Dog Teeth Guide: How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?

Dogs use their teeth for far more than just eating. They rely on them for playing, carrying toys, chewing, tugging, and exploring the world around them. Just like humans, dogs go through different stages of dental development, starting life without teeth, growing a set of puppy “milk teeth,” and eventually developing their permanent adult teeth.

Understanding how your dog’s teeth grow, change, function, and how you can support their dental health will be a key step to helping them live life to the fullest!

How many teeth do dogs have?

Did you know that dogs have more teeth than humans, who only have 32 permanent teeth? Adult dogs typically have 42 permanent teeth, with 20 teeth in the upper jaw (maxilla) and 22 teeth in the lower jaw (mandible). This full set includes incisors, canines, premolars, and molars and all of them work together to help dogs eat, chew, grip, and explore.

Puppies, however, start with far fewer teeth. Their baby “milk teeth” begin erupting at around 2–3 weeks of age and are gradually replaced by permanent adult teeth between 3 to 7 months old. By about 6–8 months, most dogs will have their complete set of 42 adult teeth.

While most adult dogs have the same number of teeth, some may end up with fewer due to broken, damaged, or lost teeth, often caused by chewing tough objects like stones, thick sticks, or overly rigid bones. Regular dental care helps keep their teeth healthy and strong throughout their lives.

How many teeth do puppies have?

Puppies are born without teeth, and their first set called deciduous or “milk teeth” begins to erupt at around 2 to 3 weeks old. These sharp, tiny teeth help them transition from nursing to soft foods as they explore their surroundings.

By roughly 12 weeks, most puppies will have a complete set of 28 milk teeth, which later loosen and fall out as the adult teeth develop beneath them. This process usually starts around 16 weeks and continues until about 6–8 months of age. It’s normal for puppies to swallow some of their baby teeth, but you may occasionally find them in bedding or on the floor. In cases where a baby tooth doesn’t fall out naturally, known as a retained tooth, your vet may need to remove it to prevent dental problems.

While most puppies follow a similar timeline, individual variation is common, especially among toy or small dog breeds. These dogs may take a little longer to develop and replace their milk teeth, which is why extra monitoring is helpful.

The 4 types of dog teeth

Dogs rely on four main types of teeth, and each one plays a special role in how they eat, chew, play, and explore the world around them. Understanding what these teeth do can help you better support your dog’s oral health as they grow.

Incisor

Incisors are the small teeth at the very front of your dog’s mouth. Each jaw has six incisors, making them perfect for grabbing bits of food, nibbling, and gently scraping meat from bones. Dogs also use their incisors for grooming, such as picking out dirt or gently removing fleas and ticks from their coat.

Canine

Canines are the long, pointed teeth just behind the incisors. Dogs have four canines, two on top and two on the bottom, and they’re the most recognizable teeth in the front of the mouth. Their strong, curved shape helps dogs tear food, hold onto toys, and grip objects with confidence during play.

Premolar

Behind the canines are the premolars, sharp-edged teeth used for chewing and shredding. Adult dogs have 16 premolars, with eight on each jaw. When your dog chews on their favorite treat along the sides of their mouth, it’s the premolars that break food into smaller, manageable pieces.Molar

Molar

Molars sit at the very back of the mouth, behind the premolars. Adult dogs have 10 molars, four on the upper jaw and six on the lower jaw. These strong, broad teeth help grind down harder foods like kibble or crunchy treats for easier swallowing and digestion. They’re especially helpful when your dog enjoys a bowl of dry dog food, which requires more chewing power.

Can dogs lose their teeth? Do dog teeth grow back?

Just like humans, puppies naturally lose their baby teeth, usually starting around 3 to 4 months old. This is a normal part of growing up since their adult teeth begin to come in. However, adult dogs losing teeth is not normal and is often a sign that something is wrong with their dental health.

If you notice an adult dog losing teeth, it’s important to consult a veterinarian promptly. Unlike puppy teeth, adult dog teeth do not grow back, so early action is the best way to protect their oral health. Adult tooth loss can happen for several reasons, with the most common causes outlined below.

Periodontal disease

The leading cause of adult tooth loss is periodontal disease, a serious infection affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Advanced gum disease can lead to painful inflammation, loose teeth, and even systemic health problems involving the heart, liver, or kidneys.

Lack of regular dental care, like brushing at home or professional cleanings, allows plaque and tartar to build up, eventually damaging healthy dog gums and causing teeth to decay or fall out. Dogs may also experience discomfort as the body naturally rejects severely damaged teeth.

Trauma

Dogs can also lose teeth due to trauma, such as injuries or chewing very hard objects. Dense bones, stones, or mineral-based chews are common culprits and can easily cause fractures or dislodged teeth. Dogs who love to chew aggressively are especially at risk.

Tooth decay

Compared to humans, dogs experience faster wear-and-tear because they use their teeth for more than just eating. Constant use gradually wears down the tooth’s surface and can contribute to periodontal disease. Small or brachycephalic (flat faced/short skulled) breeds may experience these issues earlier or more severely due to their genetics and mouth structure.

Severe decay sometimes requires tooth extractions performed by a veterinarian. Professional dog dental cleaning often includes cleaning under anesthesia, removing diseased teeth, and treating infections. Once diseased teeth are removed, dogs usually feel immediate relief and can still live happy, healthy lives, even without multiple teeth.

Preventing tooth loss in dogs

Now that you understand how your dog’s teeth work and why they’re so important, dog dental care should be one of your top priorities as a pet owner. A consistent dental care routine helps protect your dog from plaque buildup, gum disease, and early tooth loss, significantly improving their comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Here’s what you can do to keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

Professional dental care

Regular veterinary dental care is essential because some plaque and tartar accumulate in areas that brushing at home can’t reach. During a professional dog dental cleaning, vets are able to examine the gums more closely and remove deeper buildup that may contribute to gum disease. Scheduling periodic tartar and plaque removal in dogs ensures that the teeth and surrounding tissues are protected.

Following veterinary advice is especially important when early signs of periodontal disease appear. Pet parents should also book a check-up if they notice loose teeth, discomfort while chewing, or a persistent odor coming from the mouth. Ongoing issues with bad breath in dogs may also signal underlying infection or inflammation.

At-home dental care tips

Healthy dog gums start with small daily habits at home. For starters, brushing your dog’s teeth with dog-safe toothpaste helps slow plaque buildup and keeps the mouth feeling fresh. It’s also helpful to check your dog’s mouth for loose, broken, or discolored teeth, as these can be early signs of dental problems.

Safe chew toys and dental chews support gentle cleaning through chewing action, while very hard objects like bones or stones should be avoided to prevent fractures. Many pet owners also include dental chews like PEDIGREE® DentaStix® as a strong supplement to dog dental cleaning!

Keeping your dog's teeth healthy

Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy helps them live a happy, comfortable life. Now that you understand how your dog’s teeth develop, what each type does, and the steps you can take to protect them, you should have an easier time supporting your dog's dental health.

If you want to learn more pet care tips, take some time to explore our dental care resources on the PEDIGREE® blog. Our guides provide simple, practical tips to encourage cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and healthier gums!