Your dog's wagging tail and glossy coat aren’t the only signs of good health; a healthy mouth plays a huge role in their overall well-being, too. While many pet parents focus on nutrition, exercise, and grooming, dental care is often overlooked until there's a problem.
Knowing how many teeth dogs have, when those teeth appear in your puppy, and how to care for them can help prevent painful dental disease and expensive veterinary treatment later on.
In this article, we take a look at everything you need to know about your dog's teeth, whether you've just welcomed home a playful puppy or you're caring for a beloved senior dog.
A healthy adult dog has 42 permanent teeth, divided between 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 teeth in the lower jaw. No matter the breed, adult dogs have the same number of permanent teeth. That means a tiny Chihuahua and a giant Great Dane both have 42 adult teeth. The teeth are generally smaller in small dogs, but the real difference is the amount of space those teeth have inside the mouth.
Puppies are born without visible teeth. Their first set, known as deciduous teeth, baby teeth, or milk teeth, begins to erupt at around 2 to 3 weeks of age. By the time a puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old, they usually have all 28 baby teeth. Unlike humans, puppies grow and lose their baby teeth very quickly. If you find tiny teeth around the house, don't worry. Many puppies swallow their baby teeth while eating or playing, which is perfectly normal. By 6–7 months, most dogs have their full set of 42 adult teeth.
Each type of tooth has a specific purpose that helps dogs eat, play, groom themselves, and explore the world. Dogs have 12 incisors, six on the top and six on the bottom. These small front teeth are used for scraping meat from bones, picking up small objects, gentle grooming, and nibbling at itchy spots! They're also the teeth puppies often use during playful mouthing.
Dogs have 4 canine teeth, often called fangs. These long, pointed teeth are designed to grip toys, hold objects, tear food, and protect themselves if necessary. They're among the strongest-looking teeth in the mouth, although they're still vulnerable to fractures.
Dogs have 16 premolars located behind the canines. Premolars work like scissors to slice food into manageable pieces. They're also commonly used for chewing treats and toys. And finally, adult dogs have 10 molars. These larger, flatter teeth sit toward the back of the mouth and help crush and grind tougher foods before swallowing.
Every healthy adult dog has 42 permanent teeth, regardless of breed. However, not every dog has the same dental health. Small breeds, such as Yorkshire terriers and chihuahuas, often have crowded mouths because they have the same number of teeth packed into a much smaller jaw. This makes it easier for plaque and tartar to build up between teeth.
Larger breeds generally have more room between teeth, which can reduce overcrowding, although they can still develop periodontal disease without proper dental care.
Dog teeth are incredibly sharp, but they aren't indestructible. In fact, the protective enamel covering a dog's teeth is much thinner than human enamel. That means teeth can crack or fracture surprisingly easily. Many veterinary dentists now recommend avoiding extremely hard chew items.
A good rule is that if you wouldn't comfortably hit the chew against your kneecap, it's probably too hard for your dog's teeth. Instead, choose veterinarian-approved dental chews or rubber toys that have a little flexibility.
Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions seen in dogs. According to veterinary organizations, most dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the time they're three years old. Keeping your dog's mouth healthy is an important part of supporting their overall health.
Poor oral health doesn't just cause bad breath; it can also lead to pain while eating, loose teeth, gum infections, tooth loss, abscesses, difficulty chewing, and chronic inflammation. In severe cases, bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Fortunately, preventing dental disease is much easier than treating it. Daily brushing is considered the gold standard for canine dental care. You should use a toothbrush designed for dogs and dog-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Even brushing a few times each week can make a noticeable difference.
Many veterinary-approved dental treats help reduce plaque while giving your dog something enjoyable to chew. You should choose products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance whenever possible.
Your veterinarian should examine your dog's mouth during every wellness visit. Your dog might need professional dental cleanings performed under anesthesia to remove plaque below the gumline, an area brushing can't reach. The frequency depends on your dog's breed, age, and overall oral health, but many dogs benefit from professional cleanings every one to three years.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, brown tartar buildup, loose teeth, swollen gums, dropping food while eating, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty chewing. Early treatment is usually simpler and less expensive than waiting until dental disease becomes severe.
Once an adult tooth is lost or extracted, it does not grow back. That's why protecting your dog's permanent teeth is so important. Preventive care can often help your dog keep its teeth healthy throughout their life.
Your dog's mouth deserves just as much attention as the rest of their body. From puppyhood through their senior years, good dental care helps prevent pain, protects overall health, and keeps their tails wagging happily!
By brushing your dog's teeth, choosing safe chew toys, scheduling regular veterinary checkups, and watching for early signs of dental disease, you can make a lasting difference to your dog’s health and wellbeing. And with the right care, they can stay healthy for years to come.
30 November, 2022