do:
-
Cut and shear food into smaller pieces
-
Help break down tougher textures like kibble or treats
-
Support chewing during eating
Premolars act like scissors. When dogs chew, these teeth help slice food before it moves to the back of the mouth.
Molars
Molars are the flat teeth at the back of the mouth. Dogs have 10 molars, and these only appear in adult dogs.
What they do:
-
Grind and crush food
-
Help break down harder food pieces
-
Support full chewing before swallowing
Molars are especially important for processing dry food and tougher textures. They work with premolars to fully break down food.
What Are Some Reasons For Tooth Loss In Dogs?
Dogs can lose teeth for different reasons. Some are normal, especially in puppies. Others may point to dental problems that need attention. Here are the most common causes:
-
Normal puppy teething: Puppies naturally lose their baby teeth as adult teeth grow in. This usually happens between 3 and 6 months of age and is a normal part of development.
-
Periodontal disease: This is the most common cause of tooth loss in adult dogs. It starts with plaque buildup along the gumline and can lead to infection, diseased gums, and bone loss. Over time, teeth can become loose and fall out.
-
Tooth decay and infection: Just like humans, dogs can develop tooth decay. If bacteria build up, it can lead to infection and damage the tooth and surrounding tissue.
-
Injury or trauma to the mouth: A fall, accident, or impact can damage a tooth. Dogs can also break teeth by chewing on hard objects like bones or very tough toys, which may lead to tooth loss.
-
Chewing hard materials: Items like beef bones, pork bones, or dense mineral materials can cause fractures. These hard things can crack teeth and lead to tooth damage or loss over time.
-
Retained baby teeth: Sometimes, baby teeth do not fall out when adult teeth come in. This can cause crowding, plaque buildup, and increase the risk of dental disease, especially in small breed dogs.
-
Advanced dental disease: If dental problems are not treated early, they can progress to advanced dental disease, where multiple teeth may become loose or infected and need removal.
-
Genetic or developmental issues: Some dogs are born with missing teeth or abnormal tooth positioning. These cases are less common but can affect how teeth develop and function.
Signs of Dog Dental Problems
Dogs often hide pain, so dental problems can be easy to miss at first. Knowing what to look for can help you protect your dog’s oral health before issues get worse.
-
Bad breath: Mild “dog breath” is normal, but a strong or foul odor can be a sign of dental disease or infection.
-
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums: Healthy gums should be pink. Red or bleeding gums may mean gingivitis or early periodontal disease.
-
Yellow or brown buildup on teeth: This is plaque or tartar. Over time, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems.
-
Loose or wiggly teeth: Adult dogs should not have loose teeth. This may signal advanced dental disease or damage.
-
Trouble chewing or dropping food: If your dog avoids hard food or chews on one side, it could mean mouth pain.
-
Drooling more than usual: Excess drool may be linked to discomfort, infection, or something stuck in the mouth.
-
Pawing at the mouth or face: Dogs may paw at their face when something feels wrong in their dog’s mouth.
-
Bleeding from the mouth: Any unexplained bleeding should be checked by a veterinarian.
-
Loss of appetite or eating less: Painful teeth or gums can make eating uncomfortable.
-
Facial swelling: Swelling around the jaw or face may point to a serious infection.
-
Changes in behavior: A normally playful dog may become quiet or avoid toys due to mouth pain.
How To Prevent Tooth Loss in Dogs
Taking care of your dog’s teeth every day can help prevent tooth loss, pain, and serious dental disease. Here are simple and effective ways to protect your dog’s oral health:
-
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly: Brushing helps remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Try to brush your dog’s teeth daily or a few times a week using a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
-
Schedule regular vet checkups: A vet can spot early signs of dental problems that you may not see. Routine exams and veterinary dental cleanings help keep your dog’s teeth healthy.
-
Watch for early signs of dental issues: Look for bad breath, red gums, or loose teeth. Catching problems early can prevent more serious damage later.
-
Provide safe chewing options: Chewing is natural and helps keep teeth clean. Offer safe toys or dental chews, and avoid very hard items that can cause tooth damage.
-
Avoid hard objects that can break teeth: Items like hard bones, antlers, or very tough materials can crack teeth. Broken teeth can lead to infection and tooth loss.
-
Take care during puppy teething: Puppies chew more when they are teething. Guide them toward safe chew items and protect your home from damage. This helps prevent bad habits and supports healthy teeth development.
-
Check your dog’s mouth at home: Gently lift your dog’s lips and look at their teeth and gums. Regular checks help you notice changes like buildup, swelling, or wiggly teeth.
-
Feed a balanced diet: A healthy diet supports strong teeth and gums. Some foods can also help reduce plaque buildup.
When to See a Vet
You should contact a veterinarian if you notice any of these signs:
-
Loose or missing teeth in an adult dog
-
Bleeding, red, or swollen gums
-
Bad breath that does not go away
-
Trouble chewing or dropping food
-
Pawing at the mouth or signs of pain
-
Broken or damaged teeth
-
Swelling around the face or jaw
-
Baby teeth that do not fall out by 6–7 months
FAQs
Do all breeds of dogs have 42 teeth?
Most adult breed dogs do, but not always. Some dogs have missing teeth, extra teeth, prior extractions, or developmental changes. Especially small breed dogs may have crowding or retained baby teeth.
Which dog’s teeth are most important?
All are important because each tooth has a job. But the canines, premolars, and molars are especially important for grabbing, tearing, and chewing food. Healthy gums matter just as much as healthy teeth.
How many teeth does a dog need to eat?
There is no exact number. Many dogs can still eat well after losing teeth or after extractions, especially if painful teeth are removed and food is adjusted as needed. What matters most is comfort and function.
Do dogs feel better after teeth removal?
Often, yes. Dogs with infected, broken, or painful teeth may feel relief after treatment because chronic mouth pain is gone. Your vet can tell you the right course for your pet’s condition.
Conclusion
Good oral health depends on healthy gums, regular checks, and fast action when something changes. A dog may seem fine while dental disease is already building below the surface. Early care can protect your dog’s smile and prevent more serious problems later.
