How do puppy teeth develop?

A puppy is born without teeth. The milk teeth are complete after about 12 weeks.

Just like people, dogs change their teeth. At about 4 months (depending on the breed), the puppy gradually loses its milk teeth. These are replaced by a permanent set of teeth. Just like with small children, this is often unpleasant. A puppy will chew on lots of hard items to stimulate the new permanent teeth coming through. The shedding is completed at the age of about 6 to 7 months.

A pup has 28 (milk) teeth. In comparison: a child has 20 milk teeth. In contrast to children, the teeth will not fall out noticeably. Pups often just swallow them, without noticing.

An adult dog has 42 (permanent) teeth (12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars and 10 molars), while a human being has 32 (8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, 8 molars and 4 third molars).

Just like people need to brush their teeth daily, we also recommend starting dental care with puppies from the start (and preferably every day). Here, we explain briefly the easiest method, so that your dog does not only have a beautiful and healthy dentition, but also a fresh breath! Prevention is better than cure!