Dog Teeth: Puppy Teething, Adult Tooth Loss and Dental Care
En este artículo
By Dr Duncan Houston
A loose baby tooth can be part of normal puppy development. A loose adult tooth is a reason to arrange veterinary care. Knowing the difference helps you respond early, before a mouth problem becomes harder to treat.
Quick Answer
Puppies usually have 28 baby teeth, and adult dogs normally have 42 permanent teeth. Baby teeth are replaced during the first several months, with most adult teeth present by about six to seven months. Adult tooth loss, persistent bad breath, broken teeth or painful chewing are not normal ageing changes and need a veterinary dental assessment.
How many teeth should a dog have?
| Teeth | Adult total | Main role |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 12 | Small front teeth used for nibbling and grooming. |
| Canines | 4 | Long pointed teeth used for grasping. |
| Premolars | 16 | Teeth behind the canines used for cutting and chewing. |
| Molars | 10 | Back teeth involved in crushing and chewing. |
The usual adult arrangement is 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. Puppies have no baby molars. Individual dogs may have missing, unerupted or extra teeth, so a count alone cannot establish whether the mouth is healthy.
What normal teething looks like
Puppies are generally born without erupted teeth. Milk teeth begin appearing at roughly three to four weeks and are usually present by six to eight weeks. Replacement with permanent teeth starts at around three to four months, with some variation between individuals.
You may find a tiny tooth, notice a small blood spot on a toy or see increased chewing. Often baby teeth are swallowed without being noticed. Provide puppy-appropriate chew items with some give, supervise use and discard damaged toys. Avoid rocks, antlers, hooves and very hard bones because both baby and adult teeth can fracture.
Marked bleeding, facial swelling, obvious pain or refusal to eat should not be dismissed as teething. Do not pull a tooth yourself or apply human teething gels.
Two teeth in the same position
A baby tooth that remains after its permanent replacement erupts is called a persistent deciduous tooth. It can crowd the mouth, trap debris and affect how the teeth meet. Arrange a check when you notice it rather than automatically waiting for a future neutering appointment.
Your vet may recommend extraction with dental imaging to assess roots and nearby developing structures. The VCA guide to persistent baby teeth explains why early recognition matters.
Why adult teeth become loose or disappear
Periodontal disease damages the tissues supporting teeth. Plaque at the gum margin can progress from gum inflammation to deeper attachment and bone loss. A tooth may then become loose or fall out, but waiting for it to fall out leaves the underlying disease untreated.
Other possibilities include trauma, a fractured tooth with part remaining, a tooth that never erupted or a previous extraction. A space in the mouth does not reveal which explanation applies. Dental radiographs can show roots and structures hidden below the gums.
Dogs can continue eating despite substantial oral pain. Watch for chewing on one side, dropping food, avoiding hard food, face rubbing, drooling, reduced play, bleeding gums or a change in mood when the face is touched. Bad breath may accompany dental disease, but other illnesses can also alter breath odour.
When a dental problem is urgent
Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty, major facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or inability to close the mouth normally after injury. A knocked-out permanent tooth needs immediate veterinary advice because treatment options are time-sensitive; do not scrub it or attempt to put it back yourself.
A broken tooth, facial swelling, a visible red or pink centre within a fracture, or inability to eat comfortably warrants prompt assessment. Avoid testing a painful tooth with your fingers: even a gentle dog may bite when hurt. Do not give human painkillers.
What a professional dental assessment involves
An awake examination helps identify concerns but cannot fully evaluate every tooth and the tissues beneath the gums. Comprehensive dentistry generally requires general anaesthesia with monitoring, dental probing and radiographs, followed by cleaning and treatment appropriate to the findings.
The American Veterinary Dental College position on anaesthesia-free scaling explains why removing visible tartar from an awake dog does not provide complete dental care. The timing of professional treatment depends on disease, home care and individual risk, rather than a fixed schedule for every dog.
Build a gentle daily routine
- Ask your vet to check for pain before beginning brushing in a dog with bad breath or inflamed gums.
- Reward brief, calm handling around the lips, stopping before your dog becomes uncomfortable.
- Introduce pet toothpaste and a soft brush gradually, working along the outer gum margins.
- Aim for daily brushing. Never force the mouth open or use human toothpaste.
- Discuss useful supplements to brushing, such as appropriately sized dental chews or diets with evidence.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council accepted-product list identifies products meeting its standards for plaque or tartar control. These products do not repair loose teeth or replace treatment of established disease. Count edible chews in the daily calorie allowance and supervise chewing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dog manage without all its teeth?
Many dogs eat comfortably after appropriate extractions. Removing a painful diseased tooth can improve quality of life; your vet will advise on recovery and food texture.
Does dry food clean teeth?
Ordinary kibble does not reliably replace brushing. Some specific dental diets have evidence for plaque or tartar control.
Should I scrape tartar at home?
No. Tools can injure gums or teeth, and scraping visible deposits misses disease below the gum line.
Routine mouth checks are most useful when they lead to timely care, rather than waiting until eating stops.
For help understanding teething or planning your dog's dental-care questions, visit ASK A VET™. Painful or damaged teeth need an in-person examination.
