Dog Health
How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have? UK Puppy & Adult Guide
Published Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Adult dogs have 42 teeth; puppies have 28 baby teeth. Puppy teeth usually fall out from around 12 weeks, with full adult dentition by six to seven months. Retained baby teeth and dental disease are common UK vet concerns — see our Dog dental care UK guide for prevention.
Adult dog teeth — 42 in total
According to the PDSA, a full adult dog dentition includes 42 permanent teeth:
| Type | Upper jaw | Lower jaw | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 6 | 6 | Nibbling and grooming |
| Canines | 2 | 2 | Holding and tearing |
| Premolars | 8 | 8 | Shearing food |
| Molars | 4 | 6 | Grinding |
That is 20 teeth upstairs and 22 downstairs — though owners rarely count them unless something is wrong.
Puppy teeth — 28 baby teeth
Puppies are born without visible teeth. Deciduous (baby) teeth erupt from about three weeks and puppies have 28 baby teeth in total — no molars at this stage.
When puppy teeth fall out
From roughly 12–16 weeks, baby teeth loosen as permanent teeth push through. You may find tiny teeth on the floor or notice your puppy chewing more.
By six to seven months, most dogs have their full 42 adult teeth.
Retained deciduous teeth
Sometimes a baby tooth stays in place when the adult tooth erupts beside it — most often the canine (fang) teeth. This causes:
- Double teeth in one spot
- Tartar build-up and crowding
- Misalignment of the bite
The PDSA advises asking your vet to check at puppy vaccination visits. Retained baby teeth often need surgical removal under anaesthesia when neutering — delaying removal can worsen dental disease.
Signs of dental problems
Dental disease affects most UK dogs over three years old. Watch for:
- Bad breath — see Dog bad breath causes
- Yellow-brown tartar on teeth
- Red or bleeding gums
- Dropping food or chewing on one side
- Pawing at the mouth
- Reluctance to play with toys
Painful mouths reduce quality of life — dogs often eat through dental pain until disease is advanced.
Caring for your dog's teeth
- Brush daily or several times weekly with dog-specific toothpaste — never human toothpaste (xylitol is toxic)
- Book annual dental checks from age one
- Use dental diets or chews your vet recommends — not all marketed products work
- Avoid hard bones and antlers that fracture teeth — a common UK emergency
See our full guide: Dog dental care UK.
Broken or missing teeth
Contact your vet if:
- A tooth breaks — exposes painful nerve tissue
- A tooth is knocked out after trauma
- An adult tooth is missing with no history of extraction
- Your dog will not eat or yelps when eating
Related guides
- Dog dental care UK
- Dog bad breath causes
- Puppy care UK
- Can I give my dog paracetamol UK — never use human painkillers for dental pain
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many teeth does an adult dog have?
- Healthy adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth — 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. This includes incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
- How many teeth do puppies have?
- Puppies have 28 deciduous (baby) teeth, which usually start falling out from around 12 weeks as adult teeth erupt. All permanent teeth are typically in place by six to seven months.
- When should I worry about my puppy's teeth?
- See your vet if baby teeth do not fall out when adult teeth come through (retained deciduous teeth), if a tooth breaks, or if your puppy has difficulty eating or bad breath.
- How do I look after my dog's teeth?
- Brush with dog toothpaste, offer dental chews your vet recommends, and book annual dental checks. Dental disease is common in UK dogs and causes pain and bad breath.