What happens when your puppy gets adult teeth?
Anyone who has owned a puppy or juvenile dog will be familiar with teething – the process when your pup begins to grow their permanent adult teeth, losing their baby teeth to make room. This phase often brings curious chewing behaviour as your puppy explores the world with their mouth.
While tips on surviving the teething stage exist, understanding what actually happens inside your puppy’s mouth during this period can be less clear. This guide explains the teething timeline, what to expect physically and behaviourally, common challenges, and how to care for your pup’s dental health during this important developmental stage.
The Puppy’s Baby and Adult Teeth
Your puppy is born without teeth but begins to develop 28 baby teeth (deciduous teeth) around 2 to 3 weeks of age. These baby teeth start with the incisors, followed by canine teeth, then premolars. By eight weeks, most pups have their full set of 28 baby teeth, which serve as temporary placeholders while the adult teeth develop beneath the gums.
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth, which gradually replace the baby teeth. As early as 8 to 12 weeks, the roots of baby teeth begin to reabsorb to allow these teeth to loosen and fall out. Adult teeth erupt sequentially in the order of incisors, canines, premolars, and finally molars.
By around six months of age, most puppies have the full adult dentition. The timing varies slightly between breeds and individual dogs. Finding a puppy from reputable breeders can help ensure you’re prepared for these developmental milestones.
Signs and Symptoms During Teething
During this teething phase, puppies may exhibit increased chewing and biting behaviours. This essential chewing helps soothe gum discomfort caused by adult teeth erupting through the gums.
- Chewing on toys, furniture, or even your hands is common.
- You might find small white baby teeth scattered around your home or in your puppy’s belongings.
- Gums may appear swollen, red, and occasionally bleed lightly.
- Some puppies drool more or have slightly unpleasant breath due to bacterial activity during gum irritation.
Most baby teeth are swallowed safely when your puppy eats, as these teeth are small and do not cause digestive issues. If you notice persistent bleeding or severe distress, contacting your vet is important.
Common Problems with Teeth Formation
Most puppies’ adult teeth erupt naturally without issues. However, there are rare concerns to watch for:
- Retained baby teeth: Sometimes baby teeth fail to fall out as adult teeth come in, which can cause overcrowding or misalignment.
- Crooked or crowded teeth: Some breeds, especially brachycephalic types like bulldogs, may have pronounced underbites or crowded jaws that affect tooth alignment.
- Primitive mouth: Breeds like the Chinese crested or Chihuahua might show unusual dental development patterns.
If your puppy is over nine months old and still losing or gaining teeth, or seems to have unusual mouth formation, a veterinary dental check is recommended. Early intervention can address problems before they affect your dog’s long-term oral health.
Caring for Your Puppy’s Teeth During Teething
Support your puppy’s comfort and develop good dental habits:
- Provide safe chew toys: Choose sturdy, vet-approved chew toys to relieve teething discomfort and protect your belongings.
- Supervise chewing: Avoid letting your puppy chew on dangerous items such as electrical cords or sharp objects.
- Introduce teeth brushing early: Gentle tooth brushing using dog-specific toothpaste helps reduce bacterial build-up and establishes a healthy routine.
- Regular vet checks: Schedule dental health assessments as part of your puppy’s wellness exams.
Understanding the teething process helps you give your growing puppy the best start with their new teeth and maintain lifelong dental health.
When Do Puppies Get Their Adult Teeth?
Quick Answer: Puppies usually start losing their baby teeth and getting adult teeth between 3 and 4 months old, completing the process by 6 to 8 months.
Typically, puppies begin teething around 12 weeks of age when baby teeth loosen and fall out, and adult incisors and canine teeth emerge first. Premolars and molars follow, with the full adult set of 42 teeth appearing by approximately six months. This process can vary by breed and individual development, but most puppies have adult teeth well before their first birthday.
