The importance of teeth in your dog: Complete 2025 guide

Teeth play a crucial role in a dog's life from early puppyhood through to their senior years. Healthy teeth support not only eating but also overall health, requiring regular attention and care throughout their life.

The importance of teeth dates back to when dogs lived in the wild as hunters, relying on their teeth for survival. This makes dog teeth an astonishing example of natural biological engineering, essential for a dog's ability to grasp, chew, and process food effectively.

Just like humans, dog teeth need regular cleaning to prevent plaque and dental disease. Some chew treats and bones can assist in maintaining oral health, but regular inspection of your dog's teeth remains vital for their wellbeing.

Dogs develop two sets of teeth — puppy (deciduous) teeth and adult teeth — corresponding to different life stages. Being able to estimate a dog's age by their teeth can also be helpful when rehoming or purchasing a dog, aiding responsible ownership choices.

Puppy Teeth: Early Development and Care

A puppy's teeth emerge rapidly, often within just a few weeks after birth. They have 28 temporary teeth without molars, as their early diet doesn't require extensive chewing. These puppy teeth have very soft roots and can fall out easily, often leaving tiny teeth around the home.

Puppies have notoriously sharp teeth that they may use to play-bite, so supervision and gentle training help prevent nips. Around 4 months old, these puppy teeth begin to fall out, being replaced by strong permanent adult teeth, a transition typically complete by six months when 42 teeth have formed.

Types of Adult Dog Teeth and Their Purposes

Adult dogs have 42 teeth grouped into four types, each specialised for different functions:

• Incisors: Small front teeth used for picking up objects and grooming, such as removing fleas or scraping food from bones.
• Canines: Long, strong fang-like teeth used for gripping and holding onto objects, prey, or toys.
• Pre-molars: Teeth located just behind canines, crucial for chewing and breaking down food into smaller pieces. Dogs have 16 pre-molars, highlighting their importance in diet.
• Molars: The chief grinders at the back of the mouth. There are 10 molars, six of which are on the lower jaw. They enable dogs to crush hard food items like bones securely, aiding digestion and stimulating saliva flow.

Why is Dental Care Essential for Dogs?

Dental care is vital not only to avoid painful dental diseases but also to prevent systemic health problems. Studies show over 80% of dogs develop gum disease by age three if untreated. Gum infections can spread bacteria to other organs, impacting heart and kidney health.

Maintaining clean, healthy teeth supports a dog's quality of life by preventing pain, bad breath, and tooth loss. Early dental care reduces the likelihood of requiring costly veterinary treatments under anaesthesia like scaling or extractions.

How to Care for Your Dog's Teeth: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Daily Brushing

Daily brushing is the most effective way to prevent plaque buildup. Use dog-specific, meat-flavoured toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for pets or children. Avoid human toothpaste, which can be toxic to dogs.

Step 2: Regular Vet Dental Checks

Schedule routine veterinary dental examinations. Your vet scores the level of dental health and can suggest preventive care or professional treatment where needed. Early detection allows simpler, less invasive interventions.

Step 3: Professional Dental Treatment

If advanced dental disease is found, professional cleaning, polishing, or extractions may be needed under general anaesthesia. Dental x-rays assess the health of roots and jawbones to guide treatment.

Step 4: Diet and Appropriate Chews

Feeding dry food can aid mechanical cleaning during chewing, and certain dental chews specifically reduce plaque. These are helpful when brushing is limited but should not replace daily care. Always supervise chew treat use to prevent choking.

Step 5: Observe for Warning Signs

Watch for signs of dental problems like persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, visible tartar, loose or broken teeth, difficulty eating, or pawing at the mouth. Early vet vet evaluation is important if these appear.

Step 6: Maintain Ongoing Home Oral Care

Maintain daily brushing even after professional treatments to prevent recurrence, as dental disease tends to come back. Use safe dental products and maintain regular veterinary check-ups as part of your dog's healthcare routine.

FAQs

When do puppies get their adult teeth?

Quick Answer: Puppies typically lose their deciduous (puppy) teeth and have their full set of adult teeth by around six months old.

The process of baby teeth falling out usually starts at about four months and finishes by six months. Providing appropriate chew toys during this phase helps soothe teething discomfort and prevents destructive chewing.

Can I use human toothpaste to clean my dog's teeth?

Quick Answer: No, human toothpaste should never be used for dogs as it contains ingredients that can be harmful if swallowed.

Always use toothpaste specially formulated for dogs, usually with appealing flavours like poultry or beef, which are safe for them to swallow during brushing. Human toothpaste can cause stomach upset or toxicity.

What are common signs of dental disease in dogs?

Quick Answer: Common signs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar on teeth, loose teeth, difficulty eating, or mouth pain.

Regularly checking your dog's mouth helps catch dental problems early. If you notice these symptoms, consult your vet promptly as untreated dental diseases can lead to significant health issues.

How often should I brush my dog's teeth?

Quick Answer: Ideally, brush your dog's teeth daily to effectively prevent plaque and gum disease.

Daily brushing is recommended as the gold standard of dental care. If daily brushing is not possible, aim for several times per week but consult with your vet for personalised advice.

Can certain foods or chews improve my dog's dental health?

Quick Answer: Yes, dry diets and approved dental chews can help reduce plaque buildup but should complement, not replace, brushing.

Special dental diets and chews play a useful supplementary role. However, they cannot substitute for the mechanical cleaning that daily brushing provides. Always ensure chews are safe and suitable for your dog's size and breed.

Conclusion

Good dental care is fundamental to your dog's health and happiness. From the sharp puppy teeth to the adult molars that grind tough food, each plays a vital role in their quality of life.

Following daily brushing, regular vet dental check-ups, balanced diet choices, and monitoring for signs of dental disease will help your dog enjoy a longer, healthier life. Remember to source your dog responsibly and seek advice from your vet to support lifelong oral health.