How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
If you’ve ever looked inside your dog’s mouth and wondered just how many teeth are hiding in there, the answer may surprise you. Most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. That’s actually more than the typical adult human, who usually has 32 teeth including wisdom teeth. But dogs aren’t born with all 42.
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By Michel Scavuzzo, Founder, PetCompanionAI.com
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Quick answer
Behind that doggy smile is an impressive set of 42 adult teeth built for a very different mouth than your own.
This is educational context, not a diagnosis. Read the full explanation and sources below.
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Puppies typically develop 28 baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth.
Puppies are born without visible teeth. Their baby teeth usually begin appearing at around 3 to 4 weeks of age.
Those tiny puppy teeth can feel incredibly sharp—and there’s a reason for that. They’re small, narrow, and pointed.
Fortunately for your hands, they don’t stay forever.
When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Puppies usually begin losing their baby teeth at around 3 to 4 months old as their permanent teeth start coming in.
By approximately 6 to 7 months of age, most dogs have developed their full set of 42 adult teeth.
You may occasionally find a tiny puppy tooth on the floor or stuck in a toy, but many owners never see them.
Puppies frequently swallow their baby teeth while eating or playing, which is generally not a problem.
What Are All Those Teeth For?
A dog’s 42 adult teeth aren’t all designed to do the same job.
They include:
Incisors
These are the small teeth across the front of your dog’s mouth.
Dogs use them for grabbing, nibbling, grooming, and removing small pieces of material.
Canines
These are the four large, pointed teeth that most people immediately recognize.
Canine teeth are designed for gripping and tearing.
Premolars
Located behind the canine teeth, premolars help dogs tear and process food.
If you’ve ever watched your dog move something toward the side of their mouth before chewing it, these teeth are doing a lot of the work.
Molars
Molars sit farther toward the back of the mouth and help crush and grind food.
Together, these different teeth give dogs a mouth designed for gripping, tearing, cutting, and crushing.
Do All Adult Dogs Have Exactly 42 Teeth?
Not necessarily.
42 is the typical number, but an individual dog may have fewer because of genetics, retained or missing teeth, previous dental disease, injury, or tooth extraction.
Some dogs may also develop dental abnormalities that affect how their teeth emerge.
This is one reason routine mouth checks are useful.
Dogs Need Dental Care Too
Having 42 teeth also means having plenty of places where plaque and tartar can accumulate.
Dental disease is extremely common in dogs, particularly as they get older.
Watch for signs such as:
- Bad breath
- Heavy tartar buildup
- Red or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing
- Dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Loose or broken teeth
- Suddenly refusing harder foods
A dog continuing to eat doesn’t necessarily mean their mouth is comfortable. Many dogs continue eating despite dental pain.
Can You Brush a Dog’s Teeth?
Yes.
Regular brushing with a toothpaste specifically intended for dogs can be one of the most effective forms of home dental care.
Never assume human dental products are appropriate for pets. Some ingredients used in products intended for people can be unsafe for dogs.
If your dog has never had their teeth brushed, introduce it gradually.
Start by getting them comfortable with having their muzzle and lips touched. Then slowly introduce the toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste.
The goal is to turn dental care into a routine rather than a wrestling match.
Check Your Dog’s Mouth Regularly
You don’t need to count all 42 teeth every week.
But you should become familiar with what your dog’s mouth normally looks and smells like.
Lift their lips occasionally.
Look at the teeth and gums.
Notice changes in breath, chewing, eating habits, or sensitivity around the mouth.
Tools such as PetCompanionAI.com can also help owners keep track of dental observations, health changes, symptoms, and routine care for their animals over time.
Your dog may not be able to tell you when a tooth starts hurting.
But changes in their behavior often can.
So the next time your dog gives you a giant open-mouth yawn, take a look.
Behind that doggy smile is an impressive set of 42 adult teeth built for a very different mouth than your own.