How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? Puppy & Adult Teeth Explained

Your dog has more teeth than you might think. Here's how many they should have, when puppies lose their baby teeth and how to keep those teeth healthy.

You've probably spent a fair amount of time looking at your dog's teeth.

Especially when they're proudly carrying your favourite shoe around the house.

But have you ever actually counted them?

It turns out dogs have quite a few more teeth than humans.

And puppies have a completely different set from adult dogs.

So, how many teeth do dogs have?

Let's get straight to it.

How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? The Quick Answer

Adult dogs normally have 42 permanent teeth. Puppies have 28 baby teeth.

That's ten more teeth than the typical adult human.

Puppies gradually lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth come through, usually completing the process by around six to seven months of age.

Here's the breakdown:

	Puppies	Adult dogs
Total teeth	28	42
Incisors	12	12
Canines	4	4
Premolars	12	16
Molars	0	10

These are the normal dental counts. Some dogs have fewer teeth because of missing teeth, extractions or developmental differences.

How Many Teeth Do Adult Dogs Have?

A healthy adult dog normally has 42 permanent teeth.

That's:

• 20 teeth in the upper jaw
• 22 teeth in the lower jaw

Each type of tooth has a different job.

Incisors: The Small Front Teeth

Dogs have 12 incisors.

These are the small teeth at the front of their mouths.

They help dogs grasp and nibble objects and can be useful for grooming.

Canines: The Pointy Ones

Dogs have four canine teeth.

Two on top and two on the bottom.

These are the long, pointed teeth that are especially noticeable when your dog yawns.

They help dogs grip and hold things.

Premolars: The Teeth Behind the Canines

Adult dogs have 16 premolars.

These sit behind the canine teeth and help with cutting and chewing food.

Molars: The Back Teeth

Adult dogs have ten molars.

Four in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw.

They sit further back and help process food during chewing.

Together, these four types make up a dog's full adult set of 42 teeth.

How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?

Puppies normally have 28 baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth.

They don't have molars in their baby-tooth set.

Those appear later as permanent teeth.

Puppy teeth are smaller and often feel remarkably sharp.

If you've ever had a puppy grab your sleeve, you'll know exactly what we mean.

Puppies are born without visible teeth, and their baby teeth usually begin appearing at around three to five weeks of age.

As they grow, those temporary teeth are replaced by adult teeth.

When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Puppies typically start losing baby teeth at around three to four months old.

Their adult teeth emerge gradually, and most dogs have their permanent set by approximately six to seven months.

The timing varies between individual puppies and breeds.

Puppy Teething Timeline

Age	What's happening
Birth	No visible teeth
3–5 weeks	Baby teeth begin appearing
6–8 weeks	Most puppies have their baby teeth
3–4 months	Baby teeth begin falling out
4–6 months	Many permanent teeth emerge
6–7 months	Most dogs have their full adult set

Don't worry if you never find your puppy's lost teeth.

Many fall out during normal activity, and some are swallowed without causing a problem.

How Do You Know If Your Puppy Is Teething?

Puppy teething can come with a few noticeable changes.

You might see:

• Increased chewing.
• More interest in toys and household objects.
• Mild gum sensitivity.
• Small amounts of blood on a chew toy.
• A temporary change in chewing preferences.

Chewing is also normal exploratory behaviour in puppies, so it isn't always caused by teething.

What can help?

Offer safe, puppy-appropriate chew toys and supervise chewing sessions.

Avoid very hard objects that could damage teeth.

If your puppy appears to be in significant pain, refuses food, has persistent bleeding or develops swelling, contact your veterinarian.

Is It Normal for Puppies to Have Two Rows of Teeth?

Sometimes you might notice something unusual.

Your puppy has a new adult tooth coming through, but the baby tooth is still sitting right beside it.

It can look like they have two rows of teeth.

This is called a retained deciduous tooth.

It happens when a baby tooth doesn't fall out as the permanent tooth erupts.

Retained baby teeth can cause overcrowding, abnormal tooth positioning and plaque accumulation.

They're particularly important to identify in small-breed dogs, although any breed can be affected.

If you notice an adult tooth coming through alongside a baby tooth, arrange a veterinary dental assessment.

Your vet can decide whether the retained tooth needs to be removed.

Don't try to pull it out yourself.

Do All Dog Breeds Have 42 Teeth?

The normal adult dental formula is the same across dog breeds.

A Chihuahua and a Great Dane are both expected to have 42 permanent teeth.

But their mouths are very different sizes.

Smaller breeds can experience tooth crowding, which may make oral hygiene more challenging.

Some dogs also have congenitally missing teeth, teeth that fail to erupt or teeth that have been lost or extracted.

So while 42 is the normal number, not every individual adult dog will have exactly 42 visible teeth.

What Happens If an Adult Dog Loses a Tooth?

Unlike puppies, adult dogs don't grow another replacement tooth.

If a permanent tooth falls out, it won't naturally grow back.

Adult tooth loss can occur because of dental disease, injury or other oral problems.

An adult dog losing a tooth isn't something to dismiss as normal ageing.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice a missing or loose tooth.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out in an accident, seek immediate veterinary advice. Prompt assessment is important, even if your dog seems comfortable.

Why Is Dental Health So Important for Dogs?

Your dog's teeth aren't just there for chewing.

The tissues surrounding and supporting their teeth can develop disease, particularly when plaque accumulates.

Periodontal disease involves inflammation and damage to those supporting tissues.

Without appropriate treatment, it can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss.

And here's the difficult part:

Dogs don't always make dental pain obvious.

Some continue eating despite significant oral discomfort.

That's why routine dental care matters, even when your dog seems perfectly healthy.

7 Signs Your Dog Might Have Dental Problems

Watch for these changes.

1. Persistent Bad Breath

Dog breath isn't always pleasant, but a consistently strong or unpleasant smell can indicate oral disease.

2. Red or Bleeding Gums

Inflamed gums may be a sign of gingivitis or other dental problems.

3. Difficulty Chewing

Your dog might chew differently, drop food or avoid certain textures.

4. Excessive Drooling

A change in drooling can sometimes be associated with oral discomfort.

5. Loose or Broken Teeth

Adult teeth should not be loose.

Broken teeth can also expose sensitive internal structures.

6. Pawing at the Mouth

Some dogs paw at their faces or mouths when uncomfortable.

7. Changes in Appetite

A dog with dental pain may become reluctant to eat, although many dogs continue eating despite painful teeth.

If you notice any of these signs, arrange a veterinary appointment.

Facial swelling, severe pain, significant bleeding or an inability to eat warrants prompt veterinary attention.

How to Keep Your Dog's Teeth Healthy

The good news?

There are practical ways to support your dog's dental health.

1. Brush Their Teeth Regularly

Daily toothbrushing is one of the most effective ways to help control dental plaque.

Use a dog-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste.

Never use human toothpaste unless your veterinarian specifically confirms a product is safe for dogs.

Start slowly, reward cooperation and build a routine your dog can tolerate.

2. Arrange Regular Veterinary Dental Checks

Your vet can examine your dog's mouth and advise on dental care.

Some problems occur below the gumline and cannot be fully assessed by looking at the visible teeth alone.

Professional dental examinations and treatment may require anaesthesia and dental X-rays.

3. Choose Dental Products Carefully

Some dental chews, diets and other products have evidence supporting their ability to reduce plaque or tartar.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) maintains a list of products that meet its acceptance criteria.

Remember that dental chews are not a complete replacement for toothbrushing and veterinary care.

4. Avoid Very Hard Chews

Bones, antlers, hooves and other very hard objects can fracture teeth.

Ask your veterinarian about safer chewing options suited to your dog's size and chewing habits.

5. Don't Ignore Bad Breath

Persistent bad breath deserves investigation rather than simply being covered up with treats.

6. Keep a Record of Dental Treatment

If your dog has had an extraction, dental cleaning or another oral procedure, keep the veterinary report.

That history can help with future care.

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog's Teeth?

Ideally, every day.

Regular brushing helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.

If your dog isn't used to having their teeth brushed, introduce it gradually.

Start by helping them feel comfortable with gentle handling around the muzzle.

Then introduce a dog-safe toothpaste and suitable brush.

Don't force your dog's mouth open or continue if they appear painful or distressed.

If your dog already has significant dental disease, ask your veterinarian for advice before starting.

Can Dogs Get Cavities?

Yes, dogs can develop cavities, also called dental caries, although they're less common in dogs than in humans.

Dogs are more frequently affected by periodontal disease and fractured teeth.

This is another reason dental checks matter: not every dental problem looks like a cavity.

Do Dogs Need Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Some dogs do.

Your veterinarian may recommend professional dental cleaning when plaque, tartar, gum disease or other problems require treatment.

A thorough dental procedure typically involves assessment and cleaning above and below the gumline, often supported by dental radiographs.

Cleaning only the visible surfaces of the teeth doesn't adequately assess or treat disease beneath the gums.

Your vet can explain what your individual dog needs.

Why Does My Dog Have Yellow or Brown Teeth?

Yellow or brown material on teeth may be plaque staining or tartar, although discolouration can have other causes.

Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed with ordinary brushing.

If you notice significant buildup, inflamed gums or bad breath, arrange a veterinary dental examination.

Don't try to scrape tartar off your dog's teeth at home.

How Riley Can Help You Keep Track of Your Dog's Dental Health

Here's something most pet owners don't think about until they need it.

Dental history.

When was your dog's last dental examination?

Have they ever had a tooth extracted?

Was there a previous recommendation to monitor a particular tooth?

It's easy for those details to get lost between appointments, clinics and paperwork.

That's one of the reasons we built Riley.

With Riley, you can keep your dog's veterinary records, dental treatment reports and medication information together in one place.

You can also set reminders for appointments and use Ask Riley to explore general questions informed by the medical history and documents you've saved.

Riley doesn't replace a veterinary dental examination or diagnose dental disease.

But it can make keeping track of your dog's health a lot simpler.

The Bottom Line

So, how many teeth do dogs have?

Adult dogs normally have 42. Puppies have 28.

Those tiny puppy teeth eventually make way for a much bigger adult set.

And unlike puppy teeth, adult teeth aren't replaceable.

Looking after them is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and comfortable.

Because the best smile in the house deserves a little care.

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