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.

Dog Health

How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?

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](/health/dog-dental-care-uk) guide for prevention.

Key takeaways

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.
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.
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.

The full picture

Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.

Read the full guide Check symptoms

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.

Reviewed 2026-06-25 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.