The Two Sets of Teeth Every Dog Has
Like humans, dogs grow two sets of teeth over the course of their lives. The first set, known as deciduous teeth, milk teeth, or baby teeth, emerge in the first weeks of life and are eventually replaced by a permanent adult set. Understanding the timeline and process of this transition helps owners recognise what is normal, identify potential problems early, and manage the sometimes challenging period of teething.
Puppies are born with no teeth at all. Their diet in the earliest weeks is entirely liquid, so teeth are unnecessary. The deciduous set begins to emerge from around three weeks of age and is typically complete by six to eight weeks, at which point most puppies are either still with their mother and littermates or just beginning to move to new homes.
The Deciduous Teeth: Numbers and Types
A puppy's full deciduous set consists of twenty-eight teeth. This is fewer than the adult set and does not include premolars in the same configuration.
- 12 incisors (6 upper, 6 lower) — the small teeth at the front of the mouth
- 4 canines (2 upper, 2 lower) — the pointed, prominent teeth sometimes called fangs
- 12 premolars (6 upper, 6 lower) — further back in the mouth, used for chewing
These baby teeth are noticeably sharper and more needle-like than adult teeth, which is why puppy biting feels so intense despite the relatively small size of young dogs.
When Does the Transition Begin?
The process of losing baby teeth and growing adult ones typically begins at around three to four months of age. The adult teeth develop within the jaw beneath the deciduous roots. As an adult tooth moves upward, it puts pressure on the root of the baby tooth above it, causing the root to gradually dissolve. With the root gone, the baby tooth becomes loose and eventually falls out or is swallowed during eating or play.
Swallowing a baby tooth is harmless. Owners rarely notice the lost teeth themselves, as they are small and often lost during meals or chew sessions.
The Timeline of Tooth Loss by Type
Incisors: Three to Four Months
The incisors are typically the first to go. These are the small teeth at the front of the mouth, and because they have single, slender roots, they loosen quickly. Adult incisors begin emerging from three to four months and are usually fully in place by five months.
Canines: Four to Six Months
The canine teeth, with their longer single roots, take somewhat longer to transition. Adult canines typically emerge from four months onwards, with the process completing around six months. These are often the most noticeable baby teeth to owners because of their size and the drama of their loss.
Premolars and Molars: Four to Seven Months
The back teeth take the longest to transition. Adult premolars and molars emerge through the later months of this teething period. Puppies also grow adult molars at this stage — teeth that have no deciduous equivalents, as the baby set did not include molars.
By six to seven months, most puppies have their full adult set of forty-two teeth. The entire teething process, from the first wobbly incisor to the last adult molar settling into place, usually spans around three to four months.
What Teething Looks and Feels Like for Your Puppy
Teething is uncomfortable. As adult teeth push through gum tissue, puppies may experience tenderness, swelling, and irritation. You might notice your puppy chewing more intensely than usual, drooling more, being reluctant to eat hard food, or appearing slightly quieter than normal during peak teething periods.
Some puppies sail through the process with barely noticeable discomfort. Others find it genuinely painful. Offering appropriate chews during this time is both soothing and practical.
- Rubber chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies
- Frozen carrots or damp flannels that have been placed in the freezer
- Nylon chews appropriate for your puppy's size
Avoid giving puppies bones or very hard objects during teething, as these can crack the fragile adult teeth that are still erupting.
Retained Deciduous Teeth: When Baby Teeth Do Not Fall Out
In some puppies, a baby tooth remains in place after the adult tooth has begun to erupt. This is known as a retained deciduous tooth and is more common in smaller breeds, though it can occur in any dog. The problem is that when two teeth occupy the same space, food and plaque accumulate between them, leading to early periodontal disease. The presence of the baby tooth can also push the adult tooth into an abnormal position.
If you notice two teeth sitting side by side in the same socket, particularly canine teeth, mention it to your vet at your next appointment. Retained deciduous teeth are usually extracted under anaesthetic, often at the same time as a neutering procedure if timing aligns. Early removal gives the adult tooth the best chance of erupting correctly.
Checking Your Puppy's Mouth
Get into the habit of looking inside your puppy's mouth from an early age. Open the lips gently, inspect the gums for redness or swelling, and look at the teeth regularly throughout the teething period. This has two benefits: it helps you monitor the transition and identify any issues early, and it desensitises your puppy to having their mouth handled, which makes adult dental care far easier.
Adult Dental Care Begins Immediately
Once the adult teeth are in place, dental hygiene becomes a lifelong consideration. Periodontal disease affects the majority of dogs over three years old and is entirely preventable with consistent care. Begin introducing toothbrushing as early as possible, using a dog-specific toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Daily brushing is the gold standard, but even three to four times per week makes a significant difference compared to no brushing at all.
Regular veterinary dental check-ups from around twelve months onwards will help monitor gum health and catch tartar build-up before it becomes a larger problem.