A dog’s teeth are one of the most important parts of its body. These sharp biters are the main reason why dogs can easily bite through the toughest of food and enjoy their meals. Plus, they’re also used for defense and holding things. 

All of these functions are possible because of every single tooth. Each one belongs to a group, outfitted with a specific purpose. 

In this blog, we'll talk about everything you need to know about dog teeth, from how many they are to how we can protect them.

What Are the Types of Dog Teeth?

A dog's teeth vary based on location and purpose. Here's a quick guide: 

Incisors

Incisors are the small, narrow teeth located at the very front of a dog’s mouth. Adult dogs have six incisors on the top and six on the bottom. Dogs often use their incisors to gently pick up small objects, nibble at food, and even groom their fur or scratch an itch.

Canines

The canines, sometimes called “fangs,” are the long, pointed teeth located just behind the incisors. Adult dogs have two canines on the top and on the bottom, four in total. These are specifically designed for holding and tearing. 

These dog teeth are very strong, helping them hold objects tightly. Plus, they're a useful helper in breaking down food and other tough meats. They're also a common sight when dogs show their teeth whenever they get defensive.

Premolars

Behind the canines, you’ll find the premolars, which are located along the sides of the mouth. Dogs have eight premolars on the top and eight on the bottom. Premolars are used for chewing and shearing. They have sharp edges that help tear food into smaller pieces, making it easier to swallow.

Premolars are essential when dogs eat or chew on tougher foods, as they allow them to break down these items into manageable pieces. Dogs may also use these teeth to grip and shred objects when playing with toys.

Molars

Molars are the largest kind of dog teeth in the mouth. They're also located at the end of the set of teeth. These teeth are usually found on adult dogs, as puppies won't have any molars. 

Dogs have four molars on the top and six on the bottom of the jaw. Molars are designed for heavy-duty grinding and crushing. Their large, flat surfaces are ideal for breaking down kibble, hard treats, and other tough foods.

Molars help dogs thoroughly chew food before swallowing, which aids in digestion. These teeth are particularly important for dogs that primarily eat dry food or have a diet that includes harder treats.

How Many Teeth Does a Puppy Have?

Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth, otherwise known as baby teeth. These are much smaller compared to adult dog teeth. A puppy’s teeth will essentially loosen and fall off to make way for adult teeth to grow.

• Incisors: 12

• Canines: 4

• Premolars: 12 

How Many Teeth Does An Adult Dog Have​?​

An adult dog will have 42 permanent teeth by the time its teething is complete. These consist of 20 teeth in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw.

• Incisors: 12

• Canines: 4

• Premolars: 16

• Molars: 10

What Is Teething in Dogs?

Dogs go through two stages of dental development, otherwise known as teething. The first one starts during their life as puppies, and the second one begins when they start becoming adults. 

Puppy Teething

Puppies are born without teeth, but they can begin to develop their first set of teeth at 3 to 4 weeks of age. These first teeth, or baby teeth, are also known as deciduous teeth or milk teeth. 

A puppy will have a complete set of 28 baby teeth by the end of its teething. Here’s the entire timeline of puppy teething:

3 to 4 Weeks

When puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, their first teeth start to emerge. The incisors, the small front teeth, are usually the first to emerge. Puppies develop six incisors on the top and six on the bottom, positioned right at the front of the mouth. Each side will have three incisors. 

4 to 5 Weeks

After the incisors have emerged, the canine teeth will start to grow. These four teeth will grow beside the incisors, with two at the bottom and two at the top. 

5 to 8 Weeks

As time passes by, the other set of a puppy’s teeth will start to grow. This new set will include the premolars. The premolars emerge behind the canines, with six on the top and six on the bottom. 

Premolars are great helpers when it comes to chewing, and they can tell you that your dog is ready for some solid food. At the end of the eight weeks, your puppy will have a complete set of teeth.

Adult Dog Teething

When a dog’s age reaches three to four months, they’ll begin to experience massive changes when it comes to their teeth. Their baby teeth will fall, allowing the adult dog teeth to grow. This stage is critical, as adult teeth are larger and stronger to support their developing lives. 

3 to 4 Months

At around this time, the incisors are usually the first to fall out. You may notice small gaps in your puppy’s smile as these teeth fall out, and sometimes, you’ll even find tiny teeth left behind on the floor.

4 to 5 Months

The incisors are the first of the adult teeth to emerge, typically between four and five months of age. These small teeth are located in the very front of the mouth, with six on the top and six on the bottom. 

The canines are often the most noticeable teeth in a dog’s mouth, thanks to their prominent, pointed shape. These start emerging around five to six months and replace the baby canines, with two on the top and two on the bottom.

4 to 6 Months

Behind the canines come the premolars, which are located along the sides of the mouth. Premolars start emerging around four months and continue to replace baby premolars up until six months. There will be eight premolars on the top and eight on the bottom.

5 to 7 Months

Molars are the last teeth to arrive and are unique to the adult set; puppies don’t have molars in their baby teeth. Molars typically emerge around five to seven months, completing the set of 42 adult teeth. Dogs have four molars on the top and six on the bottom.