Anatomy and development of dog teeth: from puppies to adult dogs 

Your dog's mouth is an essential tool for everyday life. Their teeth aren't just for eating kibble; they're essential for interacting with their environment, defending themselves, grooming, and maintaining their overall health. 

Understanding how their teeth and jaws work is the first step in ensuring a pain-free life and preventing long-term dental problems. 

Key takeaways 

• Adult dogs possess 42 permanent teeth compared to 28 for puppies, with the full set typically appearing by 8 months of age.  
• Daily brushing remains the only primary defense against plaque and tartar. Dental toys and kibble are only considered supplements. 
• Approximately 80% of dogs over age three suffer from dental issues, making early detection of bad breath or swollen gums. 
• Small breeds show a higher susceptibility to dental disease due to crowded jaw structures and require more frequent monitoring. 
• Persistent baby teeth after 9 months or any adult tooth loss requires immediate veterinary intervention to prevent long-term damage. 

Understanding your dogs's dental anatomy 

The transition from puppy teeth to permanent adult teeth is a key phase of their development. To properly monitor this evolution, it is important to first distinguish the different types of teeth and their specific roles. 

The 4 types of teeth and their functions 

Each tooth has a precise mission in your dog's mouth: 

• Incisors: Located at the very front, they are used for nibbling small bits or for grooming. 
• Canines: These are the pointed fangs used to grab, hold, and tear food. 
• Premolars: These act like knives to cut and shear through food. 
• Molars: These allow the dog to grind down solid food to make digestion easier. 

Dental development in puppies 

Puppies are born without teeth, just like newborn babies. It is only between the 3rd and 4th week that the first baby teeth (also known as temporary teeth) break through the gums. In total, your puppy will have 28 baby teeth. 

The transition to permanent teeth begins around the 14th week. During this period of puppy teething, your young companion may drool, chew on everything he find, or show a temporary loss of appetite. To help him through this difficult period, we recommend giving him dental chew toys to soothe their discomfort. Teething usually ends around 8 months, although in rare cases, some baby teeth may remain after 9 months. These are known as persistent deciduous teeth. If this happens to your dog, we recommend that you see your veterinarian to find the best solution. Generally, tooth extraction is recommended, but this depends on each individual situation and only your veterinarian can help you. However, if you do nothing, the presence of baby teeth could lead to other dental problems for your dog in the future. 

Adult dog dentition 

Once your dog reaches adulthood, it will have 42 permanent teeth. Even though they are called “permanent teeth”, they are still vulnerable and need to be cared for daily. Losing a tooth as an adult dog is never natural and is often a sign of dental disease.  

By establishing good routines from an early age, you will help your dog maintain good dental health and reduce the risk of problems as they age. Here are our tips to help you. 

How to care for your dog’s teeth 

Taking care of your dog's teeth isn't just about giving them fresh breath. It's essential for helping them age healthily. That's why regular dental care is the best investment you can make  

Brushing your dog’s teeth 

Even though brushing a dog's teeth may seem impossible, it can become a special bonding moment if you start getting your dog used to brushing early on and use the right positive reinforcement techniques. 

To ensure the best possible experience, you should use a dog toothbrush. These usually have softer bristles to protect sensitive gums. It's also essential to use a special toothpaste for dogs, and we don't recommend using human toothpaste, as it often contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs.  

Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth every day to prevent plaque buildup. We know that it can sometimes be difficult to establish a daily routine, so as a minimum, studies recommend brushing your dog's teeth at least three times a week to keep them healthy. If you would like to adopt this good practice for your pet's health, please consult our step-by-step guide on how to brush your dog's teeth. 

Dental toys and chew sticks

There are many products available today designed to help clean your dog’s teeth naturally through mechanical action. You can opt for dental toys or specialized dental treats, such as chew sticks. 

• Dental toys: These often feature ridges or rubber spikes that help scrub away debris while your dog plays. This is an excellent alternative for dogs that are highly resistant to manual brushing. 
• Dental treats: Products like Greenies dental treats are formulated to help break down bacteria and limit the formation of tartar. 

While these solutions are practical and effective, they should not be the only tools at your disposal, and they are no substitute for proper tooth brushing. If you adapt them to your daily routine, it's like using only chewing gum or mouthwash to clean your teeth. Occasionally, it's practical and it works, but in the long run, it's not as effective. 

Dental diet 

Choosing the right food for your dog can be a challenge, as every dog has its own preferences and needs. The most important thing is to stay informed so you can select a diet that fits both your lifestyle and your dog’s specific requirements. 

Dental dog food typically works through a combination of mechanical and chemical actions to fight plaque and tartar: 

1. Mechanical action: The specific shape and firm texture of the kibble act as a natural abrasive, scrubbing the teeth as the dog chews. 
2. Chemical action: Specific ingredients help reduce the bacteria present in your pet's mouth.   

Using dental supplements 

Another simple way to take care of your dog's dental health is to give them dental supplements that you can add directly to their water or food. 

The main advantage of this method is how simple it is. Usually in the form of dental powder, you just need to add a spoonful to their daily meal or water for it to work. Furthermore, some of these supplements are made from natural ingredients, such as seaweed, and contain probiotics that help reduce the buildup of bacteria and tartar. 

Regular veterinary check-ups 

To ensure your dog is in good health, there's nothing better than a regular visit to your veterinarian. Dental diseases are among the most common health issues in dogs, so it's important to have them monitored closely. In this type of situation, prevention is always more effective than intervention. Our pets are very good at hiding their pain, and if we're not careful, we can easily miss certain signs. By visiting your veterinarian regularly, you can ensure that your dog stays healthy. 

Warning signs of dental issues in dogs 

As we have seen, the main enemy of your pet's oral hygiene is dental plaque. It accumulates naturally and, over time, turns into tartar, which can lead to painful dental diseases. Statistically, around 80% of dogs over the age of three already suffer from some kind of dental problem.  

Early detection is essential to prevent the situation from worsening. Here are the most common warning signs to look out for:  

• Persistent bad breath 
• Red or swollen gums: healthy gums should be pink. Redness or inflammation is a typical sign of gingivitis.  
• Yellow or brown buildup: Discoloration of the teeth is an indicator of tartar buildup.  
• Changes in eating habits: If your dog drops his food, chews on only one side, or suddenly loses interest in dry kibble, he may be in pain.  
• Excessive drooling: Watch for any sudden increase in saliva. 

Loose or broken teeth: Any physical damage to a tooth requires immediate veterinary attention. 

Being vigilant allows you to act before your dog’s quality of life is affected. It is also worth noting that small breeds are often more susceptible to these problems due to their smaller jaws and crowded teeth. 

Ultimately, your best defense remains a consistent routine. Feel free to explore our full range of dog dental care products to find the tools you need to keep your companion’s teeth healthy.