PetsCareLab

Do dogs have the same number of teeth as humans? And do they experience the same process of losing baby teeth just like we do? Let’s explore the fascinating details about the number of teeth dogs have at different life stages and understand whether tooth loss is a normal part of their growth.

How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?

An adult dog proudly sports a total of 42 permanent teeth, which is more than the 32 teeth humans have. However, the number of teeth in a dog’s mouth evolves as they grow.

Permanent teeth typically erupt between 3 and 7 months of age. A dog’s upper jaw—known as the maxilla—houses 20 teeth, while the lower jaw, called the mandible, holds 22 teeth. This abundance of teeth equips dogs with a powerful bite and diverse functions.

How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?

Puppies come into the world without any teeth. Their tiny puppy teeth begin to break through the gums when they are around 3 to 4 weeks old. By the time they reach 3 to 5 months, most puppies have developed all 28 of their baby teeth.

It’s worth noting that some breeds, especially toy and smaller ones, may experience a slower tooth development process for both their puppy and adult teeth.

Types of Dog Teeth

Dogs have several types of teeth, each built for a specific task—from biting to grinding. Here’s an overview of the different types of teeth in a dog’s mouth and their roles:

Incisors

These are the small teeth at the very front of a dog’s mouth. There are six incisors on the top jaw and six on the bottom. Incisors are essential for gripping objects like food, as well as for nibbling and grooming.

Canines

The canine teeth are noticeably longer and pointed, with four in total. Positioned near the front of the mouth, they are slightly curved and designed to tear or puncture food and other items efficiently.

Premolars

Located just behind the canines, dogs have 16 premolars—eight on top and eight on the bottom. These teeth are the workhorses for shearing and grinding food down into manageable pieces.

Molars

At the back of the mouth, molars resemble premolars but are specialized for grinding. Dogs have four molars on the upper jaw and six on the lower jaw, perfect for breaking food down for easy swallowing and digestion.

Can Dogs Lose Teeth?

Puppies usually begin losing their deciduous (puppy) teeth around 3 to 4 months old as adult teeth start growing in.

Beyond this natural transition, adult dogs losing teeth is not normal and should raise a concern. If you notice your dog losing permanent teeth, a veterinary visit is essential. Tooth loss in adult dogs often signals an underlying health issue.

Here are common reasons dogs might lose their adult teeth:

Periodontal Disease

The leading cause of tooth loss in dogs is advanced periodontal disease—a painful condition caused by bacteria buildup leading to decayed teeth and infected gums.

Without regular dental care, including brushing at home and professional cleaning by your veterinarian, periodontal disease progresses, causing discomfort and sometimes severe infections that affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.

To prevent this, maintain a diligent dental routine using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste), brushing your dog’s teeth daily.

Trauma

Accidents or chewing on overly hard objects can cause tooth fractures or loss. Dense items like beef or pork bones are particularly risky because they can chip or break teeth.

To protect your dog’s dental health, avoid giving hard bones and instead opt for vet-approved dental chews or treats designed to be safe and beneficial.

Tooth Decay

Dogs’ teeth can wear down and decay faster than human teeth because they use their mouths for many activities beyond eating—like picking up toys, dirt, hair, or other things.

Certain breeds, such as small dogs and Greyhounds, are especially prone to quick tooth decay and may require multiple tooth extractions over their lifetime.

If decay occurs, veterinarians often recommend a professional cleaning under general anesthesia, followed by removal of damaged teeth to relieve pain and restore oral health. Dogs can adapt well even without teeth, continuing to eat comfortably.

How To Prevent Tooth Loss in Dogs

Healthy teeth play a vital role in your dog’s overall wellbeing. If you observe loose, wobbly, or missing teeth, or notice worsening bad breath, schedule a veterinary appointment promptly.

Don’t wait for eating difficulties to appear—use your dog’s annual wellness exam to discuss dental health with your vet and catch potential problems early.

Do dogs have wisdom teeth?

No, unlike humans, dogs do not develop wisdom teeth.

Are dogs born with teeth?

No. Puppies are born toothless, with their baby teeth typically appearing between 3 and 4 weeks old.

How many teeth do small dogs have?

All adult dogs, regardless of size, possess 42 permanent teeth—20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw.

What are retained teeth?

Retained deciduous teeth occur when a puppy’s baby teeth do not fall out naturally and remain alongside adult teeth. This can cause overcrowding, abnormal tooth alignment, and increased risk of dental problems.

This condition is often genetic and more prevalent in small breed dogs. Veterinary intervention usually involves surgically removing these retained baby teeth to prevent future issues.