A full set of teeth in an adult dog consists of 42 teeth - 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower jaw. Even so, it is not entirely unusual for a dog to have fewer teeth than that. It may have lacked the disposition for certain teeth from birth, or lost some due to periodontitis. But what can you do to keep the dog's teeth healthy for as long as possible?
How many teeth does a puppy have?
When the puppy is born it has no teeth, but at around 3 weeks of age the milk teeth break through. The puppy has a total of 28 milk teeth. All the milk teeth have usually come through before the puppy is 8 weeks old, and it has, in other words, all its milk teeth in place when it comes home to its new owner.
Between about 4-7 months of age the milk teeth are replaced by permanent ones.
Do all breeds have the same number of teeth?
A dog should normally have 42 teeth when it is an adult. It is, however, not unusual for an adult dog to have fewer than that - especially dogs of small or brachycephalic breeds can lack certain teeth. Their mouths are simply too small to fit all the teeth, and the disposition for these teeth is missing. Normally it causes no problems for the dog to have a couple of teeth fewer. If you are unsure whether your dog's teeth or mouth look normal, you can always consult your vet.
How do you take care of the dog's teeth?
Taking care of the dog's teeth is important to prevent tooth loss, or periodontitis. Periodontitis is due to an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar. The inflammation causes the tissues and bone that hold the tooth in place to break down, and the tooth loosens, just as the name suggests. The most effective way to slow the process is through toothbrushing. Dental sticks can complement the dental care routine and help keep the gums healthy.
There can be many questions about the dog's teeth, so our licensed veterinary nurse Karin has taken part in a video with Jenny from Hundprat.se where we talk more about dental health, why it is important to brush the teeth and how you get started with training it with your dog!