Puppy Teeth Chart
The puppy teething timeline: when baby teeth arrive and fall out, when each adult tooth comes in, and how vets estimate a puppy's age from what's in their mouth.
Puppy teething timeline
| Age | What's happening |
|---|---|
| 0–2 weeks | No teeth — nursing only |
| 3–4 weeks | Deciduous incisors and canines begin erupting |
| 4–6 weeks | Premolars come in; all 28 baby teeth present by ~8 weeks |
| 8–12 weeks | Full set of sharp baby teeth — the "needle teeth" phase |
| 12–16 weeks | Incisors start being replaced by adult teeth |
| 4–6 months | Adult canines erupt; heavy chewing phase |
| 5–7 months | Premolars and molars complete the adult set |
| 7 months+ | All 42 adult teeth present |
Estimating a puppy's age from teeth
| What you see | Likely age |
|---|---|
| No teeth at all | Under 3 weeks |
| Tiny front teeth only | 3–4 weeks |
| Full set of small sharp teeth | 8 weeks – 4 months |
| Gaps, mixed sizes at the front | 4–5 months |
| Large adult canines, some gaps at back | 5–6 months |
| Full 42 adult teeth, bright white | 7 months – 1 year |
| Adult teeth with slight yellowing | 1–2 years |
Teeth are the most reliable age indicator vets have for a young dog, which is why it's the first thing they check on a rescue of unknown age. For older dogs, tartar and wear take over as the clues — see the dog dental chart.
The 28 baby teeth vs 42 adult teeth
| Tooth type | Puppy (deciduous) | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 12 | 12 |
| Canines | 4 | 4 |
| Premolars | 12 | 16 |
| Molars | 0 | 10 |
| Total | 28 | 42 |
Surviving the teething months
- Rotate chew toys so they stay interesting, and keep one in every room where the puppy spends time.
- Cold helps. A wet washcloth twisted and frozen, or a chilled rubber toy, soothes sore gums.
- Avoid very hard chews — antlers, hooves and real bones fracture adult teeth, which is an expensive and painful problem.
- Start brushing now. A puppy who accepts a toothbrush becomes a dog with far better dental health and far cheaper vet bills.
- Ask about retained teeth at the 6-month checkup, especially the canines.
Track the rest of their development with thepuppy growth chart.
Frequently asked questions
When do puppies lose their baby teeth?+
Puppy teeth start falling out around 12–16 weeks, beginning with the incisors, then canines at 4–6 months and premolars and molars by 6–7 months. Most puppies have a full set of 42 adult teeth by seven months.
How many teeth do puppies have?+
Puppies have 28 deciduous (baby) teeth. Adult dogs have 42 — more than humans — including molars that puppies never grow at all.
Is it normal to not find puppy teeth?+
Completely normal. Puppies swallow most of their baby teeth while eating, which is harmless. Finding the occasional tooth on the carpet is the exception rather than the rule.
What is a retained puppy tooth?+
When a baby tooth does not fall out as the adult tooth erupts, leaving two teeth in one spot — most commonly the canines. It traps food and causes crowding and gum disease, so vets usually remove retained teeth, often at the same time as desexing.
How do I help a teething puppy?+
Give appropriate chew toys, try frozen wet washcloths or chilled rubber toys for sore gums, and redirect firmly and consistently from furniture and hands. Avoid very hard chews like antlers and bones — they crack adult teeth.