How many teeth do dogs have?

Knowing how many teeth a dog has and what those teeth do is more than trivia for a dog lover. It shapes everyday care—what toys you choose, when you introduce toothbrushing, how you read your dog’s behavior around food or other dogs—and it may influence when you call the clinic. I typically see owners surprised by how much a single retained baby tooth or a broken canine can affect chewing, weight maintenance, or even behavior. The information below helps you spot normal milestones, recognize warning signs, and take practical steps to protect your dog’s mouth.

What your dog’s tooth count tells you — and why owners should care

Counting teeth isn’t just for breeders or vets. For puppies, knowing when baby teeth erupt and fall out helps owners plan socialization, introduce appropriate chews, and avoid painful surprises during feeding. When owners track milestones like the appearance of adult canines, it often coincides with behavioral shifts—more confident mouthing or a change in play style—that may merit simple training adjustments.

Dental health also affects nutrition and behavior. Pain from inflamed gums or fractured teeth may cause a previously eager eater to pick at food, drop kibble, or favor softer diets. This can lead to weight loss or nutritional imbalances if the issue is not recognized. Oral disease may be linked to broader health problems; chronic infection in the mouth is likely to affect how a dog feels and behaves.

Breed-specific dental needs matter. Flat-faced breeds often have crowded teeth that may predispose them to retained baby teeth or periodontal disease. Sight-hounds and small breeds may show different patterns of wear. Observing your dog’s dental layout helps you choose appropriate chew toys and set realistic expectations for professional cleanings.

Finally, knowing what counts as “normal” helps you decide when veterinary attention is needed. One or two missing teeth in an older dog might be expected from wear, but sudden swelling, a loose large tooth, or persistent blood in the saliva should prompt a call to the veterinarian. Early detection can prevent pain and more invasive treatment later.

Adult dogs vs. puppies: how many teeth they actually have

Here’s a simple, memorable answer to the most common question:

• Most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth.
• Puppies are usually born without visible teeth but develop about 28 deciduous (baby) teeth.
• Individual and breed variations occur: some dogs retain baby teeth, others may lose teeth from trauma or disease, and certain jaw conformations can change how many teeth fit comfortably.

From milk teeth to permanent teeth: a canine development timeline

Puppies start getting baby teeth at about three to four weeks of age; by six to eight weeks most of the 28 deciduous teeth are present. Owners often notice increased chewing and irritability during this phase because the emerging teeth make gums sensitive. I commonly recommend supervised chew toys that are soft enough not to damage erupting teeth but sturdy enough to satisfy the urge to chew.

Permanent teeth begin to replace baby teeth at roughly three to four months of age and the process typically finishes by six to seven months. Canines and premolars are among the last to settle. During this transition you may see a mix of small and larger teeth in the mouth, minor bleeding, or small pieces of retained baby teeth still attached. If baby teeth are retained—especially upper canines—they may block the proper eruption or alignment of the adult tooth and often require veterinary extraction.

As dogs age, normal wear and tear becomes more evident. Molars and premolars used for grinding food may show flattened cusps, and incisors can abrade from nibbling or grooming. Older dogs, especially those with chronic periodontal disease, may lose teeth gradually. Age-related tooth loss is common, but pain or difficulty eating is not a normal part of aging and deserves evaluation.

What different dog teeth do — incisors, canines, premolars and molars explained

The variety of tooth types in a dog’s mouth serves specific functions. Incisors at the front are small and ideal for nibbling, grooming, and delicate work such as removing debris from a bone. Canines are long and conical for piercing and holding; they are a prominent element in social signaling and threat displays. Premolars and molars behind the canines are used for shearing and grinding—the premolars slice meat and the molars crush and masticate.

These roles are reflected in shape and placement. A powerful bite force concentrates on the back teeth for crushing, while front teeth do finer tasks. Teeth also play a part in communication: a raised lip showing canines is a clear visual signal that may reduce escalation if other dogs or people read it appropriately. Jaw shape and bite type—scissor bite, level bite, or underbite—affect how teeth meet and wear over time, and different breeds may be predisposed to specific patterns.

When to expect teething milestones and adult tooth eruption

There are windows when change is expected. The primary teething window is roughly three to eight weeks for baby teeth and three to seven months for permanent teeth. Large-breed and small-breed puppies may follow the same sequence but differ slightly in timing; small breeds may show earlier eruption of some teeth while brachycephalic breeds may have more crowding and delayed or abnormal eruption.

External factors influence appearance and count. A diet of very hard objects or inappropriate chew toys can accelerate wear or lead to fracture. Conversely, softer diets may preserve cusp shape but can allow plaque buildup if not paired with oral hygiene. Trauma—falls, fights with other dogs, or being hit by an object—can cause sudden tooth loss or visible damage; these situations often need urgent attention to address pain and infection risk.

Spotting trouble: common dental risks and warning signs in dogs

Early warning signs of dental disease can be subtle. Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve after a chew or a graded cleaning may suggest periodontal disease. Blood-tinged saliva, frequent drooling, or a sudden change in how a dog holds or uses its mouth are reasons to inspect further. Difficulty picking up food, dropping food while chewing, or favoring one side when eating may indicate a painful tooth.

Other signs to watch for include pawing at the face, swelling along the jawline or beneath an eye, and behavioral changes such as irritability when the mouth is touched. Loose or visibly broken teeth, exposed root structures, and gums that bleed easily or appear red and recessed are all concerning. Fever or reduced activity combined with oral signs can suggest a spreading infection that needs prompt veterinary care.

Practical owner actions — daily care, emergency steps, and when to see the vet

Start with a calm, safe approach. 1) Sit where your dog feels relaxed and gently lift the lip to inspect the front teeth and gums. 2) Move to one side and then the other, looking for symmetry: are the gums the same color and the teeth the same size and orientation? 3) Count roughly—front six incisors on the top and bottom, two large canines, and the premolars and molars further back—so you have a baseline to report to your vet. If your dog resists, stop and try again later; force will make future exams harder.

For teething discomfort, provide age-appropriate chew items that give relief without risking tooth fracture—rubber toys meant for teething or chilled (not frozen) chewables often help. Offer short supervised chewing sessions, and replace toys that splinter. If a retained baby tooth is visible after the adult tooth appears, or if you observe persistent bleeding or swelling, schedule a veterinary visit; extraction under controlled anesthesia is commonly recommended to prevent malocclusion or infection.

When to call urgently: sudden facial swelling, teeth that are loose or hanging, heavy bleeding, or a dramatic change in appetite paired with mouth pain. For routine concerns like mild tartar or an occasional broken tooth without swelling, arrange a non-emergency appointment so the veterinarian can assess and plan preventive care.

Home setup and training tips to protect your dog’s teeth

Preventing dental damage starts with the environment. Remove access to very hard objects—ice blocks, real bones large enough to crack teeth, or rocks that can be chewed. Choose toys rated for canine dental safety and replace them when they show sharp edges or chunks missing. Supervise play, especially with robust chewers, and separate dogs with mismatched play styles to avoid accidental trauma.

Training matters as much as gear. Teach calm, cooperative mouth handling from a young age with brief sessions of touching the muzzle, lifting lips, and offering treats. Positive reinforcement builds tolerance so veterinary exams and home toothbrushing become manageable. Socialization to different people and handling reduces stress-related mouth guarding; if a dog shows fear-based mouthing, work with a qualified trainer rather than punishing the behavior.

Dental gear guide: toothbrushes, chews, and vet-recommended products

There are practical tools that support oral health. A soft-bristled canine toothbrush used a few times per week with veterinary-formulated toothpaste can slow plaque accumulation. Vet-approved dental chews that carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal may reduce tartar for some dogs when used as directed, but they don’t replace brushing. For teething puppies, flexible rubber chews and short, supervised frozen washcloths can offer relief. Water additives or topical gels recommended by your veterinarian may be useful in specific cases—discuss product selection with the clinic to match your dog’s needs.

Sources and further reading

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Dental Care for Dogs — guidance on routine care and when to seek veterinary help.
• American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC): Position Statements and Pet Owner Resources on oral health and common dental procedures.
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Dental Disease in Dogs — practical clinical overviews of periodontal disease, tooth fractures, and extractions.
• Fielding H. et al., Journal of Veterinary Dentistry: “Eruption times and dental development in puppies” — peer-reviewed research on timing and variation.
• Verstraete, F. J. M., & Pollard, R. E., Small Animal Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease (textbook) — clinical guide to dental anatomy and treatment.