If you've ever caught a glimpse of your dog's toothy grin during playtime or noticed those sharp puppy teeth during teething, you've probably wondered about the full set of chompers hiding in their mouth. Understanding your dog's dental anatomy helps you better care for their oral health — and knowing what's normal makes it easier to spot when something's wrong.
Your fully grown pup has an impressive 42 permanent teeth packed into their mouth. The upper jaw holds 20 teeth, while the lower jaw contains 22. This complete set includes different types of teeth, each designed for specific jobs:
"Beyond just eating, teeth allow dogs to communicate, explore their environment and express their natural behaviors," Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch's on-staff veterinarian, explains. "Each tooth serves a specific purpose, and collectively, they help dogs be dogs."
Since teeth are so important to a dog's well-being, Fetch covers every adult tooth. Other insurers only cover the 4 canines.
Before those 42 permanent teeth come in, puppies have a smaller starter set (you might hear your vet refer to these baby teeth as “deciduous”). Your puppy develops 28 of these baby teeth that begin poking through their gums around 3 weeks old. By 8 weeks, most puppies have their full set of baby chompers.
These temporary teeth are sharper and more needle-like than adult teeth, which any pet parent who's experienced puppy teething can confirm. The good news? They don't stick around for long.
The transition from puppy teeth to adult teeth starts when your pup is around 3.5 to 4 months old. During this teething phase, baby teeth fall out as permanent teeth push through — a process that typically wraps up by 6 to 7 months of age. You might find tiny teeth around your home during this time, though many puppies swallow them harmlessly.
The incisors usually fall out first, followed by the canines, then the premolars. The molars are unique — puppies don't have baby molars, so these come in as permanent teeth from the start.
Being familiar with your dog's normal tooth count helps you recognize potential dental issues early. Missing teeth, retained baby teeth (when a permanent tooth erupts but the baby tooth doesn't fall out), or broken teeth all warrant a veterinary checkup. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, helps ensure your dog keeps all 42 teeth healthy throughout their life.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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