Have you ever watched your dog yawn wide open and wondered exactly how many teeth are hiding inside that adorable mouth? You are not alone. Dental health is one of the most overlooked parts of pet parenting, yet it plays a huge role in your dog’s comfort, nutrition, and overall well-being.
As a pet parent, understanding your dog’s teeth helps you notice problems early, choose the right chew toys, and keep those pearly whites strong for years to come. In this friendly, easy-to-read guide, we will break down exactly how many teeth dogs have at every stage of life, what each type of tooth does, why dogs sometimes lose teeth, and the simple steps you can take at home to protect your furry friend’s smile.
Let us jump right in.
Quick Answer: How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
Let us cut straight to what you came here for. A fully grown adult dog has 42 permanent teeth. That is 10 more than the average human, who has 32 teeth including wisdom teeth.
Puppies, on the other hand, have a smaller set of 28 baby teeth (also called deciduous or milk teeth). These little chompers fall out on their own and are replaced by permanent adult teeth as the puppy grows.
Here is a quick snapshot:
- Puppies: 28 baby teeth
- Adult dogs: 42 permanent teeth
- Upper jaw (adult): 20 teeth
- Lower jaw (adult): 22 teeth
Now let us dig into what those numbers really mean for your pup.
The Two Sets of Teeth: A Dog’s Dental Journey
Just like humans, dogs go through two full sets of teeth in their lifetime. The big difference is that this whole process happens much faster in dogs than in people, so it is easy to blink and miss it.
Stage 1: Puppy Teeth (Deciduous Teeth)
When puppies are first born, their mouths are completely toothless. This is actually a blessing for their mother during nursing (imagine 28 tiny needles otherwise!).
Baby teeth begin pushing through the gums at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. By the time your puppy is about 6 to 8 weeks old, all 28 baby teeth should be present and accounted for.
The puppy set breaks down like this:
- 12 incisors (six on top, six on bottom)
- 4 canines (two on top, two on bottom)
- 12 premolars (six on top, six on bottom)
Notice something missing? Puppies do not have molars at all. Molars only appear once the adult teeth come in because young pups simply do not need the heavy-duty grinding power just yet.
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Stage 2: Adult Teeth (Permanent Teeth)
Around 12 to 16 weeks of age (roughly 3 to 4 months old), your puppy will begin losing their baby teeth. If you have ever found a tiny tooth on the carpet and panicked, do not worry, that is completely normal. Some puppies even swallow their baby teeth while eating, and that is totally safe too.
By the time your dog is around 6 to 7 months old, they should have all 42 permanent adult teeth. Some large breeds may take a little longer to finish teething.
The adult set includes:
- 12 incisors
- 4 canines
- 16 premolars
- 10 molars
Types of Dog Teeth and What They Do
Every single tooth in your dog’s mouth has a specific job. Once you understand these roles, it becomes clear why dental health matters so much for your pup’s daily life.
Incisors: The Little Grabbers
Incisors are the small, flat teeth right at the front of your dog’s mouth. Dogs have 12 incisors in total, six on the upper jaw and six on the lower jaw. These are the teeth you see most often when your dog gives you that adorable open-mouthed smile.
Dogs use their incisors to:
- Nibble and scrape meat off bones
- Groom their coat and paws
- Pick up small objects like kibble pieces
- Gently grip toys and treats
Canines: The Iconic Fangs
Located just behind the incisors, the canine teeth are the long, pointed, and razor-sharp teeth most people picture when they think of a dog’s mouth. Every dog has four canines, two on top and two on the bottom.
These fangs are built for:
- Piercing and tearing food
- Holding onto objects such as toys and bones
- Defense and showing warning signals
- Providing a firm grip during play
Fun fact: canines are usually the strongest teeth in a dog’s mouth, with roots that go deep into the jaw so they can handle a serious amount of pressure.
Premolars: The Slicers
Sitting right behind the canines are the premolars, which are sharp, wide teeth designed for shredding and slicing. Adult dogs have 16 premolars in total (four on each side of both jaws).
Their main jobs include:
- Slicing and shearing meat
- Breaking down chewy foods
- Crunching through kibble
- Chewing on toys and treats
The largest premolar on the upper jaw is called the carnassial tooth, and it works together with a matching tooth on the lower jaw much like a pair of scissors. This is why dogs often chew on the side of their mouth when they eat something tough.
Molars: The Grinders
At the very back of your dog’s mouth sit the molars, flat and wide teeth built for heavy-duty grinding. Adult dogs have 10 molars in total (four on the top and six on the bottom).
Molars handle:
- Crushing hard treats and safe chews
- Grinding dry kibble
- Breaking down tough foods
Because these teeth do the toughest work, they are also more prone to cracks and wear, especially if your dog loves chomping on hard chews.
Dog Teeth vs Human Teeth: How Do We Compare?
You might be surprised to learn that dogs actually have more teeth than we do. Here is a quick side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Dogs | Humans |
| Total adult teeth | 42 | 32 |
| Baby teeth | 28 | 20 |
| Incisors | 12 | 8 |
| Canines | 4 | 4 |
| Premolars | 16 | 8 |
| Molars | 10 | 12 |
Dogs have more incisors and premolars because their teeth evolved to catch, tear, and shred prey, a very different job than human teeth. Interestingly, humans actually have slightly more molars because we rely more on grinding plant-based foods.
Do All Dog Breeds Have the Same Number of Teeth?
Yes! Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a massive Great Dane, adult dogs of every breed should have 42 teeth. That said, some breeds face more dental challenges than others.
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Boxers often have crowded or misaligned teeth because their jaws are shorter, but the number of teeth stays the same.
Small and toy breeds are also more prone to:
- Retained baby teeth (adult teeth grow in before the puppy teeth fall out)
- Overcrowding and misalignment
- Faster tartar buildup and tooth decay
If you own a small breed or a flat-faced pup, extra dental attention is strongly recommended from an early age.
Why Dogs Lose Their Teeth
Losing baby teeth is completely normal for puppies, but once your dog has their adult teeth, losing any of them is a red flag. Here are the most common reasons behind adult tooth loss.
1. Periodontal Disease
This is the number one cause of tooth loss in adult dogs. Plaque builds up on the teeth, hardens into tartar, and eventually infects the gums and the bone that hold the teeth in place. Once those supporting tissues weaken, teeth become loose and fall out.
Sadly, more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three show some form of dental disease. That is why prevention is so important.
2. Trauma and Injury
Dogs love to chew, but not every object is tooth-friendly. Common causes of tooth trauma include chewing on real bones or antlers, aggressive tug-of-war, falls or accidents, fights with other animals, and biting on hard toys. Fractured teeth often need to be extracted or treated with a root canal by a veterinary dentist.
3. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Although less common in dogs than in humans, cavities do happen. Sugary treats, a poor diet, and lack of regular dental care can speed up decay, especially in small breeds and greyhounds.
4. Advanced Age
Older dogs naturally have more wear and tear on their teeth. Combined with a lifetime of plaque buildup, senior dogs are more likely to lose teeth than younger pups.
5. Genetic Factors
Some breeds are simply more prone to dental issues than others. Yorkies, Dachshunds, Poodles, Maltese, and Greyhounds tend to have more dental problems than average, no matter how good their home care is.
Warning Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs
Your dog cannot tell you when their mouth hurts, so you have to be their voice. Watch out for these common warning signs:
- Bad breath that is worse than usual
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Drooling more than normal
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Facial swelling
- Behavior changes such as irritability or hiding
Any of these signs should be a nudge to book a vet visit. Dental issues can turn serious quickly and are usually more painful than dogs let on.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy
The great news is that most dental problems in dogs are preventable with the right daily care routine. Here is how to keep those 42 teeth in top shape.
Brush Their Teeth Regularly
Yes, dogs really do need their teeth brushed. Aim for daily brushing if possible, or at least three times a week for good results.
Tips for a smooth brushing session:
- Use a dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, it is toxic to dogs)
- Choose a soft-bristled dog toothbrush or a finger brush
- Start slow and let your dog get comfortable with the process
- Reward with praise and gentle affection after every session
Provide Safe Dental Chews and Toys
Quality dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar. Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for peace of mind.
Safer chew options include rubber chew toys designed for dental health, VOHC-approved dental treats, frozen carrots (great for teething puppies), and bully sticks in moderation.
Avoid: real cooked bones, antlers, hooves, ice cubes, and anything harder than a fingernail can dent. These are the most common cause of cracked teeth.
Feed a Dental-Friendly Diet
Dry kibble helps scrape plaque as your dog chews, and some brands even offer prescription dental diets with larger, textured kibble made to clean teeth. Wet food can encourage plaque to build up faster, so balance is key.
Schedule Regular Vet Cleanings
Even with the best home care, most dogs need a professional dental cleaning every 1 to 2 years. Your vet will perform a thorough oral exam, take dental X-rays, clean above and below the gumline, and address any hidden problems before they get worse. These cleanings do require anesthesia, but for most dogs the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Try Dental Water Additives
Water additives are a super simple add-on to any dental routine. They help reduce bacteria and freshen breath without any extra effort from your dog. Just pour, stir, and let your pup drink normally.
When to Call the Vet Right Away
Some dental issues can wait for your next scheduled visit, but others need urgent attention. Contact your vet right away if you notice:
- A tooth that is clearly broken or bleeding
- Sudden refusal to eat
- Signs of extreme mouth pain
- Facial swelling
- Foul odor combined with other symptoms
- A loose adult tooth
- Blood in the water bowl or on chew toys
Ignoring dental problems can lead to infections that spread to the heart, liver, or kidneys. Your dog’s mouth health is directly connected to their whole-body health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many teeth do puppies have?
Puppies have 28 baby teeth. These begin coming in at around 2 to 4 weeks of age and are usually all present by 6 to 8 weeks.
2. How many teeth do adult dogs have?
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth in total. 20 sit on the upper jaw and 22 sit on the lower jaw.
3. At what age do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Puppies start losing their baby teeth at around 12 to 16 weeks of age, and the process is usually complete by 6 to 7 months.
4. Is it normal for adult dogs to lose teeth?
No. Once your dog has their adult teeth, losing any of them is a sign that something is wrong, usually periodontal disease or trauma. Contact your vet.
5. Do all dog breeds have the same number of teeth?
Yes. All dog breeds have 42 adult teeth. However, small breeds and flat-faced breeds are more prone to overcrowding and dental issues.
6. Can I brush my dog’s teeth with human toothpaste?
Never. Human toothpaste often contains ingredients like xylitol and fluoride that are toxic to dogs. Always use a pet-safe toothpaste.
7. How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Ideally, every day. If that is not realistic, aim for at least three times a week to prevent tartar buildup.
8. Do dogs get cavities like humans?
Dogs can get cavities, but they are less common than in humans. Periodontal disease is a much bigger threat to dog teeth than plain tooth decay.
9. Why does my dog have bad breath?
Bad breath is often the very first sign of dental disease and is caused by bacteria, plaque, and tartar. If your dog’s breath is worse than usual, book a dental check-up.
10. Do puppies have molars?
No. Puppies only have incisors, canines, and premolars, so no molars at all. Molars appear only with the adult set of teeth.
11. How much does a dog dental cleaning cost?
Prices vary by location and clinic, but most professional cleanings range from around $300 to $700 or more, especially if extractions or X-rays are needed.
12. Can dental disease affect my dog’s overall health?
Yes. Untreated dental disease can lead to infections that affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Good dental care is part of good overall health care.
13. Should I remove my dog’s baby teeth if they do not fall out?
Retained baby teeth (especially in small breeds) should be removed by a vet, often during a spay or neuter surgery, to prevent misalignment.
14. What can I do if my dog will not let me brush their teeth?
Start slow. Let your dog taste the toothpaste first, then gradually introduce the brush over several weeks. Dental chews, water additives, and vet cleanings can help fill any gaps.
15. Are chew toys enough to clean my dog’s teeth?
No. Chew toys and dental chews help reduce plaque, but they cannot fully replace brushing or professional cleanings. Combine all three for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how many teeth dogs have: 28 baby teeth as puppies and 42 permanent teeth as adults. Even more importantly, you understand the different types of teeth, what each one does, and how to protect them for the long haul.
Dental health is not just about a pretty smile. Healthy teeth mean less pain, better nutrition, fresher breath, and a longer, happier life for your best friend. Whether you have a tiny puppy growing in their milk teeth or a senior dog with a lifetime of chomping behind them, your care makes all the difference.
Start with small steps. Introduce brushing, offer safe chew toys, book that dental check-up you have been putting off, and keep a close eye on any changes. Your dog may not be able to say thank you, but that happy tail wag and those bright, healthy teeth will speak for themselves.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. For any specific concerns about your dog’s dental health or condition, please consult a licensed veterinarian
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Author Profile
- Dr. Alex Carter is a veterinarian who enjoys helping pet owners better understand and care for their animals. Through easy-to-read articles, they share practical advice on pet health, nutrition, behavior, and everyday wellness.
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