Just like humans, dogs have different types of teeth, each with a specific function. Understanding how your dog’s teeth develop and what to look out for can help you maintain their oral health and prevent future dental issues.

Types of Dog Teeth

A dog’s mouth contains four types of teeth, each playing an important role in how they eat and interact with their environment:

• Incisors: Small teeth located at the front of the mouth, used to grab and pick up food.
• Canines: Sharp, pointed teeth just behind the incisors, designed for gripping and tearing.
• Premolars: Located behind the canines, these teeth help slice food into smaller pieces.
• Molars: Found at the back of the mouth, they grind and chew food to aid in digestion.

Adult Tooth Eruption in Dogs

Puppies are born without teeth. Their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) begin to erupt around 3 weeks of age. These are eventually replaced by permanent adult teeth.

The timeline for adult tooth eruption is typically:

• Incisors: Between 3 and 5 months
• Canines and Premolars: Between 4 and 6 months
• Molars: Between 5 and 7 months

This process can vary slightly depending on the breed and size of the dog. Small breed dogs may experience delayed tooth eruption compared to larger breeds.

What If Baby Teeth Don’t Fall Out?

In some cases, baby teeth (especially canines) may not fall out on their own. This is more common in small breed dogs. When baby teeth persist beyond 9 months, they can interfere with the proper positioning of adult teeth and cause dental crowding or tartar buildup between the overlapping teeth.

If your dog is over 9 months old and still has baby teeth, it’s important to schedule a veterinary appointment. Extracting these retained teeth will help prevent long-term dental problems.

Total Number of Dog Teeth

Dogs have different numbers of teeth depending on their stage of development:

• Baby teeth (28 total)
  • Upper and lower jaws: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 6 premolars on each side
• Adult teeth (42 total)
  • Upper jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 8 premolars, 4 molars
  • Lower jaw: 6 incisors, 2 canines, 8 premolars, 6 molars

Function of Each Type of Tooth

• Incisors: Grip and pick up food and small objects
• Canines: Puncture, hold, and tear food or prey
• Premolars: Slice and shear food into digestible portions
• Molars: Crush and grind food for easier digestion

Conclusion

Proper dental care is essential for your dog’s overall health. Monitor your dog’s teeth as they grow, especially during the transition from baby to adult teeth. If you notice retained baby teeth, signs of tartar buildup, or bad breath, consult your veterinarian promptly. Early intervention helps ensure a healthy mouth and a happy dog.