Dogs have a unique dental journey as they grow from puppies into adults. If you’ve ever wondered how many teeth dogs have, the answer depends on how old they are. Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, which is more than humans have. Puppies, on the other hand, have fewer teeth. Every tooth has a purpose, helping dogs to eat, chew, and even protect themselves. Knowing about a dog’s teeth is helpful because it can help you take better care of your dog’s mouth and notice early signs of dental problems.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Puppies are born without teeth, so their mothers don’t have to worry about getting nipped while nursing. Around 3 to 4 weeks old, puppies start getting their first set of teeth. These first teeth, called “milk teeth” or “deciduous teeth”, are sharp and small. By 3 to 5 months old, a puppy will have 28 of these teeth. Puppy teeth include incisors, canines, and premolars, but no molars.
Puppies use these teeth to begin eating solid food and to help them chew on toys. Their jaws aren’t strong yet, but the sharpness of the teeth helps them to bite and chew until their adult teeth come in.
| Age | Number of Teeth | Types of Teeth Present |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 0 | None |
| 3-4 weeks | Beginning to erupt | Incisors, Canines, Premolars |
| 3-5 months | 28 | Incisors, Canines, Premolars |
How Many Teeth Do Adult Dogs Have?
As puppies grow up, they lose their baby teeth and get a full set of adult teeth. This usually starts when they are 3 or 4 months old, and is finished by 6 or 7 months. Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, which is ten more than humans.
Their teeth are divided into:
- 12 incisors – 6 on top, 6 on bottom, used for nibbling and grooming
- 4 canines – 2 on top, 2 on bottom, used for tearing food
- 16 premolars – 8 on top, 8 on bottom, used for shearing food
- 10 molars – 4 on top, 6 on bottom, used for crushing and grinding food
| Type of Tooth | Top Jaw | Bottom Jaw | Total | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 6 | 6 | 12 | Nibbling, grooming |
| Canines | 2 | 2 | 4 | Tearing, holding |
| Premolars | 8 | 8 | 16 | Chewing, slicing |
| Molars | 4 | 6 | 10 | Crushing, grinding |
Do All Dog Breeds Have the Same Number of Teeth?
Almost every breed of dog, big or small, has the same number of adult teeth-42 in total. This counts for all sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. The main reason is that dogs are all descended from wolves, and this number of teeth works well for their eating habits and other behaviors.
There are some cases where a dog might have fewer teeth. This can happen because a tooth was lost, didn’t grow in, or was damaged. Some small breeds can have teeth that never come through the gums. This is more likely in breeds like Tibetan Terriers, Wheaten Terriers, Maltese, and Havanese. If your dog has missing teeth, you should talk to your vet to make sure there isn’t a health concern.
How Many Sets of Teeth Do Dogs Get in Their Lifetime?
Puppy (Deciduous) Teeth
The first set, the baby teeth, come in at about 3 to 4 weeks old. Puppies get 28 of these teeth, and they don’t have molars. By 3 to 5 months old, all the baby teeth are in place. These teeth help puppies wean off nursing and start eating solid foods.
Puppies lose their baby teeth as the adult teeth start to grow in, usually from 3 to 4 months old. Sometimes, a baby tooth doesn’t fall out and gets stuck next to the adult tooth. This can cause crowding and other problems, especially in small breeds. If this happens, the vet may need to take out the leftover baby teeth to prevent issues later.
Adult (Permanent) Teeth
The second set is the permanent adult teeth. These begin to show up as the puppy teeth fall out, usually finishing up by 6 or 7 months of age. Some small dogs might take a little longer, sometimes up to 8 months. Adult teeth include all four kinds: incisors (12), canines (4), premolars (16), and molars (10).
Adult teeth should last the rest of your dog’s life. Each kind of tooth has a special job, from cutting and tearing to grinding food. If an adult dog loses teeth, it is usually a sign of dental disease or injury. Problems like plaque and tartar can cause pain, tooth loss, and even other health problems. This is why brushing your dog’s teeth and going to the vet for dental checks is so important.
Dog Teeth FAQs
Are Dogs Born With Teeth?
No, puppies are born without any teeth. Like babies, they start toothless. This helps protect both the puppies and the mother during nursing. The first teeth, sharp puppy teeth, show up at around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Puppies get their full set of 28 baby teeth by 8 to 10 weeks.
How Many Teeth Do Small Dogs Have Versus Large Dogs?
No matter if a dog is a toy breed or a giant breed, all adult dogs should have 42 permanent teeth: 20 on the top, 22 on the bottom. The structure and count of teeth don’t change with size. However, small breeds can face extra problems because their teeth are packed closer together. This can lead to crowding, teeth not falling out as they should, and dental diseases due to the tight fit.
Small dogs and Greyhounds, for example, often suffer from dental problems quickly. Owners of small dogs need to be extra careful with brushing and making sure teeth are healthy. Regular checkups and cleanings are key for all dogs, no matter their size.
Looking after your dog’s teeth keeps their mouth healthy and protects their overall health. Dental care like at-home brushing with dog-safe toothpaste and regular vet cleanings help stop gum disease and tooth loss, which are common in dogs as young as three years old. If you notice your dog losing teeth, having foul breath, or not wanting to eat, book a visit to the vet. Taking care of your dog’s teeth now means a longer, happier life for your pet.
