Puppy Dental Structure (Number of Deciduous and Permanent Teeth)

Oral HealthQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth and 42 permanent teeth. Here’s a clear overview of their development stages and structure.

How Are Puppy Teeth Structured?

A view of a dog’s mouth showing its dental structure

Puppies are born with 28 deciduous (baby) teeth, which are completely replaced by 42 permanent teeth around 6 to 7 months of age, a dental pattern known as diphyodonty. The most critical period is teething. Between 3 and 7 months of age, it is essential to check for retained deciduous teeth—baby teeth that fail to fall out and remain alongside the permanent teeth—because they can cause misalignment of the teeth and lead to gum disease.

Composition of 28 Deciduous (Baby) Teeth

Baby teeth begin to emerge at around three weeks of age and are typically all in place by about 12 weeks (approximately three months) of age. There are 28 baby teeth in total: 14 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw. These consist of 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 premolars. A distinctive feature of baby teeth is the absence of molars. Because baby teeth are thinner and sharper than permanent teeth, they are prone to breaking, so it is best to avoid giving very young puppies hard toys.

Deciduous vs. Permanent Teeth: At-a-Glance Comparison

Item	Deciduous teeth (baby teeth)	Permanent teeth
Total count	28	42
Incisors (front teeth)	12	12
Canines (fangs)	4	4
Premolars	12	16
Molars	None	10
Eruption period	3–12 weeks of age	3–7 months of age

Based on the combined total of upper and lower jaws.

Composition and Location of 42 Permanent Teeth

Permanent teeth begin to erupt at around three months of age and are fully developed by six to seven months. There are 42 permanent teeth in total: 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. The 12 incisors are used for grasping food and grooming, while the four canines are the longest and strongest teeth, designed for tearing food. The 16 premolars slice food, and the 10 molars are responsible for grinding. The fourth upper premolar and the first lower molar are the largest teeth, known as the carnassial teeth, and they bear the greatest chewing pressure.

An anatomical illustration showing the arrangement of a dog's 42 permanent teeth.

Checklist of Roles by Tooth Type

Each tooth has a different role depending on its shape.

Incisors: Small front teeth used for grasping food and grooming fur.

Canines: The longest and strongest teeth, essential for tearing food and biting objects.

Premolars: Act like scissors to finely chop food.

Molars: Grind and crush food.

Carnassial teeth: The fourth upper premolar and first lower molar, which exert the greatest force and are prone to fractures.

Retained Deciduous Teeth Require Immediate Attention

If a baby tooth remains in place even as the permanent tooth begins to erupt, it is called a retained deciduous tooth. Veterinary textbooks define a retained deciduous tooth as one that persists after the permanent tooth has started to emerge, so you don’t need to wait until your puppy is seven months old to check for this condition. Leaving it untreated can lead to misaligned teeth and food trapping between the two teeth, which may cause gum inflammation and periodontal disease to progress rapidly, even at a young age. Additionally, because retained baby teeth have thin, weak roots, problems can worsen if they are left in place, so it is recommended to have them extracted as soon as the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Dental issues are more commonly reported in small-breed dogs, so be sure to consult your veterinarian about whether extraction is necessary during the six- to seven-month wellness checkup.

Teething Period and Care Guidelines for Owners

Teething usually begins at 3 to 4 months of age and ends by 6 to 7 months. During this period, puppies often experience itchy and uncomfortable gums, leading them to chew on objects frequently. Providing cold teething toys, frozen carrots, or dog-specific dental chews can help soothe their discomfort. Avoid giving overly hard bones or antlers, as they can fracture young permanent teeth. While most puppies swallow their loose baby teeth, it is also normal if you find them in their stool or if they simply disappear.

A puppy chewing on a teething toy during the teething stage.

When to Start Dental Care

It’s best to start brushing your dog’s teeth around seven months of age, when all the permanent teeth have come in. However, getting your puppy used to having its mouth touched from an early age can help reduce resistance when it becomes an adult. Always use dog-specific toothpaste that does not contain xylitol or fluoride, and never use human toothpaste. If brushing proves difficult, dental gels, oral sprays, and tartar-control chews can serve as helpful supplements.

Dental Care Is More Important for Small-Breed Dogs

Small-breed dogs have the same 42 permanent teeth as larger breeds, but their smaller jaws cause the teeth to crowd together, leading to overlapping teeth and food impaction. Veterinary textbooks consistently report that dental diseases are more common in small-breed dogs and senior pets, making proactive oral care from an early age especially important. For small breeds such as Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Pomeranians, daily tooth brushing combined with regular veterinary dental check-ups from puppyhood is essential for preventing periodontal disease and maintaining lifelong health.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many permanent teeth do dogs have in total?

Dogs have a total of 42 teeth: 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. These include 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars.

When does teething start and when does it end?

Teething typically begins at 3–4 months of age and is completed by 6–7 months when all permanent teeth have erupted. During this period, it’s a good idea to provide soft teething toys.

My puppy’s baby teeth aren’t falling out. Is it okay to leave them?

No. Baby teeth that remain after seven months of age are considered retained deciduous teeth, which can lead to malocclusion and periodontal disease. You should consult with a veterinarian and consider having them extracted.

Can dogs get cavities?

It’s much rarer in dogs than in people. A dog’s mouth is more alkaline, and their teeth are shaped to minimize food trapping, so periodontal disease and tooth fractures are far more common than cavities.

Will the tooth grow back after it falls out?

Baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth only once, and if a permanent tooth is lost, it will not grow back. That’s why protecting permanent teeth is essential for lifelong health.

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References

[1] Wiggs RB, Lobprise HB, Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice, 2nd Ed, 2019

[2] Verstraete FJM, Lommer MJ, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Dogs and Cats, 2nd Ed, 2020

[3] Niemiec BA, Veterinary Periodontology, Wiley-Blackwell, 2013