Dog Teeth: Essential Guide to Adorable Canine Smiles

Ever wonder exactly how many teeth do dogs have? Most adult dogs have 42 teeth—way more than the 32 humans get. That’s a lot of chomping power packed into that adorable snout. But here’s the thing: understanding your dog’s teeth isn’t just about knowing the count. It’s about recognizing what’s normal, spotting problems early, and keeping those teeth healthy for the long haul.

I’ve spent years in the vet clinic watching dogs come in with preventable dental issues that could’ve been caught at home. The good news? You don’t need to be a dental expert to keep your dog’s smile in top shape. Let’s break down everything you need to know about how many teeth do dogs have, when they come in, and how to care for them.

How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?

Adult dogs have 42 teeth total. That’s the standard count for a healthy, fully-grown dog. To break it down:

• Incisors: 12 (6 upper, 6 lower) — the small front teeth used for grooming and nibbling
• Canines: 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) — the pointy ones you see when they yawn
• Premolars: 16 (8 upper, 8 lower) — the working teeth for shearing
• Molars: 10 (4 upper, 6 lower) — the grinding teeth in the back

Compare this to humans who have 32 teeth, and you get an idea of just how much your dog’s mouth is built for processing food. But here’s what’s important: how many teeth do dogs have matters less than the condition they’re in. I’ve seen dogs with all 42 teeth suffer from decay, and others missing a few that are perfectly healthy overall.

The reason dogs have more teeth than humans comes down to evolution. Dogs are carnivores (or at least, their ancestors were), and they needed those extra premolars and molars for tearing and crushing meat. Even though most modern dogs eat kibble, their dental anatomy hasn’t changed much.

Pro Tip: Not all dogs are born with the same number of teeth. Occasionally, a dog might be missing one or two teeth due to genetics or developmental issues—this is usually nothing to worry about unless there’s decay or gum disease involved.

Puppy Teeth: The Baby Phase

Puppies don’t start out with 42 teeth. In fact, newborn puppies have zero teeth. Their baby teeth (also called deciduous or milk teeth) start coming in around 3-4 weeks of age. By about 6-8 weeks, most puppies have their full set of baby teeth—that’s 28 teeth total.

This is where things get interesting. Puppy teeth are temporary, and they’re designed to fall out. I know it sounds rough, but it’s completely normal. Those baby teeth start shedding around 3-4 months of age, and by about 6-7 months, your puppy should have all their adult teeth coming in.

• 3-4 weeks: Baby teeth start erupting
• 6-8 weeks: Full set of 28 baby teeth present
• 3-4 months: Shedding begins (usually with incisors first)
• 6-7 months: All 42 adult teeth should be in place

During the teething phase, puppies experience sore gums—imagine how you felt losing baby teeth as a kid. That’s why puppies chew on everything. They’re not being destructive; they’re managing discomfort. Providing appropriate chew toys and cold teething rings can help. Some owners freeze a damp washcloth for puppies to gnaw on, which provides both relief and a little natural cleaning action.

One thing I always tell new puppy owners: if your puppy’s baby teeth don’t fall out by 6-7 months, mention it to your vet. Retained baby teeth can cause crowding and bite problems down the road. It’s usually a simple extraction if needed.

When Do Adult Teeth Come In?

The timeline for adult teeth eruption is pretty consistent across most dog breeds, though small breeds sometimes take a bit longer to complete the process. Here’s the typical schedule:

• Incisors: 3-5 months (lower come in first, usually)
• Canines: 4-6 months
• Premolars: 4-6 months
• Molars: 5-7 months

By the time your puppy is 7 months old, they should have all 42 adult teeth. However, giant breed dogs sometimes take a few extra weeks, and toy breeds can be slower too. If your puppy is over 8 months and still missing teeth, a vet should take a look with X-rays to see if there’s an impaction or developmental issue.

One detail a lot of owners miss: the order matters. Lower incisors typically come in before upper incisors. Lower canines often precede upper canines. This staggered eruption is normal and helps make room in the jaw. If you notice a tooth coming in sideways or your puppy’s bite looks off, don’t panic immediately—sometimes teeth shift into the right position as others erupt.

That said, if by 8 months your puppy’s teeth look severely misaligned (like an overbite or underbite that’s extreme), talk to your vet. Some breeds are prone to bite issues, and while most aren’t painful, severe malocclusions can affect eating and comfort.

Understanding Dog Tooth Structure

To understand how to keep dog teeth healthy, it helps to know what you’re looking at. Each tooth has several parts:

• Crown: The visible part above the gum line (what you see when your dog smiles)
• Root: The part embedded in the jawbone (usually 1-3 roots per tooth)
• Enamel: The hard, protective outer layer
• Dentin: The layer underneath enamel that’s more sensitive
• Pulp: The inner chamber containing blood vessels and nerves

Dog enamel is actually harder than human enamel, but it’s not invincible. Once enamel wears away or breaks, the underlying dentin and pulp are exposed, leading to sensitivity and infection. This is why fractured teeth are a big deal—they’re a direct pathway for bacteria.

The gum tissue (gingiva) is equally important. Healthy gums are tight around the tooth, creating a seal that prevents bacteria from sneaking down into the root. When gums recede or become inflamed, that seal breaks down, and periodontal disease sets in. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions in dogs over three years old.

Safety Warning: Never use human toothpaste on dogs. Fluoride and xylitol (a common sweetener in human toothpaste) are toxic to dogs. Always use dog-specific toothpaste formulated to be safe if swallowed.

Keeping Dog Teeth Healthy

Here’s the reality: brushing your dog’s teeth is the gold standard for dental health, but I know it’s not always easy. Some dogs cooperate; others act like you’re trying to perform surgery without anesthesia. Let’s talk about realistic strategies.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which is yellowish or brownish and stuck to the tooth. Once tartar forms, brushing won’t remove it—only professional scaling can. Tartar buildup creates pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to gum disease.

This is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures. It starts with gingivitis (red, swollen gums that might bleed when you touch them) and can progress to periodontitis, where the bone supporting the tooth starts deteriorating. In severe cases, teeth loosen and fall out. According to AAHA guidelines, most dogs over 3 years old have some degree of periodontal disease.

Dogs fracture teeth by chewing on hard objects—rocks, ice, hard toys, or even bones. Once a tooth is cracked or broken, it’s painful and prone to infection. Sometimes the fracture is small and cosmetic; other times it exposes the pulp chamber, which is serious. Your vet might recommend extraction or a root canal, depending on the severity.

Sometimes a baby tooth doesn’t fall out when the adult tooth comes in. This causes crowding and bite problems. If your puppy is over 7 months and still has baby teeth, your vet should extract them.

Some dogs are born with misaligned jaws. An overbite (upper jaw protrudes) or underbite (lower jaw protrudes) is common in certain breeds. Mild cases usually don’t cause problems, but severe malocclusions can make eating difficult or cause the teeth to cut into the gums or palate. Orthodontic treatment is possible but expensive and not always necessary.

This is inflammation of the mouth tissues. It can be caused by immune issues, viral infections, or severe periodontal disease. Affected dogs have trouble eating, drool excessively, and have terrible breath. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Older dogs sometimes develop growths in the mouth. These can be benign or malignant. Any unusual lumps, bumps, or sores in your dog’s mouth warrant a vet visit.

Signs Your Dog’s Teeth Need Attention

You don’t need to be a vet to spot dental problems. Here are red flags:

• Bad breath: Not just “dog breath”—if it smells like decay or infection, something’s wrong
• Visible tartar: Yellow or brown buildup on teeth, especially along the gum line
• Red or swollen gums: Healthy gums should be pale pink and tight
• Bleeding from the mouth: When brushing or spontaneously
• Loose or missing teeth: In adult dogs (not counting normal puppy shedding)
• Difficulty eating: Dropping food, chewing on one side of the mouth, or avoiding hard kibble
• Excessive drooling: More than usual, especially if it’s stringy or bloody
• Swelling around the face or jaw: Could indicate an abscess or infection
• Behavioral changes: Irritability or reluctance to play with toys—pain makes dogs grumpy
• Tooth discoloration: Darkening or graying of a tooth might indicate nerve damage

If you notice any of these, schedule a vet appointment. Early intervention prevents problems from escalating. I’ve seen dogs go from mild gingivitis to severe bone loss in just a year because owners waited too long.

Professional Dental Care

Even with excellent home care, most dogs need professional dental cleanings at some point. Here’s what that involves:

Your vet will examine each tooth and probe for pockets (gaps between tooth and gum where bacteria hide). They’ll also check for fractures, loose teeth, and other abnormalities. This is done with the dog awake.

Professional cleaning requires anesthesia. Your dog will be asleep, which allows the vet to clean below the gum line where home brushing can’t reach. Ultrasonic scalers remove tartar, and hand instruments clean the root surfaces. Some vets polish teeth afterward, though this is more cosmetic than therapeutic.

Dental X-rays reveal problems hidden below the gum line—abscesses, bone loss, and impacted teeth. They’re crucial for comprehensive assessment. If your vet recommends them, it’s worth doing. You can’t see these issues without imaging.

If a tooth is severely damaged, loose, or causing pain, extraction might be recommended. Dogs do surprisingly well without teeth. They can eat kibble, canned food, and chew toys without problems. I’ve seen dogs missing 10+ teeth living completely normal, comfortable lives.

Professional cleanings typically cost $300-$1,500, depending on your location and the extent of disease. Some dogs need them annually; others might go years between cleanings if they have excellent home care and good genetics. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your dog’s individual needs.

Here’s something important: anesthesia is safer than ever. Modern protocols, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and monitoring equipment have made professional cleanings very low-risk. The bigger risk is leaving dental disease untreated, which can lead to systemic infections affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Pro Tip: If your dog has health issues (heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes), discuss anesthetic risk with your vet before professional cleaning. They can adjust protocols to keep your dog safe, but you want to have that conversation upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all dog breeds have the same number of teeth?

– Yes, healthy adult dogs of all breeds have 42 teeth. The only exceptions are dogs with congenital missing teeth (rare) or those who’ve had extractions due to disease or injury. Breed doesn’t affect tooth count, though it can affect tooth size and spacing.

Can dogs get cavities like humans?

– Dogs can get cavities, but it’s much less common than in humans. Their saliva is more alkaline, which provides some protection. However, they can develop caries (decay) if they consume lots of sugar or if plaque isn’t managed. This is another reason to avoid giving dogs sugary treats.

Is it normal for an adult dog to lose teeth?

– No, adult dogs shouldn’t lose teeth under normal circumstances. If your adult dog is losing teeth, it indicates periodontal disease, trauma, or another underlying issue. See your vet promptly. You can read more about related behavioral issues like why dogs chatter their teeth, which can sometimes be connected to dental discomfort.

What’s the best dog toothpaste?

– Any dog-specific toothpaste without fluoride or xylitol is safe. Enzymatic toothpastes (those containing glucose oxidase or lactoperoxidase) have some antimicrobial benefits. Brands like Virbac C.E.T. and Oxyfresh are popular and well-regarded. Your vet might have recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs.

Can I give my dog bones to clean their teeth?

– Raw meaty bones can provide some cleaning benefit, but there are risks: choking, fractured teeth, and bacterial contamination. If you choose to give bones, supervise closely, choose appropriately-sized bones for your dog, and source from reputable suppliers. Cooked bones should never be given—they splinter and cause serious injuries.

How often should my dog have professional dental cleanings?

– It depends on your dog’s individual needs. Dogs with excellent home care and good genetics might go years between cleanings. Those prone to tartar buildup might need annual cleanings. Your vet will assess and recommend a schedule. Regular exams help catch problems early, which can extend the time between professional cleanings.

What should I do if my dog breaks a tooth?

– Contact your vet. If the break is minor (small chip), it might just need smoothing. If the fracture is large or exposes the pulp (you might see pink or red inside the break), it’s painful and prone to infection. Your vet will discuss extraction or root canal options.

Are dental treats effective?

– Some are, some aren’t. Look for products with the VOHC seal, which means they’ve been tested to reduce plaque and tartar. However, dental treats work best as part of a comprehensive routine that includes brushing or other care. They’re not a standalone solution.

Can stress or anxiety affect my dog’s teeth?

– Stress doesn’t directly damage teeth, but anxiety can lead to excessive chewing or teeth grinding, which can cause wear and fractures. If you notice your dog grinding their teeth, it might indicate stress, pain, or a neurological issue. Talk to your vet. You might also want to explore whether your dog has OCD behaviors that could be contributing.

What’s the connection between dental health and overall health?

– Significant connection. Bacteria from infected teeth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. Dogs with untreated periodontal disease have higher rates of systemic infections. This is why dental care isn’t cosmetic—it’s part of preventive health care. Regular dental maintenance can literally add years to your dog’s life.

Should I brush my senior dog’s teeth differently?

– Senior dogs might have more sensitive gums, so use a softer touch. However, dental care becomes even more important as dogs age. Older dogs are more prone to dental disease, and professional cleanings might be more frequent. Always check with your vet before anesthesia in senior dogs, but don’t skip dental care just because they’re older—that’s when they need it most.

Is it ever too late to start brushing my dog’s teeth?

– It’s never too late to start. An older dog might take longer to adjust, but most dogs can learn to tolerate tooth brushing at any age. Start slowly and be patient. Even occasional brushing is better than nothing. If your dog is eating a lot of hard kibble, you might also want to check on their nutrition to ensure they’re getting appropriate food for their age and dental health.