You’ve seen your dog’s full set of chompers usually while grinning like a weirdo or shredding a plush toy like it owes them money. Though, have you ever stopped to wonder how many teeth are actually in that adorable land shark’s mouth?
At The Pets Table, we’re into all things dog wellness, and that includes doggy dental. So, to spare your fingers from harm, let’s talk numbers, timing, and what to look out for as your pup grows into their forever smile.
So, How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
Adult dogs have 42 teeth total, which is 10 more than humans, by the way (humblebrag). Those 42 chompers are made up of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, all working together to gnaw, grip, chew, and occasionally munch on things they definitely shouldn’t (RIP, charging cables).
But puppies? They start out with a baby set of just 28 tiny teeth that show up between three and six weeks old. These are their “deciduous teeth,” also known as milk teeth.
Eventually, those baby teeth fall out (usually between three and seven months old), and their adult set grows in. Cue the chewing frenzy. And yes, sometimes you’ll find a tiny tooth on the floor like it’s the world’s worst surprise confetti. Most of the time, though, they just swallow them — weird but normal. Sorry, tooth fairy!
So, to sum it up:
- Puppies = 28 baby teeth
- Adult dogs = 42 permanent teeth
- You = the one who has to brush them (sorry in advance)
Do All Dog Breeds Have the Same Number of Teeth?
Spoiler: Yep. Whether you’ve got a teacup Yorkie or a slobbery Saint Bernard, adult dogs technically all come equipped with 42 teeth. But just because the tooth count’s the same doesn’t mean their mouths play fair.
Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese, or Pomeranians? They’ve got the same number of teeth crammed into a much tinier jaw. That means things can get a little crowded. Overcrowding can lead to misaligned teeth, trapped food, and a fast pass to tartar town if you’re not keeping up with cleanings.
On the flip side, big dogs like Labs or Great Danes may have more room to spread those teeth out, but that doesn’t mean they’re in the clear. Larger breeds are more prone to gum disease, cracked teeth from chomping too hard (looking at you, “indestructible” chew toy), and sometimes even jaw alignment issues that make brushing a two-person job.
What Happens If My Dog Is Missing Teeth?
Wondering if your pup’s pirate smile is a problem? Maybe they’re missing a tooth or three, or you just noticed a strange gap where a molar used to be? Dogs lose teeth for all kinds of reasons, and most of the time, they handle it way better than we do.
If your dog is missing a tooth (or never grew one in the first place), it’s usually not an emergency. Dogs are champs at adjusting, especially if it’s just a single tooth. That said, if multiple teeth are MIA, it can affect how they chew, which could lead to things like gulping food whole, preferring soft treats, or suddenly avoiding their food.
Tooth loss in adult dogs often points to underlying stuff like gum disease, trauma, or old age. So, if your pup wasn’t born with a gap but now has one, it’s a good idea to have your vet take a peek.
And don’t worry, dogs don’t care about having a perfect smile. They just want to eat comfortably and chew happily.
Do Dogs Get Cavities or Dental Problems Like Humans?
Dogs might not be swigging soda or sneaking candy bars (unless you’ve got a serious thief on your hands), but they can still get cavities, though they’re less common than in humans. The real troublemakers? Tartar, plaque, and periodontal disease.
Most dental problems in dogs come from bacteria building up on their teeth and under the gumline. That buildup hardens into tartar, which leads to gum inflammation (aka gingivitis), loose teeth, infections, and some seriously stanky breath. Left unchecked, it can affect their appetite, mood, and even internal organs like the heart and kidneys.
Signs something’s up in the mouth department? Think bad breath that could knock you out, drooling, pawing at the face, bleeding gums, or suddenly refusing to eat crunchy food. That’s why regular dental care matters… even if your dog gives you side-eye every time you pick up the toothbrush.
Do I Really Have To Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
We know it’s not exactly the bonding moment you dreamed of. But brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best things you can do to keep their mouth healthy, their breath less weaponized, and their vet bills less terrifying. Even if they act like you’re trying to steal their soul with a finger brush.
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. Realistically? A few times a week still makes a big difference.
Here’s how to make it suck a little less (for both of you):
- Start slow. Let them sniff the toothbrush and taste the dog-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste as those minty suds can be toxic). Treat it like a new toy, not a medieval torture device.
- Go for the gums. Angle the brush toward the gumline where plaque loves to hang out. You don’t have to go full dental hygienist mode. Just aim for a few good swipes on each side.
- Make it a vibe. Praise, treats, goofy songs, silly voices — whatever keeps the energy up. This is not the time for dignity.
- Can’t commit? Ask your vet about dental wipes, water additives, or chews with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal. They’re not replacements for brushing, but they’re better than doing nothing and hoping for the best.
Basically, if your dog has teeth (and they do), they need dental care. Even if brushing feels chaotic (it will), it’s worth it for their health, for your nose, and for the peace of mind that comes from knowing their mouth isn’t secretly a bacteria rave.
What Else Can I Do To Keep My Dog’s Teeth in Check?
Brushing their teeth is one way to fight plaque and funk, but let’s be honest, it’s not always a daily event. Life happens. Your dog hides. You pretend not to see them hiding. It’s a thing.
So, here are a few other ways to support your pup’s dental health (and give their mouth the glow-up it deserves):
Choose Crunchy, Tooth-Friendly Treats
Treats with a little crunch can help mechanically clean teeth as your dog chomps. We’re not talking about milkbones from the 90s. Look for ones made with minimal ingredients, no fillers, and added dental benefits like parsley or mint (not that it’ll cancel out all the hot breath, but it might take the edge off that “licked a trash can” aroma your dog’s been rocking).
Pick Toys That Pull Double Duty
Chew toys = fun. Dental chew toys = fun plus cleaner teeth. Look for rubber or rope toys with grooves, ridges, or twisted textures that gently scrub teeth as they gnaw. It’s like a toothbrush in disguise.
Rope toys can also act like floss if your pup’s into tug games. Just be sure to swap them out when they start unraveling. Skip super hard chews like antlers, bones, or hooves that can chip teeth.
Feed Food That Supports Oral Health
A clean mouth starts with what goes into it. Diet plays a sneaky-big role in your dog’s dental health, and not all kibble is doing them any favors. Some formulas leave behind starchy buildup that clings to teeth like gossip at the dog park. That’s where we come in.
At The Pets Table, we keep things simple: no filler fluff, no mystery meals, and definitely no hard-to-pronounce preservatives. Just real, vet-developed recipes designed to support your pup from gums to gut.
Whether you go with our Fresh, Air-Dried, Mixed, or Half-of-Fresh plan, every bite is packed with nutrients your dog’s whole body (and mouth) will love. Because food should support those teeth, not stick to them.
The Bottom Line
Puppies start with 28, then level up to a full set of 42 adult chompers (give or take one that gets swallowed mid-toy massacre). Numbers aside, those teeth do a lot: chewing, chomping, and occasionally stealing socks.
At The Pets Table, we know wellness isn’t just about what’s in the bowl. It’s about helping your pup thrive from gums to guts to goofy grin. That’s why our meals are vet-developed, nutrient-packed, and made with real ingredients your dog actually wants to eat.
Ready to upgrade their bowl (and maybe their breath)? Take our quiz today.
Sources:
Teeth, Teething and Chewing in Puppies | VCA Animal Hospitals
Dog Dental Care: How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? | AKC
Dental disease and home dental care | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
VOHC Accepted Products | Veterinary Oral Health Council