When do puppy teeth fall out? Everything About Puppy Teeth

There are many things to think about and keep in mind when caring for a puppy that feeds, walks, trains, plays, and explores everything. You might not think much about his teeth. About two sets of teeth erupt in the first eight months. Next to potty training, the teething phase of the puppy is one of the most difficult periods of a puppy's life. When do puppy teeth fall out?

So here are some answers to the most common questions about your puppy's tiny teeth.

How many teeth do puppies have?

During their first eight months or so, puppies will develop two dentitions.

Puppies will quickly develop a set of 28 baby teeth; by adulthood, they will have 42 permanent teeth.

When do puppies get their first teeth?

Puppies' teeth start from around 2/3 weeks of age and are usually in place by around 8-10 weeks.

Incisors often come first, followed by canines and premolars, although there can be normal variation between individuals.

Newborn puppies are born with tiny teeth buried under the gums, but at around 2-3 weeks, those sharp points begin to work their way up and over the gum line.

The first to appear are the 'incisors' (which are the tiny teeth at the front of his mouth); there are twelve of them, six in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw.

Then, at about four weeks, come the four “Canines” (these are the long “fangs”); there are two at the top and two at the bottom.

Finally, the twelve premolars are the big “double” teeth at the back of his mouth. Three up and three down on each side of his jaw. They are generally all in place at 8/10 weeks of age.

That's a total of 28 baby teeth.

Although his teeth are very small, they are also very sharp.  And the biting puppy hurts! 

When do puppy teeth fall out?

 So when do puppy teeth fall out? Puppies develop and lose a set of "baby" teeth like humans. His teeth, sometimes called "milk teeth," eventually give way to "adult" or permanent teeth.

Milk tooth loss usually occurs in a specific order and at a similar time for most puppies.

Large breeds grow at a different rate than small breeds. Because of this, there can be variations between puppies in the placement of the teeth.

Each puppy is unique; none will grow and mature at the same rate.

Your little pup may be faster or slower.

The first teeth are generally lost around the age of 2/4 months. The last milk teeth to fall are usually the canines around 6/7 months.

Permanent teeth

The incisors arrive around 2 to 5 months, then the canines at 4-6 months, the premolars at 4-7 months, and finally, the molars at 5-7 months.

Between 6/8 months, all the permanent teeth should be in place at this age, but sometimes it can take a little longer.

Adult dogs generally have 42 permanent teeth.

What to do when a puppy starts to lose his teeth?

Baby teeth must fall out on their own, and it is wildly inadvisable to try to pull out loose teeth. This is because the teeth have very long roots, and pulling the teeth can break the root and lead to infection.

The exception is if a milk tooth is not loose and the permanent tooth comes into the same space. Sometimes the adult teeth that come in fail to dislodge the milk teeth that are already in place completely. When this happens, there may be days or weeks when your pup has a double bite in some areas.

This is quite normal and not too much to worry about.

For most puppies, this is a short-lived situation, and loose puppy teeth fall out on their own.

But from time to time, the milk teeth stay in place, and this causes a disturbance in the location of the adult tooth. In these cases, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian to have the tooth removed.

Your puppy's mouth was not designed to simultaneously have two sets of teeth. Therefore, it can cause discomfort or even pain, and debris (like food, sticks, and all the things your pup loves to chew!) can get stuck in there much more quickly.

There is also a higher risk of gum disease and tartar formation, which occurs very quickly when overcrowded. This is because when your dog's teeth are too close together, food particles get stuck in them and are much harder to clean.

The persistence of milk teeth sometimes leads to significant lesions in the palate or even irreversible jaw deviations. You see the importance of having your puppy examined by your veterinarian if you notice the persistence of milk teeth.

What should be done during the dental transition?

There's not much for owners to do during the dental transition.

The discomfort of the puppy's dental transition is often over-dramatized. If the puppy is still doing normal activities like eating, drinking, being groomed, playing, socializing, and exploring, then there isn't a problem.

If the dog is not doing some of these activities, the pain or discomfort can affect his quality of life and possibly lead to destructive tendencies in your pup.

Secure your home

You should check your home in anticipation of your puppy's increased need to chew. Pick up any objects that could be a target for your dog's teeth.

This includes shoes, socks, and things that might not be so obvious at first glances, like fringed rugs, decorative baskets, magazine racks, and electrical cords.

The desperate pup might be focusing on table legs, your furniture, etc. You may consider treating them with a bitter-repellent preventative spray.

If your puppy picks up something he's not supposed to have, give him one of his toys instead. 

Keep in mind that puppies also communicate and explore the world with their mouths, and it's up to you to help your new pup decide what he can and shouldn't chew. 

Use puppy toys

The puppy may still be in pain and need to chew. To relieve him, offering him a variety of appropriate chew toys is necessary. Introducing age-appropriate toys can also save your furniture and shoes.

Donate quality, appropriate and safe toys. Look for soft, flexible toys that bend easily in your hand. Toys meant for puppies are smaller and softer than adult toys because puppy teeth are more prone to fractures. However, they should still be durable enough to handle aggressive mouthing. While plush dog toys are cute, they don't last long enough and won't hold up to your pup's teeth.

Hard rubber dog toys are ideal, especially ones where treats or kibble can be stuffed inside.

Supervise your puppy while playing and remove any destroyed toys immediately to avoid accidents.

A regular visit to the vet

Also, have your vet check your pup's mouth regularly to make sure everything is okay.

Teach your puppy not to bite

Puppies quickly learn that they have a reaction when they bite, whether from their siblings and mothers or their human caregivers. It hurts! Teaching your new puppy the importance of not biting is an important lesson. Get up and walk away from your pup, leaving him alone. It's social isolation, a powerful but gentle punishment. If your education is good, your puppy will soon learn that biting too hard isolates him from his favorite person.

A dog that constantly bites its owners is subject to a behavioral disorder that must be treated without delay; hoping that "it will pass as it grows" is an error that often has serious consequences.

How to take care of the puppy's teeth?

A healthy diet

Taking care of your puppy's teeth also means providing them with the quality food recommended for puppies due to their unique nutritional needs.

Quality puppy food contains named animal proteins as the first ingredient, like chicken and salmon.

Ensure your new dog gets a well-balanced diet, including vitamins and minerals such as calcium, so that his new adult or permanent teeth can develop normally.

Regular tooth brushing

Getting your puppy used to have his mouth handled from the start is essential. Lift their lips and touch their gums and teeth in a playful, slow way. This will make it easier for you to set up a dental plan and recognize any issues with their teeth or mouths. This will also prime the puppy for oral exams at your veterinarian.

Brushing teeth regularly is very important. Plaque can turn into tartar in around 36 hours, so regular brushing is essential as your pup grows.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Do not use toothpaste made for humans because dogs do not rinse and spit like us. In addition, fluoride and other ingredients in our toothpaste may harm their health.

Dental treats for puppies

Next to potty training, the teething phase of the puppy is one of the most challenging periods of his life as a puppy.

Putting on puppy teething is a passage that all puppy parents must endure, but with the right attitude and patience, this transition will go smoothly!

Prevention and dental care in dogs

As soon as your puppy arrives home, take care of his oral hygiene. Brushing his teeth regularly helps prevent the formation of tartar but also severe health problems.

What is tartar?

Unlike humans, dog saliva is less acidic. As a result, over meals, bacteria accumulate more easily on the surface of the teeth. They thus form a light orange film on your pet's teeth. This film can easily be removed with regular tooth brushing. But, on the other hand, if you let it develop without taking the slightest care of your canine companion, it will constitute dental plaque. 

Over time, the latter mineralizes and extends under the gum to form tartar. This extension can lead to:

gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)

bleeding gums when eating

oral infections

Abscesses that can lead to a decrease in appetite. The bone supporting the tooth is then attacked, which can cause them to fall off when the animal ages.

Tartar settles first on the back teeth (molars, premolars) before deciding on the fangs. Unfortunately, it is also responsible for the dog's bad breath.

These microbes in your pet's mouth can diffuse into the blood and attach themselves dangerously to various organs, such as the heart or the kidneys. Indeed, they can develop severe illnesses in older animals, such as heart or kidney failure.

Equipment to prevent tartar formation

For good oral hygiene of your dog, you need:

A toothbrush with soft bristles or a specialized brush for dogs.

A finger cot (rubber cap with bumps to put on the finger).

A toothpaste specific to dogs, where the tastes are adapted to those of the animal (chicken or beef), and which requires no rinsing.

Don't use the toothpaste you use for yourself. It is unsuitable and toxic to your dog due to the presence of fluoride.

The Best Products for Puppies

When to start brushing your teeth?

Teach your puppy early to allow himself to be handled and, particularly, to have his teeth brushed. To start, get him used to the taste of toothpaste before massaging his gums with your finger.

You can also use the finger cot to acclimate him to having a toothbrush in his mouth. Little by little, you can teach him to open his mouth and thus succeed in brushing the inside of his mouth. Finally, however, you can teach an adult dog to have his teeth brushed; it's all a matter of patience. 

Technique for brushing teeth

To make handling easier, we advise you to brush your pet's teeth as soon as he is calm. You can, for example, rub them after a walk.

For the safety of your companion, wash your hands and check that your nails are cut short before any intervention. Then set it up high so you can see what you're doing better. Next, approach him from behind, place a hand on his muzzle and lift his lips. Then, with the other hand, clean your canine companion's teeth.

To do this, take a toothbrush or a finger cot and put a dab of toothpaste in it. Then, make circular movements on the outer surface of the teeth, emphasizing the junction between the gum and the tooth (place of plaque formation). Next, brush his canines and incisors without forgetting the teeth at the back of his mouth (molars and premolars).

How often should I brush my dog's teeth?

Brush your dog's teeth at least 2-3 times a week, although brushing them daily is best. This regularity makes it possible to evacuate dental plaque and avoid periodontal disease. These sessions should be concise. Indeed, gradually increase the duration until you reach 2 minutes.

Descaling

If the tartar is well entrenched, brushing your teeth will become unnecessary until your pet has done any scaling. This is a painless procedure performed by your veterinarian, where the animal is placed under general anesthesia. It is performed using ultrasonic devices comparable to those used by our dentists. Sometimes tooth extraction is necessary.

Predispositions

Some dog breeds are more prone to developing tartar than others. In particular, small and medium-sized breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Poodles, Yorkshires, Pekingese, Shih-Tzus, or even Cockers.

 Other predisposing factors for tartar formation are:

age

food (especially if it is wet)

lack of maintenance (brushing, food supplements, etc.)

which can limit mastication (fractures of the mandible, gingivitis, etc.).

Tubes Of Toothpaste For Dogs: How to Maintain The Dog’s Teeth Properly?

The good health of your dog requires regular maintenance of his teeth. A lack of oral hygiene firstly causes bad breath (halitosis). Still, it can also cause severe local diseases (gingivitis, dental and oral abscesses, loosening and eventually falling teeth, etc.).  Regular brushing of his teeth with dog toothpaste remains the most effective way to take care of it. We guide you in our article on the choice of equipment (toothpaste for dogs, toothbrush for dogs, or finger cots) and the best brushing technique.

General Information On Adult Dog Teeth

The adult dog has 42 teeth of different shapes, sizes, and functions.

The incisors are used for cutting and trimming the canines for cutting and tearing, and the molars for grinding.

For each jaw: top: 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, 2 molars=10 teeth; bottom: 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, 3 molars: 11 teeth.

Determination Of The Dog’s Age Based On His Teeth

The estimate of a dog's age can be established based on the wear of the incisor

At one year, the dog's teeth are just beginning to wear down, and then we observe:

From 1 ½ to 2 years: leveling the lower clamps

From 2½ to 3 years old: leveling the lower terraces

From 3½ to 4 years old: leveling the upper clamps

From 4½ to 5 years old: leveling the upper terraces.

After 5 years, the dog's teeth turn yellow, spread apart, and become shorter. They no longer allow us to estimate the age precisely.

Dental Plaque And Tartar In Dogs

Dog plaque is a whitish substance that deposits on the surface of the teeth after every meal. Consisting of food debris, bacteria, and toxins, dental plaque is deposited at the junction of the gum and the tooth.

When it remains in place, and the dog's teeth are not cleaned regularly, dental plaque mineralizes and turns into tartar, a yellow or brown deposit (calcium phosphate), which attaches to the neck of the teeth.

Consequences Of Tartar In Dogs

Local Consequences

Tartar buildup on a dog's teeth causes:

Bad breath (halitosis)

Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)

Dental abscesses

Loosening and eventual loss of teeth

Periodontal disease with, in extreme cases, damage to the bone structures of the jaw (osteomyelitis).

General Consequences

The bacteria normally present in the oral cavity, and even greater quantities when there is a lack of oral hygiene can pass through the bloodstream and reach different organs. The infection can have consequences:

Cardiac

Pulmonary

Liverworts

Kidneys

Eyepieces

Bones

Remarks

It has been proven that a quarter of dogs aged between 1 and 4 years old suffer from periodontal disease. This proportion reaches 75% for dogs between 4 and 8 years old.

Certain breeds of dogs seem more exposed to oral diseases:

Dogs of small breeds have an oral flora whose pH is more acidic than in other breeds, which favors the production of dental plaque and tartar. Examples of breeds concerned:

The Yorkshires

Poodles

Bichons

The Cavaliers King Charles

The Bulldogs

How to make homemade dog toothpaste?

You can make your natural toothpaste for your dog provided you respect the quality and quantity of the ingredients necessary for its preparation.

Ingredients Used To Make Natural Dog Toothpaste

Clay

White clay is generally used as a natural base for making homemade toothpaste for dogs: clay has an action against tartar and oral bacteria.

Baking Soda

Baking soda (in powder form) is a natural abrasive that allows easy removal of dental plaque and promotes the whitening of dog's teeth. It also relieves the dog of ulcers or mouth ulcers in the oral cavity.

Pepermint

Peppermint oil has antiseptic properties and helps maintain good breath in dogs.

 

Others

In some natural dog toothpaste recipes, you can add fresh mint leaves, cinnamon, olive, argan, or coconut oil, turmeric.

Lemon (zest) helps whiten dogs' teeth. 

Some Natural Dog Toothpaste Recipies

Half a tablespoon of baking soda

2 tablespoons white clay powder

3 drops of peppermint essential oil

4 tablespoons of water

Mix all these ingredients to obtain a dental paste for dogs that is consistent with a classic toothpaste. Store in a container for ten days in the fridge. Does not require rinsing.

 

Chicken Beef, Or Vegetable Flavor Toothpaste

1 chicken, beef, or vegetable stock cube dissolved in 1 tablespoon water (for taste!)

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon (for the breath!)

1/2 cup organic coconut oil (for toothpaste consistency)

Mix the ingredients and store the resulting paste in a small container. Store for a week in the fridge. Does not require rinsing.

 

Golden Paste: Natural Toothpaste To Whiten Your Dog’s Teeth

60 grams of natural turmeric powder (without additives)

80ml olive or coconut oil

250ml water

Dilute the turmeric powder in the water in a saucepan and heat over low heat for about ten minutes to obtain a smooth paste. Then add the oil and mix everything.

The Golden Paste should be used weekly; remember to rinse after application. This natural toothpaste for dogs can be kept for a fortnight in the fridge and can also be frozen (like all the natural kinds of toothpaste described above).

Which dog toothpaste to choose?

Toothpaste For Humans Are Not Recommended

The toothpaste we use for humans are not recommended for dogs because:

Often flavored with chlorophyll, their taste displeases our dogs!

In addition, they require rinsing, and generally, it is not recommended to swallow them.

Specific Dog Toothpaste

The toothpaste specially designed for our dogs does not require rinsing and can be swallowed without danger by our dogs. They often contain enzyme complexes that help prevent and eliminate dental plaque and tartar and are more abrasive than ours.

Some Advice Before Cleaning The Dog’s Teeth

Habitual Your Dog From His Youngest

We advise you, first of all, to accustom your dog to cleaning his teeth from an early age, even if, in puppies, the teeth are very white and healthy. Indeed, the sooner your dog is used to being handled and having his mouth opened, the easier it will be to accept regular brushing. You can brush a puppy's teeth as soon as he is two months old. Do not hesitate to reward him after each treatment with a dog treat!

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth 2 To 3 Times A Week

The ideal would be to brush a dog's teeth every day, after each meal .as for us! Regular brushing 2 to 3 times a week is very satisfactory for eliminating and preventing the deposit of dental plaque that causes tartar.

Choosing The Right Dog Toothbrush

First, you have to choose a toothbrush for your dog. “Soft” toothbrush models for humans may be suitable. Those made specifically for dogs are usually smaller, with a triangular head and a longer handle to reach the back teeth of the mouth. For the first manipulations, it may be easier to use a finger cot, which allows the dog to get used to the toothpaste and to have something in his mouth.

 How To Wash Your Dog’s Teeth

Keep your dog's mouth open to prevent chewing too much on the toothbrush or finger cot.

Lift his lips.

Start with the back teeth of the oral cavity, on each side, then progress to the front teeth.

Brush mainly the outer face of the teeth, the inner faces being cleaned naturally by the movements of the tongue. Brush the teeth starting from the gum towards the end of the tooth (so as not to injure the gums).

We hope that with this article, we were able to answer the question of when do puppy teeth fall out.