Here's the quick answer if you're mid-scroll: an adult dog has 42 teeth, and a puppy has 28. That's more than us, which surprises most people, and it's one of the reasons dogs are such champion chewers. But there's a lovely bit of biology behind those numbers, from the wobbly baby teeth that fall out to why keeping all 42 healthy matters more than you'd think.
I spend my days with dogs of every age on my grooming table, and teeth are one of those things people rarely think about until there's a problem. So here's the friendly, plain-English guide to what's going on in your dog's mouth.
Adult dogs: 42 teeth
A fully grown dog has 42 permanent teeth, and they're not all the same. Each type has a job, which is why a dog's mouth is such an efficient little toolkit:
- Incisors (12): the small teeth at the front, six top and six bottom, used for nibbling and grooming.
- Canines (4): the long, pointed "fangs" for gripping and tearing.
- Premolars (16): the teeth just behind the canines, used for shearing and chewing.
- Molars (10): the big teeth at the back for grinding and crunching.
That count is the same across breeds, whether you've a tiny Chihuahua or a Great Dane. In smaller dogs the teeth are simply packed into a smaller jaw, which is part of why little breeds are more prone to crowding and dental problems.
Puppies: 28 teeth
Puppies are born without teeth. Their first set, the deciduous or "milk" teeth, start pushing through at around three to four weeks old, and by roughly six to eight weeks they have a full set of 28. Puppies don't have molars in this first set, which is why the number is lower than the adult 42.
If you've ever been nipped by those needle-sharp puppy teeth, you'll know exactly which ones I mean. They're astonishingly pointy, and there's a reason for that, which brings us to teething.
Teething: when the baby teeth fall out
From around three to four months old, those 28 milk teeth start to loosen and drop out as the 42 adult teeth push through underneath. The whole changeover is usually finished by about six months of age.
You often won't find the tiny teeth, as puppies frequently swallow them, which is completely harmless. What you will notice is a puppy who suddenly wants to chew everything in sight. Teething is uncomfortable, and chewing brings relief, so it's a phase to manage with patience and the right toys rather than telling off.
Worth knowing: During teething, offer plenty of appropriate chew toys to redirect all that gnawing away from your furniture and hands. If an adult tooth seems to be coming through while the baby tooth is still firmly in place (a "retained" tooth, common in small breeds), mention it to your vet, as it can cause crowding and problems later.
Curious about the wider biology? Wikipedia's overview of dog anatomy covers dentition alongside the rest of the canine body.
Why the number matters: dental health
Knowing your dog has 42 teeth is more than a pub-quiz fact, as it's a reminder that there are 42 chances for plaque, tartar and gum disease to take hold. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs, and because they hide discomfort so well, it often goes unnoticed until it's advanced.
The everyday care that keeps all those teeth healthy is simple:
- Regular brushing with dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
- Dental chews and safe chew toys to reduce plaque
- Not offering cooked bones or anything harder than the teeth, which can crack them
- Regular vet checks so problems are caught early
The Royal Kennel Club and most vets recommend building a dental routine from puppyhood, so your dog gets used to having its mouth handled long before there's ever a problem to deal with.
Frequently asked questions
How many teeth does an adult dog have?
An adult dog has 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars and 10 molars. This is the same across all breeds, from the smallest to the largest.
How many teeth do puppies have?
Puppies have 28 baby teeth once their first set is complete, at around six to eight weeks old. They have no molars in this first set, which is why the count is lower than an adult's 42.
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?
Teething usually starts at around three to four months, and the baby teeth are typically all replaced by adult teeth by about six months of age. Puppies often swallow the little teeth, which is harmless.
Do dogs have more teeth than humans?
Yes. Adult dogs have 42 teeth compared with 32 in adult humans, reflecting how much dogs rely on their mouths for gripping, tearing and chewing.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Getting your puppy used to being handled early makes everything easier, and our gentle puppy grooming is a lovely place to start. Book a first visit.