French Bulldog Teeth: What to Expect

Just like human babies, puppies begin to develop their first set of teeth a few weeks after birth. Understanding this process can help you prepare for the teething stage and ensure your puppy’s dental health gets off to the best possible start.

When Do Puppies Get Their First Teeth?

Puppies are born without teeth. Their first set of teeth, known as deciduous teeth (also called milk teeth or baby teeth), begin to erupt at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. By around 6 to 8 weeks, all 28 deciduous teeth should be present. These include incisors (the small front teeth), canines (the longer pointed teeth), and premolars (the teeth behind the canines). Puppies do not develop molars at this stage; those only come in with the permanent adult teeth.

When Do Puppies Start Teething?

The teething process, during which the deciduous teeth fall out and adult teeth come through, typically begins at around 3 to 4 months of age. By around 6 to 7 months, most puppies will have all 42 of their permanent adult teeth. Larger breeds tend to complete teething slightly later than smaller breeds.

Signs of Teething in Puppies

Common signs that a puppy is teething include:

• Increased chewing on objects around the home
• Drooling more than usual
• Slight bleeding or soreness of the gums
• Finding small teeth around the home (though puppies often swallow their baby teeth, which is harmless)
• Reluctance to eat hard food
• Mild irritability

How to Help a Teething Puppy

There are several ways you can help your puppy through the teething process:

• Provide appropriate chew toys designed for puppies. These help soothe sore gums and give your puppy a safe outlet for the urge to chew.
• Cold or frozen chew toys can provide extra relief for sore gums.
• Redirect chewing away from inappropriate objects (furniture, shoes, cables) towards suitable toys.
• Begin gentle tooth brushing early, even before all adult teeth have come in, to get your puppy used to dental care.
• Ensure your puppy is eating well; if teething discomfort is causing significant reluctance to eat, a brief switch to softer food may help.

Retained Deciduous Teeth

Occasionally, a deciduous tooth does not fall out when the adult tooth erupts. This is known as a retained deciduous tooth, and it is more common in small and toy breeds. A retained baby tooth can cause the adult tooth to come through in the wrong position, leading to dental crowding, bite problems, and increased tartar accumulation. If you notice a puppy tooth that does not fall out by around 6 months, it is worth mentioning to your vet, as extraction may be recommended.