How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
A Complete Guide to Dog Dental Anatomy and Care
Quick Answer
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. Puppies have 28 baby teeth that start falling out around 3 to 4 months of age. By 7 to 8 months, most dogs have their complete adult set.
The 4 Types of Dog Teeth
Each type serves a specific purpose in your dog's daily life.
Incisors
12 (6 upper, 6 lower)
Front of the mouth
Grooming, nibbling, scraping meat off bones. These are the small teeth at the very front that dogs use for delicate tasks like picking fleas out of their coat or gently nibbling on toys.
Canines
4 (2 upper, 2 lower)
Beside the incisors
Gripping, tearing, holding objects. These are the long, pointed "fangs" that give dogs their powerful bite. Canines are deeply rooted in the jaw and are the strongest teeth in a dog's mouth.
Premolars
16 (8 upper, 8 lower)
Behind the canines
Shearing and tearing food. Premolars have sharp edges designed for cutting through meat and breaking down tough food. You will notice your dog chews bones and tough treats with these teeth.
Molars
10 (4 upper, 6 lower)
Back of the mouth
Grinding and crushing. Molars have flat surfaces that crush kibble, bones, and hard treats. These are the heavy-duty teeth that handle the bulk of chewing work.
Puppy Teeth vs Adult Teeth
| Feature | Puppy (Deciduous) | Adult (Permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Count | 28 | 42 |
| Incisors | 12 | 12 |
| Canines | 4 | 4 |
| Premolars | 12 | 16 |
| Molars | 0 | 10 |
| Appearance | Tiny, sharp, needle-like | Larger, duller, more robust |
| Root Structure | Shallow roots (easy to fall out) | Deep roots (permanent) |
Puppy Teething Timeline
2-4 weeks
First baby teeth begin to emerge
Incisors appear first, followed by canines. Puppies start developing their deciduous (baby) teeth while still nursing.
5-6 weeks
All 28 baby teeth are in
Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars. No baby molars.
3-4 months
Baby teeth start falling out
Incisors are usually the first to go. You may find tiny teeth on the floor, or your puppy may swallow them (which is harmless).
4-5 months
Adult premolars and canines emerge
This is the peak teething period. Puppies chew everything to relieve discomfort. Provide appropriate chew toys.
5-7 months
Molars come in last
Adult molars grow in at the back of the mouth. These teeth do not replace baby teeth because puppies have no baby molars.
7-8 months
All 42 adult teeth are in
The full adult set is complete. If any baby teeth remain alongside adult teeth (retained deciduous teeth), consult your vet.
Common Dental Problems in Dogs
Periodontal Disease
Affects 80% of dogs by age 3Bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structures. Starts with plaque buildup, progresses to gingivitis, then bone loss. The most common health problem in dogs.
Warning signs:
Retained Baby Teeth
Most common in small breedsBaby teeth that do not fall out when adult teeth come in. This creates crowding, traps food, and leads to early decay. Small breeds like Yorkies and Chihuahuas are especially prone.
Warning signs:
Fractured Teeth
Common in power chewersTeeth can crack or break from chewing hard objects like antlers, hooves, or cooked bones. The upper premolars and canines are most vulnerable. A fractured tooth with exposed pulp is painful and requires veterinary treatment.
Warning signs:
Tooth Resorption
Under-diagnosedThe body breaks down and absorbs the tooth structure from the inside. The cause is not fully understood. Affected teeth become painful and structurally weak. Extraction is usually required.
Warning signs:
How to Keep Your Dog's Teeth Healthy
Daily Care
- ✓ Brush teeth daily with dog-specific toothpaste
- ✓ Offer VOHC-approved dental chews
- ✓ Add a dental water additive to the bowl
- ✓ Provide appropriate chew toys
Regular Checkups
- ✓ Annual dental exam by your vet
- ✓ Professional cleaning under anesthesia as needed
- ✓ X-rays to check below the gum line
- ✓ Address problems early before they worsen
What to Avoid
- ✗ Human toothpaste (contains toxic fluoride)
- ✗ Cooked bones (splinter and break teeth)
- ✗ Antlers and hooves (too hard, cause fractures)
- ✗ Tennis balls as primary chew toys (abrasive felt wears enamel)
Want to know how many calories your dog needs? Use our Calorie Calculator. Dental health and nutrition go hand in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teeth do dogs have?
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. Puppies have 28 baby (deciduous) teeth that fall out and are replaced by adult teeth between 3 and 7 months of age.
How many teeth do puppies have?
Puppies have 28 baby teeth that start emerging around 2 to 4 weeks of age. These include 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars. Puppies do not have baby molars. Their 10 adult molars grow in directly without replacing any baby teeth.
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Puppies start losing baby teeth around 3 to 4 months of age, beginning with the incisors. The process continues through 7 months, when the last adult teeth (molars) come in. Most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth by 7 to 8 months.
Do dogs get cavities?
Dogs rarely get cavities (dental caries) compared to humans. This is because dog saliva has a higher pH that inhibits acid-forming bacteria. However, dogs are much more prone to periodontal disease, which affects the gums and bone around the teeth rather than the teeth themselves.
How do I keep my dog's teeth clean?
Brush your dog's teeth daily with a dog-specific toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, which contains fluoride that is toxic to dogs. Offer VOHC-approved dental chews, feed dental-specific kibble, and schedule annual professional dental cleanings with your vet.
What should I do if my dog breaks a tooth?
A broken tooth with exposed pulp (the pink center) is a dental emergency. It causes pain and can lead to infection. Contact your vet right away. Treatment options include root canal therapy or extraction. Do not wait, as untreated broken teeth can cause serious complications.
Why does my puppy chew everything?
Puppies chew to relieve teething pain as adult teeth push through the gums. This phase is most intense between 4 and 6 months. Provide safe chew toys, frozen washcloths, and rubber teething rings. Redirect chewing away from furniture and shoes to appropriate items.
Do small dogs have the same number of teeth as large dogs?
Yes, all dogs have the same 42 adult teeth regardless of breed size. This means small breeds like Chihuahuas have the same number of teeth packed into a much smaller jaw, which is why small breeds are more prone to crowding, retained baby teeth, and dental disease.