Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? Vet-Verified Dental Facts

Brown Spanish Water Dog smiling

When you get a puppy, they’re going to go through so many changes as they start to advance towards their adult years. One thing you might notice is that the number of teeth they have changes. So how exactly do puppies go about losing their teeth? How many teeth do they have as adults? Let’s find out more about the mystery of a canine’s canines.

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

Adult Dogs Have 42 Teeth

Adult dogs have a whopping 42 teeth, and most of them are pointy! A dog will have 20 top teeth and 22 bottom teeth.1 Some dogs have less than 42 teeth due to dental problems like teeth failing to erupt or periodontal disease leading to loss of teeth.

If you look at their mouth, you might think that these teeth belong to a carnivore, which reflects the dog’s origins from wolves. With most of their front teeth built for ripping and tearing, canines certainly need a lot of power to tear and chew through their natural diet, like large hunks of meat. However, dog’s teeth aren’t as thick as those of wolves and their digestive system has adapted to an omnivorous diet.2

veterinarian checking dog's teeth
Image Credit: YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV, Shutterstock

Puppies Have 28 Teeth

Like human babies, puppies have fewer teeth than adults, topping out at 28 temporary teeth. Their baby teeth usually start to come in at around 3 weeks of age, and they stop coming in at 8 to 10 weeks. For puppies, the incisors, or the front teeth, are the first to appear.

Next, the canine teeth, much like sharp fangs, come in. The premolars are last. Your puppy only has their baby teeth for just a few short weeks before their adult teeth start to come in. The process usually begins around the 12-week mark and a full set of adult teeth should have emerged by around the 6-month mark.

Types of Dog Teeth

You’re welcome to use our images, but we require you link directly to this site for credit (ex. Image from Dogster)

Dogs have quite different-looking teeth from ours. So it’s interesting to learn about the different types of teeth and how they contribute to chewing.

1. Incisors

The incisors are essentially the front teeth. There should be 6 incisors on the upper jaw and six on the lower. Dogs use these teeth for grooming themselves or shearing food.


2. Canines

Like humans, dogs have two sets of canine teeth located on the upper and lower jaws. These teeth are meant to grasp and tear.


3. Premolars and Molars

The dog’s premolar teeth have sharp edges that are great for shearing. In total, there are 4 premolar teeth each in the upper and lower jaws.

Dogs also have four molars on the upper jaw and six on the lower jaw. They use molars to grind and chew their food.


4. Carnassial Teeth

The carnassial teeth consist of the 4th upper premolar and the first lower molars. Together, these teeth work together to tear flesh and create quite the shearing mechanism. This type of tooth combination shows up in carnivores.

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

Why Dental Health Is Important

Dental health is often a very overlooked component of canine care. After all, we likely just see our dogs digging in the garbage and conclude that they probably don’t give too much thought about overall dental health.

However, poor dental hygiene can contribute to many health issues later in life that can be easily avoided with proper care. If their teeth aren’t taken care of, it can lead to dental disease and make it painful for dogs to eat.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

You should make it a point to brush your dog’s teeth. Even though it is a much-overlooked aspect of canine health, it can help prevent a lot of problems.

Oral bacteria form a sticky layer on the teeth known as plaque, which eventually leads to the formation of hard tartar. Tartar is a solidified form of plaque that is stuck on the tooth. It is much harder to get rid of and can require veterinary intervention. If the tartar is left on the teeth, your dog can develop diseases like gingivitis and, eventually, periodontal disease.

Brushing helps remove plaque in the early stages before it can solidify into tartar. You can also use products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) to reduce plaque and improve dental health in dogs. However, despite your best efforts sometimes tartar will build-up, meaning your dog will need a professional dental scale and polish like we get at the dentist.

vet is brushing the teeth of a Welsh corgi
Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock

What Contributes to Tooth Loss in Dogs?

Dental disease is one of the leading issues in older dogs. But what exactly contributes to tooth loss? Several different factors can play a role in tooth loss, but here are the most common ones.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an advanced dental issue that impacts overall dental health. It refers to infection around the root of the tooth, below the gumline. It is painful and can lead to the spread of bacteria to other organs and serious diseases. Rotting teeth in the mouth can lead to infection within the jaw.

Plus, it is a number one contributor to stinky breath.

Trauma or Injury

If your dog was ever knocked in the head for any reason in their adult life, they might be missing teeth as a consequence. Also, dogs can break, lose, or wear down their teeth from aggressively chewing on hard objects like rocks and bones. Tennis balls can also create a sandpaper-like effect on the teeth when they trap dirt.  These injuries can lead to infections and loss of vital structures within the teeth and can require veterinary intervention. Even if the tooth is no longer visible, the root of the tooth likely remains and needs to be removed.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s well-being, we recommend you contact a veterinarian.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


Surgery

If your dog has ever had any surgery in or around its mouth, the doctors might have needed to extract a tooth in the process. You will likely know if this is the cause, considering you’re the one who paid for the surgery! But you might not be aware of it if it happened before you owned your dog.

Veterinarians performing a surgery
Image Credit: Andrii Medvednikov, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

Conclusion

Now you know a little bit more about how many teeth your dog has and what they use them for. Remember that dental health is an incredibly important part of overall canine care. Be sure that you are brushing up on your dog’s teeth and giving them a variety of chew toys and other objects to strengthen and clean their teeth.

See also: 


Featured Image Credit: Lucia Romero, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a hunting dog from Croatia. It has a rough, weather-resistant coat and a round head with a strong,...

4 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Lakewood, CO You Can Visit Today

Lakewood is the fifth largest city in Colorado and is located close to the Denver metropolitan area. It is perhaps best known for...

150+ Dachshund Names for Your Adorable Wiener Dog

At long last, you’re ready to bring home your baby Dachshund! This long-anticipated venture has probably brought you both angst and anticipation. While...

Boykin Spaniel Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, Traits & More

With beautiful curly hair and amazing personalities, the Boykin Spaniel has a killer combination of cuteness and charisma that drive them straight into...

More related

When to Euthanize a Dog With Cancer (Vet-Answer)

Finding out your dog has cancer is devastating news for any pet owner. Deciding when it is time to say goodbye is one...

All I Want For Christmas Is Food: Dr. Karyn’s Dogs Enjoy Turkey & Stuffing

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

Will a Cane Corso Be Good With My Kids? Everything You Need to Know!

The Cane Corso is also known as the Italian Mastiff and has the reputation of being protective, intelligent, and affectionate. With those qualities,...

Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (Mar 27, 2025)

This Week’s Winner Cutest Most Expressive Best Action Shot Most Dignified Silliest Sleepiest Enter Your Dog Submit your doggie for a chance to...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? Vet-Reviewed Health & Safety Guide

I’m not a big popcorn lover, but my daughter is. And so is my dog Tula, based on the longing look in her eyes and the trail of slobber that escapes her mouth. My daughter is better trained than the...

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn

9 Best Dog Foods for Pyoderma in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Pyoderma is a serious skin condition in dogs. Often, it involves small pustules developing on the surface of the dog’s skin. However, there are many different symptoms, including hair loss, itching, and dry skin. Different breeds are more prone to...

shiba inu dog scratching its ear

Maev Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Have you heard of the newest pet food craze of raw dog food? Does it sound like something you want to serve your dog? Maev is a relatively new dog food brand, launched in 2020 and made in...

Dogster_Maev Dog Food Review

Natural Balance Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Natural Balance is a brand of dog food that was first created in Burbank in California back in 1989 by Dick Van Patten. This company aims to produce high-quality pet foods that meet your dogs’ nutritional requirements and...

Dogster_Natural Balance Dog Food Review

10 Best Wet Dog Foods in Canada in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing the best dog food for your best friend is an essential part of being a dog owner. While kibble has its benefits, notwithstanding the lower price, canned dog food is high in fibre and protein, low in fat, and...

shih tzu dog getting wet food from owner at kitchen

11 Best Dry Dog Foods for Large Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The market is flooded with hundreds of different dog food brands, all of which are advertising that they’re the healthiest and best fit for your dog. Finding a good brand of dog food is a challenge regardless of what type...

blue fawn pitbull eatin dry kibble from a bowl

Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Pistachios are a favorite food among humans that are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamin B6. They are popular in salads, desserts, and just on their own as a snack. Wondering whether dogs can eat pistachio nuts may be a...

Can Dogs Eat Pistachios

Can Dogs Eat Cayenne Peppers? Vet-Approved Advice

Cayenne peppers, also colloquially called chili peppers, are a delicious spicy fruit, but they aren’t a suitable treat for your pup. What happens if your dog gets into the cayenne peppers? Should you worry or even panic? Cayenne peppers are...

Can Dogs Eat_cayenne peppers