Dog has baby teeth? Understand phases and replacement
Just like humans, dogs go through stages of teething. Puppies are born without visible teeth, develop 28 baby teeth, and between 4 and 7 months, they replace them with 42 permanent teeth. Monitoring this stage helps identify potential problems.
As with humans, the dog has a milk tooth and goes through different stages until it reaches adult dentition. The puppy is born without visible teeth and, in the first weeks of life, the first teeth begin to appear, which form the so-called deciduous dentition — a name used for the 28 temporary teeth of this phase.
By the third week of life, the dog’s milk teeth begin to appear. The incisors, located in the front of the mouth, are among the first, accompanied by the canines, longer and sharper. Premolars gradually arise in the following weeks and occupy later regions of the arch.
First teeth appear in the third week
With the advance of weeks, incisors, canines and premolars begin to occupy a good part of the mouth. Many puppies already have 28 milk teeth by about eight weeks, while slight variations in the period of eruption can occur from one dog to another. An important curiosity: puppies do not have milk molars. These teeth appear later and are already part of permanent dentition.
This first dentition is temporary and prepares the mouth of the animal for the adult phase. From there, the body begins a natural process of replacing teeth.
The exchange begins around four months.
At about four months, these teeth begin to fall out gradually to make way for permanent teeth. The change of the teeth of the dog usually begins around 3.5 to 4 months, a period in which the temporary teeth fall and the permanent ones begin to occupy their place. As permanent teeth develop, milk teeth begin to lose the support that held them firmly in the mouth.
The root of the temporary tooth is gradually reabsorbed by the body until it becomes mobile and detached, allowing the new dentition to occupy that space. This process can cause discomfort in the puppy, which tends to gnaw more objects to relieve the sensation.
Mixed Teeth and Possible Complications
Between 4 and 7 months, milk and permanent teeth can appear together in the mouth, characteristic of so-called mixed dentition. During this period, the tutor may notice a softer tooth, sensitive gums, or a greater desire to gnaw on toys and objects. If a permanent tooth is born and the milk tooth remains stuck in the same place, it is worth seeking the veterinarian, as there may be deciduous tooth retention.
Deciduous tooth retention can cause arch misalignment and plaque buildup. Therefore, the careful observation of the tutor is fundamental in this transition phase.
Permanent dentition completes at seven months
The change usually continues until nearly seven months, and at the end of this development, most dogs have 42 permanent teeth. Usually, the exchange happens naturally, but following this phase helps to realize if the development of the teeth is following as expected. By 6 to 7 months, most dogs already have permanent teeth, usually composed of 42 teeth.
In general, the puppy is born without visible teeth, forms milk dentition in the first weeks and, a few months later, begins the exchange for permanent teeth. This cycle is essential for the animal’s oral health throughout life.
Care during tooth change
During the exchange, it is important to offer suitable toys to bite, which help relieve discomfort and prevent the puppy from destroying household objects. Feeding can also be adjusted with veterinary guidance, prioritizing textures that do not hurt the sensitive gums. Regular visits to the veterinarian allow to monitor the eruption of the teeth and intervene early in case of abnormalities.
For Ponta Grossa and regional tutors, local veterinary clinics offer dental follow-up from the first weeks of the dog’s life. Prevention at this stage prevents future problems and ensures healthy teething in adulthood.
Understanding the stages of canine dentition helps the tutor to offer the right care at each stage. If you notice any changes, such as milk teeth that do not fall out or persistent bad breath, seek professional advice. Follow the Boca no Trombone Portal for more content on animal saúde e bem-estar.
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