An adult dog has 42 permanent teeth. A puppy, on the other hand, only has 28 milk teeth, which fall out and are replaced as it grows. That is the short answer, but behind the number lies a well-functioning structure of different types of teeth, a change of teeth that takes place during the puppy's first months, and a daily care routine that greatly affects your dog's wellbeing throughout its life.
A dog's teeth are not just more numerous than our own 32 - they are also distributed differently and each has its own function, from gripping and tearing to crushing and chewing. When you understand the structure, it becomes easier to keep an eye on whether everything looks as it should, and to give the teeth the right care from puppy to senior dog.
42 permanent teeth divided into four types
The 42 teeth of an adult dog are distributed with 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. They are divided into four types, each of which performs its own task when the dog eats. The incisors sit at the front and are used to grip and pick food apart, while the four long, pointed canines grip and hold the food in place.
Behind the canines sit the premolars, which tear and cut, and furthest back are the molars, the cheek teeth, which crush and grind the food before it is swallowed. It is precisely this combination that allows the dog to both chew solid food and process larger pieces efficiently. The lower jaw holds two more molars than the upper jaw, which explains the small difference in the numbers between the two jaws.
How many teeth does a puppy have?
A puppy is born completely without teeth. The first small milk teeth typically break through when the puppy is around two to four weeks old, and in total it gets 28 milk teeth. That is 14 fewer than the adult dog, partly because the milk tooth set does not include the large molars at the back of the jaw.
The milk teeth are thin and sharp, and many puppy owners feel them clearly during play. However, they are only temporary. This small beginning is a time when the body, bones and teeth develop rapidly, and when the right foundation is laid. In ESSENTIAL FOODS' Puppy Universe you will find a well-thought-out overview, where the advice about this very phase comes directly from us, so you can follow your puppy safely from the first teeth to the complete set of teeth.
When does the dog change its teeth?
The change of teeth usually begins when the puppy is around three to four months old, and it typically extends over the following months. The milk teeth loosen and fall out as the permanent teeth push their way up from below, and most dogs have the full set of 42 teeth at around six to seven months of age.
During this period, many puppies chew extra much because it soothes the sore gums. Here, the right chews and treats can both keep the puppy occupied and provide a natural occasion to use the teeth. ESSENTIAL FOODS' puppy treats are made with human-grade ingredients and fresh raw materials, so the reward suits a puppy in the middle of its development. If a milk tooth does not fall out on its own, or if two teeth sit in the same place, it is worth having a vet take a look at it.
Why do the many teeth require daily care?
With 42 teeth there are many surfaces where plaque and tartar can settle, and healthy oral hygiene is therefore a permanent part of everyday life for a well-cared-for dog. Regular brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs is the most effective, and a fixed routine makes a noticeable difference to both teeth and gums over time.
Chewing activity supports the daily work, because the mechanical friction helps keep the teeth clean. ESSENTIAL FOODS' Dental Series is created precisely with the daily wellbeing of the teeth in mind, and for dogs with special dietary needs there is also Grain Free Dental Delights, which is grain-free. If you want to delve deeper into the connection between food, teeth and fresh breath, you can read our guide "Dog food for bad breath".
Teeth throughout the dog's life - from puppy to the golden years
The set of teeth does not change in number once the 42 teeth are in place, but the need for attention changes with age. In a senior dog, teeth and gums are often more sensitive after many years of use, and small pieces and a well-thought-out nutritional profile can make the meal more comfortable to eat. ESSENTIAL FOODS' senior meals are composed with everyday life and wellbeing in the senior years in mind, so the dog can enjoy its food in the golden years.
Regardless of life stage, the quality of the food plays a role for the entire oral cavity, and all our dog meals are prepared from exquisite raw materials and carefully selected local and regional delicacies. If you are in doubt about what suits your dog's teeth, age and needs best, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisors are ready to guide you on feeding and nutrition by phone, chat or email. If you are concerned about loose teeth, inflamed gums or persistent bad breath, you should always contact your vet, who can examine the oral cavity more closely.