Most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. These teeth are divided between the upper and lower jaws and include incisors, canine teeth, premolars, and molars. A healthy adult dog normally has 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 teeth in the lower jaw.
Puppies have fewer teeth. A puppy usually develops 28 temporary teeth, often called baby or deciduous teeth. These small teeth begin appearing when the puppy is only a few weeks old and are gradually replaced by permanent adult teeth as the puppy grows.
Knowing how many teeth dogs have can help owners understand normal development, spot missing teeth, and recognize dental problems early. The number matters, but the condition of those teeth matters even more.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have in Each Jaw?
The 42 permanent teeth are not divided equally between the upper and lower jaws. Dogs normally have 20 upper teeth and 22 lower teeth.
The lower jaw contains two more teeth because dogs have more molars in the lower jaw than in the upper jaw.
| Jaw | Incisors | Canines | Premolars | Molars | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper jaw | 6 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 20 |
| Lower jaw | 6 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 22 |
| Total | 12 | 4 | 16 | 10 | 42 |
This arrangement gives dogs the teeth they need for grabbing, tearing, holding, and crushing food.
How many teeth do dogs have on the bottom?
Adult dogs normally have 22 teeth on the bottom, meaning in the lower jaw. These include six incisors, two canine teeth, eight premolars, and six molars.
If you gently look at a dog’s lower jaw, the six small front teeth are the incisors. The pointed teeth beside them are the canines. Farther toward the back are the premolars and molars.
A dog may have fewer than 22 visible lower teeth because of a missing tooth, previous dental extraction, injury, or a tooth that never developed normally. Therefore, seeing fewer teeth does not automatically mean something is wrong, but a veterinarian can determine the reason.
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Puppies usually have 28 baby teeth. These temporary teeth are smaller and generally sharper than adult teeth.
Unlike adult dogs, puppies do not have baby molars. Their 28 teeth consist of 12 incisors, four canines, and 12 premolars.
| Puppy teeth | Upper jaw | Lower jaw | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| Canines | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Premolars | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| Molars | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 14 | 14 | 28 |
When do puppy teeth start coming in?
Puppy teeth usually begin appearing at around 3 to 5 weeks of age, although the exact timing can vary between individual puppies.
The front incisors often appear first. Canines and premolars follow as the puppy’s mouth develops. By roughly 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies have their complete set of 28 baby teeth.
You may notice a young puppy chewing more during this stage. Chewing can help the puppy explore its environment, but it can also become more noticeable when the mouth feels uncomfortable during teething.
When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Puppies normally begin losing their baby teeth at around 3 to 4 months of age. The permanent teeth then gradually replace them.
By approximately 6 to 7 months, many dogs have most or all of their adult teeth. However, individual dogs can develop at slightly different rates.
During this period, you may find a tiny tooth on the floor, in a toy, or in the puppy’s bedding. You might also never find the tooth because many puppies swallow their loose baby teeth while eating or playing. Swallowing a small baby tooth is generally not a concern.
What happens during puppy teething?
As permanent teeth develop beneath the baby teeth, the roots of the temporary teeth gradually break down. The baby teeth loosen and eventually fall out.
You may notice:
- More chewing than usual
- Mild gum irritation
- Small spots of blood on a toy
- Increased interest in chew toys
- Slight changes in eating habits
A little blood around a loose baby tooth can occur. However, significant bleeding, severe pain, facial swelling, or difficulty eating deserves veterinary attention.
What Are the Different Types of Dog Teeth?
Each type of tooth has a different job. The shape and position of a dog’s teeth reflect the way dogs naturally handle food.
Understanding these differences makes it easier to examine your dog’s mouth and recognize unusual changes.
Incisors
Dogs have 12 permanent incisors, six in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw.
These are the small teeth at the very front of the mouth. Dogs use them for picking up small pieces of food, grooming, and scraping or nibbling.
You may notice a dog using its front teeth when gently removing something from its fur. These teeth also help with precise movements that larger teeth cannot perform as easily.
Canine teeth
Dogs have four permanent canine teeth, two on top and two on the bottom.
These are the long, pointed teeth located beside the incisors. They help dogs grip and hold objects.
The canine teeth are especially noticeable when a dog opens its mouth. Because they are long and prominent, damage to these teeth can be more obvious than damage to smaller teeth.
Premolars
Dogs have 16 permanent premolars, with eight in each jaw.
Premolars sit behind the canine teeth and help break food into smaller pieces. Their shape allows dogs to grip and crush food rather than simply bite it.
The premolars are also important when examining a dog’s mouth for plaque or tartar because food debris can collect around these teeth.
Molars
Adult dogs have 10 permanent molars. There are four in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw.
Molars sit toward the back of the mouth and help crush food. They are larger and less visible than the front teeth unless you open the dog’s mouth carefully.
Because these teeth are located farther back, owners may overlook them during casual checks.
Why Do Dogs Have So Many Teeth?
A dog’s teeth are designed for a diet and feeding behavior that requires gripping, tearing, and crushing rather than chewing food in the same way humans do.
The front teeth help pick up and scrape. The canine teeth grip. The premolars and molars help break food into smaller pieces.
This specialized arrangement also explains why dogs do not move their jaws exactly like people. Dogs have limited side-to-side jaw movement compared with humans and rely more on up-and-down biting and crushing motions.
Do all dogs have the same number of teeth?
Most healthy adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, regardless of breed or body size.
A Chihuahua and a Great Dane normally have the same adult tooth count. However, smaller breeds can have more problems with crowded teeth because their mouths provide less space for the full set to fit comfortably.
Some dogs may also have missing teeth, extra teeth, retained baby teeth, or teeth removed because of disease or injury. Therefore, the normal number is a useful reference rather than a guarantee that every individual dog will have exactly 42 visible teeth.
What Does a Healthy Dog’s Mouth Look Like?
Knowing how many teeth dogs have is useful, but owners should also know what healthy teeth and gums look like.
Healthy dog gums are generally pink, although normal pigmentation can create dark areas in some dogs. The teeth should be firmly attached and should not have large amounts of yellow or brown buildup.
A healthy mouth should not have a strong, persistent foul odor. Dogs can have some breath odor, but noticeably bad breath can be a sign of dental disease.
Signs that a dog’s teeth may need attention
Watch for changes such as:
- Heavy yellow or brown tartar
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Broken teeth
- Facial swelling
- Dropping food while eating
- Chewing on only one side
- Pawing at the mouth
- Sudden reluctance to eat
- Strong persistent bad breath
A dog may continue eating despite dental discomfort. This can make dental disease easy to miss, especially when the problem develops gradually.
Can Dogs Lose Their Teeth?
Yes. Dogs can lose teeth for several reasons, although adult tooth loss should not simply be considered a normal part of aging.
Dental disease is one of the common reasons an adult dog may lose a tooth. Gum disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting the tooth. Trauma can also fracture or dislodge a tooth.
A tooth may sometimes be removed by a veterinarian because it is severely damaged or diseased.
What should you do if an adult dog loses a tooth?
If you find a permanent tooth that has fallen out, contact your veterinarian. The reason for the tooth loss matters.
If the tooth was knocked out during an accident, prompt veterinary assessment is especially useful because other mouth injuries may also be present.
Do not try to push a loose tooth back into place or pull out a damaged tooth yourself. Dental procedures can require anesthesia and appropriate pain control.
Why Dental Care Matters for Dogs
Counting a dog’s teeth is interesting, but dental health has a much bigger practical value.
Plaque can accumulate on teeth and harden into tartar. Over time, bacteria and inflammation can affect the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. Advanced dental disease can cause pain and may eventually lead to tooth loss.
Some dogs hide mouth pain surprisingly well. A dog may still greet you, play, and eat while having significant dental problems.
How can you care for your dog’s teeth?
Regular dental care can help reduce plaque buildup. Brushing with a dog-specific toothbrush and veterinary-approved toothpaste is one useful approach.
Never use human toothpaste for a dog unless a veterinarian specifically tells you it is safe. Some human toothpaste products contain ingredients that are not appropriate for dogs.
A practical dental routine can include:
- Start slowly so your dog becomes comfortable with mouth handling.
- Use toothpaste made specifically for dogs.
- Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth gently.
- Pay extra attention to the gumline.
- Offer appropriate dental products when recommended.
- Arrange veterinary dental examinations as needed.
The goal is not to make every tooth look perfectly white. The goal is to maintain healthy gums, reduce plaque, and identify problems early.
Why Some Dogs Need More Dental Attention
Not every dog develops dental problems at the same rate. Age, genetics, mouth shape, chewing habits, diet, and previous dental history can all influence oral health.
Small dogs can be particularly challenging because their teeth may be crowded into a relatively small mouth. Brachycephalic breeds can also have unusual tooth positioning because of their facial structure.
That does not mean every small or short-nosed dog will have dental disease. It simply means owners should pay close attention to the mouth and follow veterinary recommendations.
What about retained puppy teeth?
Sometimes a permanent tooth begins growing while the corresponding baby tooth remains in place. This is called a retained deciduous tooth.
It is particularly common with canine teeth. The two teeth can sit close together, creating an area where food and bacteria become trapped.
If you see an adult canine tooth growing beside a baby canine tooth, ask your veterinarian to examine it rather than waiting indefinitely for the baby tooth to disappear.
Dog Teeth Compared With Puppy Teeth
The difference between puppy and adult teeth is more than just the number.
| Feature | Puppy | Adult dog |
|---|---|---|
| Normal total | 28 | 42 |
| Incisors | 12 | 12 |
| Canines | 4 | 4 |
| Premolars | 12 | 16 |
| Molars | 0 | 10 |
| Tooth type | Temporary | Permanent |
| Main change | Teeth erupt | Full adult set develops |
The biggest numerical difference comes from the premolars and molars. Puppies have no baby molars, while adult dogs develop 10 permanent molars.
This is why a puppy’s mouth can look surprisingly different from an adult dog’s mouth even though the basic tooth groups remain similar.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have That Help Them Eat?
A dog’s teeth are not all built for the same job. When you understand how many teeth dogs have and where those teeth sit, it becomes easier to understand how dogs pick up food, tear meat, and crush what they eat. The front teeth handle smaller tasks, while the stronger teeth farther back help process food.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have for Grabbing Food?
Dogs use their 12 incisors to pick up small pieces of food and objects. These teeth sit at the front of the mouth and are smaller than the canine teeth.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have for Tearing?
The four canine teeth are long and pointed. Dogs use these teeth to grip and tear food, hold toys, and carry objects. Their position also makes them easy to notice during a quick mouth check.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have for Crushing?
Premolars and molars help break food into smaller pieces. Adult dogs have 16 premolars and 10 molars, giving them strong teeth toward the back of the mouth for crushing and processing food.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have and What Changes With Age?
A dog’s tooth count changes as it grows. Puppies begin with 28 temporary teeth, then gradually lose them as permanent teeth develop. By adulthood, most dogs have the familiar set of 42 permanent teeth.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have During Teething?
During the teething stage, a puppy may have loose baby teeth while permanent teeth are emerging. This can make the mouth look different from one week to the next.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have After Losing Puppy Teeth?
Once the baby teeth have been replaced, a healthy adult dog normally has 42 permanent teeth. The complete set includes incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
Can How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have Change Because of Dental Problems?
Yes. A dog may have fewer visible teeth after losing a tooth, suffering an injury, or having a diseased tooth removed. A missing adult tooth should be checked by a veterinarian to determine why it is absent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teeth does a puppy have?
A puppy normally has 28 baby teeth. These include 12 incisors, four canines, and 12 premolars. Puppies do not have baby molars.
Most puppies begin losing these temporary teeth at around 3 to 4 months of age. Their permanent adult teeth gradually replace them, with most dogs reaching the adult set by about 6 to 7 months.
How many teeth do dogs have on the bottom?
An adult dog normally has 22 teeth in the lower jaw. These consist of six incisors, two canines, eight premolars, and six molars.
The lower jaw has two more teeth than the upper jaw, which normally has 20 teeth. Together, both jaws contain the typical adult total of 42 permanent teeth.
How many teeth do dogs have when they are adults?
Most adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. The set includes 12 incisors, four canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars.
A particular dog may have fewer visible teeth because of dental disease, injury, extraction, missing teeth, or retained baby teeth.
Do dogs lose their baby teeth?
Yes. Puppies normally lose their baby teeth as permanent adult teeth develop. This usually starts around 3 to 4 months of age.
It is common for owners not to find every lost tooth because puppies may swallow them while eating or playing.
Do dogs get cavities like humans?
Dogs can develop cavities, but they are less common than some other dental problems. Plaque, tartar, gum inflammation, periodontal disease, fractured teeth, and retained teeth are often bigger concerns.
A veterinarian can examine your dog’s mouth and determine whether a dark spot, damaged tooth, or unusual odor requires treatment.
Should a dog’s teeth be perfectly white?
Not necessarily. Healthy teeth can have some natural variation in appearance, and mild plaque may develop between cleanings.
However, thick yellow or brown tartar, red gums, bleeding, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath should not be ignored. These signs can indicate dental disease.
Can a dog live with fewer than 42 teeth?
Yes. Many dogs live comfortably after losing or having diseased teeth removed. Dogs can adapt remarkably well to changes in their mouths.
The important issue is why the tooth is missing and whether other dental problems remain. A veterinary examination can help determine what treatment is appropriate.
When should I start brushing my dog’s teeth?
You can introduce tooth brushing while your dog is young, but older dogs can learn the routine too.
Start gradually by allowing your dog to become comfortable with having its lips and mouth touched. Then introduce a dog toothbrush and veterinary-approved toothpaste before attempting a full brushing routine.
Why does my dog’s breath smell bad?
Persistent bad breath can be caused by plaque, tartar, gum disease, infected teeth, or other oral problems. It should not automatically be dismissed as a normal dog smell.
If the odor is strong or has recently become worse, a veterinary dental examination is a sensible next step.
How often should a dog have a dental check?
The ideal schedule depends on the individual dog. Puppies, adults, senior dogs, small breeds, and dogs with previous dental disease may have different needs.
Regular veterinary examinations allow problems to be identified before they become more advanced. Your veterinarian can recommend how often your dog’s mouth should receive a closer dental assessment.
Final Thoughts on Dog Teeth
So, how many teeth do dogs have? A typical adult dog has 42 permanent teeth, while a puppy has 28 temporary teeth. Adult dogs have 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw.
The number provides a useful starting point, but the health of those teeth is far more important. Regular observation can help you notice broken, loose, missing, or discolored teeth, while routine dental care can support healthier gums and better comfort.
If your dog suddenly loses an adult tooth, develops facial swelling, has bleeding gums, refuses food, or seems painful when chewing, arrange a veterinary examination. A healthy mouth helps your dog eat comfortably and supports good overall quality of life.
