How do you start your day? Wake up, make the bed, brush your teeth? Dental care and hygiene are a big deal for us humans. But how much do you know about your pup’s teeth?
We’re going to take a deep dive into doggy dental care and answer the key question: how many teeth does a dog have? Along the way, we’re going to dish out our top tips for keeping your furry friend’s choppers in tip-top shape.
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Ever wondered how many teeth do puppies have?
When a little puppy is born, they don’t have any visible teeth. It’s not until about 3–4 weeks that you’ll start to see their puppy teeth come through. Like us, puppies start with primary teeth, which we also call milk teeth or deciduous teeth. By roughly 3–5 months, your puppy should finish teething and all 28 of their puppy teeth should be on full show. This includes their incisors, canines, and premolars. Puppies don’t have baby molars because they don’t eat a lot of hard food when they are little.
You have probably noticed that puppy teeth can be quite sharp. Puppies tear and shred food with their teeth, and the sharpness helps while their jaws strengthen. As puppies get older, thankfully, those razor-sharp teeth will fall out, with adult teeth being much less sharp. Between 3 and 7 months old, puppies start to get their permanent teeth pushing through.
The exact amount of time it takes for your puppy to have all their primary teeth can depend on the breed. Some smaller breeds can take longer to develop teeth. While dogs have the same basic amount of teeth, you may notice different sizes, shapes, and spacing depending on the breed.
While dental care for your pup’s teeth is important, proper nutrition lays the foundation for healthy teeth. Jinx’s puppy formula includes added calcium and phosphorus to help build a super strong set of teeth and bones from the start!
How Many Teeth Do Adult Dogs Have?
By about 6 to 7 months, most puppies will have all their adult teeth. Usually, you can expect to see incisors and canines first, followed by premolars and finally adult molars.
So, how many teeth does an adult dog have? We’re going to break it down.
An adult dog has 42 permanent teeth. For comparison, we only have 32 adult teeth. Dogs have 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 teeth in the lower jaw.
The Four Types of Dog Teeth
Like humans, dogs have different types of teeth that each play a specific role. It’s normal for dog parents to have questions about their pups. How many incisors do dogs have? Do dogs have molars like us? Let’s explore this further.
Here’s an explanation of the four types of adult dog teeth you will see in your dog’s mouth and what they do:
- Incisors: These are the small teeth at the front. You should see 6 in the upper jaw and 6 in the lower jaw. Incisors look like little mittens. Your pup will use their incisors to tear, bite, and groom.
- Canines: Dogs have 4 canine teeth, which are on either side of the incisors in the upper and lower jaws. Dog canine teeth look like vampire fangs, and are perfect for tearing meat apart.
- Premolars: The premolars are behind the canines. Dogs have 16 premolars, 8 on the top and 8 on the bottom jaw. These teeth are for grinding and chewing food.
- Molars: These teeth look large and flat. There should be 10 molars, 4 in the upper jaw and 6 in the lower jaw. Molars are at the back of the mouth and help to grind and crush food.
Can Dogs Lose Teeth?
Puppies can start to lose teeth at around 3–4 months old as their permanent adult teeth start to grow. Aside from the natural process of losing baby teeth, it’s not normal for dogs to lose teeth. But, like us, dogs can lose teeth, have dental issues, and experience tooth loss for many reasons. Here’s what you need to know.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is also called dental disease. It’s one of the most common causes of tooth loss in dogs. Plaque and tartar build up in your dog’s mouth, which leads to inflammation and infection. There are different stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontal disease, and peritonitis. In the advanced phase of the disease, the bone supporting the teeth can get destroyed, leading to potential tooth loss.
Proper dental care, regular at-home brushing, and vet check-ups are key to preventing periodontal disease. The disease can be really painful for dogs and lead to symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, excessive drooling, and difficulty eating. If you notice any symptoms or changes in your dog’s behavior, contact your vet.
Tooth Decay
Dogs explore the world through their mouths; whether it’s licking, nibbling, carrying, or chewing. In dogs, tooth decay is less common than periodontal disease; yet, both can be serious conditions for dogs. There are certain breeds that are more susceptible to tooth decay, like Greyhounds.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is by maintaining a regular oral hygiene care routine at home. But if you do spot symptoms of tooth decay, like poor appetite, drooling, and lack of interest in chewing toys, speak to your vet. Depending on how bad the tooth decay is, your vet may remove the damaged enamel, use a filling, perform a root canal, or remove the tooth.
Trauma
Another cause of tooth loss in dogs is trauma. This can be trauma from an accident or injury, or chewing on hard materials like beef or pork bones. If you want to give your pup something to chew, it’s best to avoid pork or beef bones, as these hard materials can cause tooth fractures and damage.
For a safer alternative, consider dental chews for your pup. Our dental chews are expertly formulated to fight tartar and plaque buildup while using real ingredients for the modern dog.
The Importance of Taking Care of Your Dog's Teeth
Poor dental hygiene can lead to many health problems and really lower a dog’s quality of life. Good dental health and proper care give your pup a great foundation of health and support overall well-being.
Dental disease can do much more harm than just in the mouth. Poor dental health can increase the risk of heart disease, cause pain, promote inflammation, and more.
How to Prevent Dogs from Losing Their Teeth
Now we know how many teeth dogs have got, how do we look after them and prevent dental problems in the future?
It’s sad to say that the facts about dental disease are clear. Dental disease affects at least 80% of dogs over the age of 3. That percentage shoots up to 96% in senior dogs. Dental health is a big concern for pet parents, so getting into good habits from a young age is essential for preventing issues.
Here are our top tips for preventing dogs from losing their teeth:
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly
- A daily dental chew can help fight plaque buildup, in addition to brushing
- Schedule regular professional dental cleanings
- Avoid lots of sugar in the diet or sticky treats
- Stick to healthy dog food and leave human foods off the menu
- Inspect your dog’s teeth regularly
If you spot any signs or have concerns, head to the vet and address any dental issues quickly. The quicker you can get a diagnosis, the faster you can start treatment and prevent the problem from getting worse.
Dog Teeth FAQs
Do dogs have wisdom teeth?
No, dogs don’t have wisdom teeth. As adults, dogs have a complete set of 42 teeth, with no extra teeth that erupt later in life.
What do dogs do when they lose their teeth?
In puppies, when they start to lose their teeth, you might notice them chewing on toys, furniture, or sometimes their own paws. They may whine or be a bit restless, especially if they are in pain or discomfort. It’s common to see more drooling during this time, and you may spot that your puppy isn’t as hungry as normal, which can be due to the discomfort.
For adult dogs, signs of tooth loss can include:
- Difficulty eating
- Weight loss
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in behavior
If you notice any symptoms, speak to your veterinarian, who can pinpoint the problem and start the right treatment.
Are dogs born with teeth?
No, when puppies are born, they don’t have visible teeth. At about 3 to 4 weeks old, their baby teeth will start to poke through the gums.
What are retained teeth?
Retained teeth are puppy teeth that don’t fall out naturally. They stay in your puppy’s mouth and get in the way of permanent teeth erupting. This can cause issues like overcrowding, infection, and difficulty eating. The typical treatment for retained teeth is for your vet to remove them surgically. Your vet can tell you the best approach for your pup and the location of the retained teeth.
Taking care of your dog’s teeth isn’t just about keeping bad breath at bay; it maintains your dog’s quality of life that they deserve. As responsible pet parents, it’s our job to take care of our pup’s dental hygiene. That way, not only do you get a beaming smile from your pup, but you prioritize their health and wellness too.
At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.