How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
- Molly Weinfurter
- Dec 9
- 6 min read
Humans think about their dental care a lot. We visit the dentist about twice a year and we brush our teeth daily, but many dog parents don’t give their dog’s dental health the same attention. While dogs might not need as intense of a dental routine as humans, it’s still important to keep their teeth in good shape because dental health can affect their overall health.
Learning more about a dog's teeth can help you come up with the best approach for tackling dental health. So, how many teeth do dogs have? And how do we keep those teeth healthy?
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How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, which is 10 more than humans. They have 20 teeth on their upper jaw and 22 on their lower jaw. This number is the same regardless of the dog’s breed and size. Thus, small dogs often have more dental problems because their teeth are cramped in a smaller space.
According to PetMD, a dog’s 42 teeth include:
12 incisors (6 upper, 6 lower)
4 canines (2 upper, 2 lower)
16 premolars (8 upper, 8 lower)
10 molars (4 upper, 6 lower)
Dogs use their incisors for grasping and their canines for tearing. Both premolars and molars allow them to chew their food. As dogs age, they may have to get problem teeth pulled, which could make it harder for them to eat certain foods.
Do Dogs Have Baby Teeth?
Like human babies, puppies are born without teeth and then grow a set of baby teeth/puppy teeth. Their puppy teeth come in at around 3 to 4 weeks old. A full set of puppy teeth includes 28 teeth, which are usually in by 3 to 5 months old. Small breeds typically take the longest to get all their baby teeth and adult teeth.
Puppy teeth include:
12 incisors (6 upper, 6 lower)
4 canines (2 upper, 2 lower)
12 premolars (6 upper, 6 lower)
Adult teeth can start coming in anywhere from 3 to 7 months. During the teething stage, puppies lose their baby teeth as permanent teeth come in. You might find their lost teeth on the floor, but oftentimes, puppies end up swallowing their baby teeth.
How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?
Dogs have more teeth than humans, so it seems like their teeth would need more cleaning. Yet, people often avoid brushing dog teeth altogether despite brushing their own teeth twice daily.
According to Richland Animal Clinic: “Pet dentists state that daily brushing is optimal as this means that bacteria and debris can be removed before they have a chance to cause damage to your pet's teeth.”
Therefore, we should be brushing a dog’s teeth daily. If that’s not possible, it’s not the end of the world. Some dogs squirm, nip, or bite when people mess with their teeth, which isn’t safe for you or your dog.
If you have a difficult dog, limiting teeth brushing to only once per week can still be effective without putting too much stress on your dog. Sometimes, it can also be helpful to have your vet or groomer brush your dog’s teeth for you.
Best Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste Products
Dogs cannot use human toothpaste. The ingredients in human toothpaste aren’t always safe for dogs, especially if they contain xylitol. Since dog toothpaste brands have dog-specific ingredients, they can more effectively clean your dog’s teeth while also being safe.
Here are some great dog toothpaste products:
Dog toothbrushes and human toothbrushes aren’t extremely different like toothpaste, but dog toothbrushes are ideal. They’re designed specifically for a dog’s unique mouth shape, and they usually have softer bristles.
Here are some great dog toothbrushes:
Alternatives to Dog Teeth Brushing
Teeth brushing is the best way to prevent dental issues in your dog. Yet, if you can’t commit to daily brushing, there are plenty of other dental products that can benefit your dog in between brushing sessions. Consider the following to keep all 42 of your dog’s teeth in good shape.
Dental Chews
Dental chews are the easiest alternative to teeth brushing because they look, smell, and taste like a treat. Yet, they clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Here are some great dog dental chews:
Water Additives
Water additives are a sneaky way to clean your dog’s teeth. You can add a tiny bit into your dog’s water bowl. Then, it’ll clean your dog’s teeth when they drink without them tasting it. Here are some great options:
Dental Wipes
Just like it sounds, you can use these for dental health by wiping them on your dog’s teeth. Some dogs may find them less intimidating than toothbrushes. Here are some options:
Dental Sprays
Dental sprays can be sprayed on your dog’s teeth to help clean them. Some dogs will be afraid of the spray while others won’t mind it. If you think your dog might like this better than other options, here are some products to try:
Textured Chew Toys
Encouraging your dog to chew on textured toys can help scrape plaque and tartar off their teeth. These toys shouldn’t be the only source of dental care, but they’re a great addition to all the other dental products. Here are some great textured dog chew toys:
When Do You Need a Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning?
You should get a professional dog teeth cleaning whenever you notice significant plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. This isn’t something that can easily be cleaned off with the above products, so it requires the vet to put your dog under so the professionals can provide an in-depth teeth cleaning. During this procedure, vets can also remove teeth that are bothering your dog.
With proper dental care, most dogs won’t need a professional cleaning until they near their senior years. However, every dog is different. During your dog’s checkups, your vet can examine your dog’s teeth and let you know if they need a cleaning.
What is the Average Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Dog teeth cleanings typically cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on where you go, how long it takes, and how many extractions your dog needs. It’s a pricey procedure, but clean teeth are necessary for a dog’s well-being. Dogs with dental disease can develop other health issues due to bacteria in the bloodstream, including heart disease, liver disease, and kidney failure.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help reduce the frequency they’ll need dental cleanings, but some breeds are more likely to have issues than others. Talk to your vet about what you can do to benefit your dog’s dental health. If you’re having trouble affording a professional teeth cleaning, they may have suggestions for affordable options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All Dog Breeds Have 42 Teeth?
Yes, all dogs have 42 teeth, regardless of size and breed. Therefore, small breeds are prone to dental problems since they have a lot of teeth in a small mouth.
Which of Your Dog’s Teeth are Most Important?
Your dog’s canines are most important for grasping and tearing while molars and premolars are essential for chewing. Incisors (tiny teeth in the front) aren’t as important as the rest, so those are the least worrying to extract.
What Should You Do if a Dog’s Tooth is Loose?
Ask your vet for the best advice. If the tooth is loose enough, it might be able to be pulled out. Yet, most vets will recommend an extraction (and a teeth cleaning). Leaving a loose tooth in could cause bacteria to build up under the tooth, hurting your dog.
Can a Dog Survive without Teeth?
Yes, dogs can survive without teeth. It’s typically better for diseased teeth to be removed than left in. Dogs without teeth will need to eat soft food only.
Keep Up with Your Dog’s Dental Care!
Now that you know how many teeth dogs have, it’s important to keep those teeth clean. Brush your dog’s teeth as often as possible, and when you’re unable to do that, use other products to benefit their dental health. Dogs with healthier teeth are typically healthier overall. So, don’t neglect that part of your furry friend’s care.
