How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? A First-Time Dog Owner’s Guide to Puppy and Adult Teeth
If you have ever watched your puppy chew a toy, a shoe, or your fingers and wondered how many teeth do dogs have, you are not alone. It is one of those questions that comes up right when teething starts, usually when chewing suddenly increases and you spot a tiny tooth on the floor. The answer changes as your puppy grows, so it helps to know what is normal at each stage.
Quick answer: Puppies have 28 baby teeth, and adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. Most puppies start losing baby teeth at around 12 weeks, and most adult teeth are in by about 6 to 7 months. If your puppy is chewing more than usual, it may be teething, but a vet check is the right step if you see a baby tooth still in place beside an adult tooth, ongoing pain, or trouble eating.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? Puppy vs Adult at a Glance
Puppies are not born with a full set of adult teeth, and they do not need one at first. They start with smaller, sharper baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth. As they grow, those baby teeth fall out and are replaced by larger permanent teeth.
| Tooth type | Puppy baby teeth | Adult permanent teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors — small front teeth | 12 | 12 |
| Canines — pointed teeth beside the incisors | 4 | 4 |
| Premolars — teeth behind the canines | 12 | 16 |
| Molars — back teeth for grinding | 0 | 10 |
| Total | 28 | 42 |
Adult dogs have 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. That difference comes mainly from the molars: adults usually have four molars on top and six on the bottom. Some dogs may have a missing or extra tooth, which is why a vet check during routine visits is useful, especially if you notice a gap that looks unusual or a tooth that seems crowded.
Puppy Teeth: The 28 Baby Teeth
Baby teeth usually start to come through when a puppy is about 2 to 4 weeks old, and most puppies have all 28 by about 6 to 8 weeks. At this stage, you may not see much of the process if you bring your puppy home at 8 weeks or later, because the full baby set is often already in place.
Baby teeth are thinner and sharper than adult teeth. That is one reason puppy mouthing can feel surprisingly nippy, even when your puppy is only playing. The teeth are not meant to last a lifetime, and they are not as strong as the adult teeth that replace them.
Incisors sit at the front and are used for nibbling and grooming. Canines are the longer, pointed teeth that help a puppy grip toys and food. Premolars sit further back and help with chewing. Puppies do not have molars yet, so they chew differently from an adult dog and may prefer softer food and toys at first.
Adult Teeth: The 42 Permanent Teeth
Adult teeth are larger and stronger, but they are not unbreakable. A very hard chew, a fall, or chewing on stone, metal, or hard plastic can still damage a tooth, so hardness matters when you choose chews.
As adult teeth come in, they usually push the baby teeth out. In most puppies this happens gradually, one tooth at a time, and many owners never find the lost baby teeth. Puppies often swallow them, lose them outside, or lose them while playing, and that alone is not usually a cause for worry if your puppy is eating, drinking, and behaving normally.
If an adult tooth comes through while the baby tooth is still firmly in place, that is called a retained baby tooth. It is most often noticed with the canines, where you may see two pointed teeth side by side. Retained teeth can crowd the mouth and trap food and plaque, so they are worth showing to your vet rather than waiting and hoping they will fall out on their own.
Puppy Teething Timeline: What Happens and When
Ages below are approximate. Breed, size, and individual development can shift the timing by a few weeks, and small-breed puppies may sometimes take a little longer to lose all their baby teeth.
| Age | What usually happens | What you may notice |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 8 weeks | Baby teeth come through, usually all 28 by 6 to 8 weeks | Mostly handled by the breeder or early carer; mouthing and exploring begin |
| 8 to 12 weeks | Full baby set in place | Lots of mouthing, chewing, and learning what is a toy and what is not |
| 12 to 16 weeks | Adult incisors start to come in and baby teeth loosen | Small teeth found on bedding or toys, more chewing, mild gum tenderness |
| 4 to 5 months | Adult canines and premolars replace baby teeth | Chewing may increase; your puppy may prefer softer food for a short time |
| 5 to 7 months | Adult molars come in and most of the adult set is complete | Chewing often settles, though adolescent chewing can still happen for other reasons |
| After 7 months | Any baby tooth still present should be checked | Double teeth, crowding, or a tooth that looks out of place |
This timeline overlaps with a busy settling-in period. If your puppy is also learning a new home, routine, and toilet habits, teething can feel like one more thing to manage. Keeping expectations simple helps: offer safe chews, protect the things you do not want chewed, and keep vet checks on your list. For a week-by-week view of those early weeks, see Puppy First Month Week by Week.
Teething Signs: What Is Normal and What Needs a Closer Look
Teething can be uncomfortable, but it should not make a healthy puppy seriously unwell. Use this guide as a starting point, not a diagnosis.
| Often normal during teething | Worth watching closely | Call your vet |
|---|---|---|
| More chewing and mouthing | Chewing that seems painful rather than playful | A baby tooth still beside an adult tooth after 7 months |
| Mild drooling or tender gums | A small amount of blood on a chew toy | A broken tooth, loose adult tooth, or swelling of the face or gums |
| Finding a small lost tooth | Eating more slowly or preferring soft food for a day or two | Bleeding that does not stop, bad mouth odour, or refusal to eat or drink |
| Short periods of fussiness | Gums that look more red than usual | Ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or signs of illness — these are not explained by teething alone |
If you are unsure, a short note about what you saw and when it started can help your vet. For example: which tooth looks doubled, whether your puppy is still drinking, and whether eating has changed. That is more useful than waiting to see if a problem sorts itself out.
Helping a Teething Puppy in a Small Home
Teething in an apartment can feel harder because there is less space to move chewed items out of reach, and chewing noise can carry. A small, calm routine often works better than buying lots of new toys at once.
Offer safe, size-appropriate chews
Choose chews made for your puppy’s current size, and supervise chew time, especially at first. A chew that is too small can be a choking risk, and a chew that is far too hard can damage teeth. If you use a bully stick or a similar chew, stay nearby and take it away when it becomes small enough that your puppy could try to swallow it whole. Ask your vet if you are unsure whether a particular chew is suitable for your puppy’s age, size, and teeth.
A chilled rubber chew toy or a clean, damp washcloth that has been chilled in the fridge can feel soothing for some puppies. Supervise washcloth use and remove it if your puppy starts shredding it or trying to swallow pieces. Avoid very hard frozen items as a first choice, since hardness, not cold alone, is what can put teeth at risk.
Redirect, rather than only saying no
When your puppy chews furniture, a cable, or your hands, calmly swap the item for an allowed chew and praise the switch. Puppies learn faster from a clear alternative than from being told off after the chewing has already started. Keep cables, shoes, and small items picked up where you can, and give your puppy a defined chew spot with a washable mat or old towel.
Keep chew time calm for kids and other pets
Teach children not to pull at a loose tooth and not to take a chew away suddenly, as that can lead to guarding or a startled bite. Give each pet its own chew and space, so no one feels they need to compete. Wash hands after handling chews, and put chews away between sessions rather than leaving them on the floor all day.
A simple teething checklist
- Two or three size-appropriate chews, rotated so one is always clean and ready
- One chilled rubber toy or chilled washcloth for supervised chew time
- A washable mat or old towel for a calm chew spot
- Cables, shoes, and small chewable items picked up or covered
- A short note of any doubled teeth, broken teeth, or eating changes to show your vet
Chewing is also a normal puppy behaviour outside teething, so it may not stop completely at 7 months. If chewing stays intense, destructive, or anxious after teething, that is a training and routine question as much as a teeth question, and a qualified trainer or your vet can help you look at exercise, rest, and enrichment. See also First Week Puppy Mistakes for common early mistakes that can make settling in harder.
Caring for Puppy and Adult Teeth
Dental care does not need to be perfect to be useful. A short, regular habit is easier to keep than an ambitious routine that stops after a week, especially with a full-time job or a busy household.
Start with a gentle mouth check
Begin with 10 to 30 seconds at a time. Gently lift your puppy’s lip, look at the front teeth, then the side teeth, and let your puppy sniff the toothbrush. Keep sessions short, calm, and paired with a treat or play afterwards. If your puppy pulls away, stop and try again later rather than forcing the mouth open.
Brush if you can, and use the right toothpaste
Use toothpaste made for dogs, and never use human toothpaste, which can contain ingredients that are not safe for dogs to swallow. A finger brush can be a good starting point for a small or nervous puppy, and a small soft dog toothbrush often works better once your puppy is used to the routine.
Daily brushing is the ideal many vets suggest, but a realistic goal for many first-time owners is several times a week, done gently and consistently. Brushing helps reduce plaque buildup, but it does not replace a vet dental check, and it does not guarantee your dog will never need dental treatment.
Do a quick weekly check
- Look for doubled teeth, broken teeth, or teeth that look discoloured or out of place
- Check the gums for swelling, sores, or a change from your puppy’s usual appearance
- Notice eating changes, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or bad breath that is new or strong
- Check that chews are still the right size and not worn down to a small, swallowable piece
- Ask your vet to check teeth at routine visits, and mention anything you have noted
Food and chews alone are not a substitute for brushing. Some dental chews may help as part of a routine, but they vary in size, hardness, and suitability, so check the size guidance and ask your vet if you are unsure. For a practical look at what to buy first for a small home, see Puppy Essentials for an Apartment.
When to Call Your Vet About Teeth
Contact your vet sooner rather than later if you notice any of the following:
- A baby tooth still present beside an adult tooth, especially after 7 months
- A broken, cracked, or loose adult tooth
- Swelling of the face, jaw, or gums
- Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop quickly
- Difficulty opening the mouth, dropping food, or refusing to eat or drink
- Strong, new bad breath, pus, or a sore that does not heal
- Signs of pain, such as crying when chewing, pawing at the face, or a sudden change in behaviour
Your vet may need to examine your puppy in person, and in some cases may recommend removing a retained baby tooth or treating a damaged tooth. Do not try to pull a tooth at home, and do not give pain medication meant for people unless your vet specifically tells you to. If your puppy has had a mouth injury, is not drinking, or seems very unwell, seek veterinary advice promptly rather than waiting for the next routine visit.
For general, reliable background on dogs, you can also visit the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
How many teeth do puppies have?
Puppies have 28 baby teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars. They do not have molars yet.
How many teeth do adult dogs have?
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. There are usually 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw.
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Most puppies start losing baby teeth at around 12 weeks, and most adult teeth are in by about 6 to 7 months. Timing can vary by breed and size, so a few weeks either way is not always a concern on its own.
Is it normal if I never find a lost puppy tooth?
Yes, this is common. Many puppies swallow lost teeth or lose them while playing or eating, and owners never see them. If your puppy is eating, drinking, and behaving normally, a missing tooth on the floor is not usually a problem.
What should I do if my puppy still has baby teeth at 7 months?
Show your vet, especially if you can see a baby tooth beside an adult tooth. Retained baby teeth can crowd the mouth and trap food and plaque, and your vet can advise whether removal or monitoring is the right step.
How often should I brush my puppy’s teeth?
Daily brushing is often recommended, but several times a week, done gently and consistently, is a realistic starting goal for many owners. Use dog toothpaste only, keep sessions short, and ask your vet to check teeth at routine visits.
Can teething cause diarrhoea or a fever?
Teething alone does not explain ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, or refusal to drink. If those signs appear, contact your vet rather than assuming they are part of teething.
Conclusion
Puppies start with 28 baby teeth, and adults end up with 42 permanent teeth. Teething can bring extra chewing, tender gums, and a few lost teeth found in surprising places, but most puppies move through it with safe chews, short mouth checks, and a vet visit when something looks doubled, broken, or painful.
One clear step you can do today: take 30 seconds to gently lift your puppy’s lip and look for doubled teeth, a broken tooth, or sore-looking gums, then note anything unusual to mention at your next vet visit. That small check can catch a retained tooth earlier, when it is easier to deal with.
If you are still in the early settling-in stage, Puppy First Month Week by Week and First Week Puppy Mistakes are useful next reads alongside this guide.
Sources and Scope
This guide gives general information for first-time dog owners. It is not veterinary advice, and it does not replace an in-person check if your puppy has a mouth injury, ongoing pain, or signs of illness. Tooth counts and teething ages are approximate and can vary by breed, size, and individual development.
“Alex is the go-to for anything practical — from picking the right harness to knowing when a puppy’s upset stomach needs a vet visit versus a little patience. Before joining Puppy Settled, she spent years working at a small-animal vet clinic and running a pet supply review blog on the side, which means every gear recommendation here has been tested (and every health tip double-checked). Alex owns a rescue mutt named Otis, who has personally ‘reviewed’ more chew toys and dog beds than any dog should probably need.”