How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
Adult dogs have a total of 42 teeth:
- 20 teeth on the upper jaw (maxilla)
- 22 teeth on the lower jaw (mandible)
These permanent teeth erupt between 3–7 months of age, replacing the puppy (deciduous) teeth.
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Puppies are born without teeth. Their first (deciduous) teeth start to appear around 3–4 weeks of age, and by 3–5 months old, most puppies have 28 baby teeth.
Small and toy breeds sometimes take a little longer to develop both puppy and adult teeth.
Types of Dog Teeth and Their Functions
Dogs have four types of teeth, each serving a different purpose:
Incisors
- Located at the front (six on top, six on bottom)
- Used for grabbing objects, nibbling, and grooming
Canines
- Four long, pointed teeth (two on top, two on bottom)
- Designed for tearing and puncturing food
Premolars
- 16 total (eight on each jaw)
- Used for shearing and grinding food
Molars
- 10 total (four on top, six on bottom)
- Used for crushing and grinding food into smaller pieces
Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth?
Yes — puppies lose their teeth, just like human children do.
This happens around 3–4 months old, when their adult teeth start to push through.
However, adult dogs should not lose teeth. If they do, it’s a sign of a health problem.
Common Causes of Tooth Loss in Adult Dogs
Periodontal Disease
- The most common cause of tooth loss
- Caused by plaque buildup, poor dental hygiene, and gum infection
- Can lead to pain, infection, and even affect organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys
Prevention:
Brush your dog’s teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste and schedule regular vet cleanings.
Trauma
- Can occur from chewing hard objects or mouth injuries
- Avoid hard bones (like beef or pork bones) that can fracture teeth
- Use vet-approved dental chews or toys instead
Tooth Decay
- Dogs’ teeth wear down faster because they use their mouths for more than eating
- Exposure to dirt, toys, and various objects increases decay risk
- Small breeds and Greyhounds are especially prone to decay
Treatment:
Your vet may perform a professional cleaning and remove decayed teeth.
Dogs can live comfortably and eat normally even without teeth.
Preventing Tooth Loss in Dogs
- Brush your dog’s teeth daily
- Schedule annual dental exams
- Avoid waiting until your dog shows signs of pain or stops eating
- Watch for signs like bad breath, loose teeth, or difficulty chewing
FAQs
Do Dogs Have Wisdom Teeth?
No, dogs do not have wisdom teeth.
Are Dogs Born With Teeth?
No, puppies are born toothless. Their baby teeth erupt around 3–4 weeks old.
How Many Teeth Do Small Dogs Have?
All adult dogs—regardless of size—have 42 permanent teeth.
What Are Retained Teeth?
Sometimes puppy teeth don’t fall out naturally, known as retained deciduous teeth.
This can lead to crowding, misalignment, and dental disease.
Vets usually recommend surgical removal of these teeth.
