How many teeth do dogs have - and should you brush their teeth? Vet explains canine dental health care

Ever taken a good look at your dog’s smile? Those pearly whites aren't just for show—they play a huge role in your dog’s daily life. From gnawing on toys to chomping down on dinner, a dog’s teeth are pretty important.

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Whether your furry friend is a tiny Chihuahua or a massive Great Dane, knowing about their dental health and needs can help keep them healthy and happy. So, let’s take a closer look into the world of canine teeth and how to look after them.

How many teeth do dogs have?

Adult dogs have 42 teeth; 20 in their top jaw and 22 in the bottom jaw.

Puppies have fewer teeth than adult dogs – they start off with 28 teeth in total with equal numbers on the top and bottom jaw, gradually these teeth become wobbly and fall out, and 42 adult teeth will grow through. Once a puppy reaches around six months of age, they usually will have their full set of adult teeth.

There are four types of teeth that dogs have:

Incisors
Canines
Premolars
Molars

The 4th upper premolars and the 1st lower molars are referred to as the Carnassial teeth.

While all dog breeds have 42 teeth, it can be a challenge for smaller sized dogs and flat-faced breeds to fit them all in their mouth. This means that sometimes, their teeth can grow close together and at odd angles, which leaves them at greater risk of dental disease and tooth loss.

Should I clean my dog's teeth?

Just as it’s important for humans to take care of their teeth, it’s actually just as important to look after your dog's teeth. Dental disease is a very common health problem for dogs and can usually be prevented through keeping your dog's teeth clean.

Dental disease can happen in any dog, and while a lack of brushing is the main cause for most dogs, problems are more common in older dogs, certain breeds including Toy Poodles and Greyhounds, and dogs with overcrowding of their teeth.

How to brush your dog's teeth

The best way to maintain your dog’s teeth is by manually brushing them, just as you would brush your own teeth! It’s important to remember though you will need a dog toothbrush as well as dog-safe toothpaste – don't try to use the human equivalent on your dog.

We’d recommend including brushing your dog’s teeth in your daily routine, that way it becomes a habit and your dog’s mouth gets daily maintenance, keeping their teeth clean and healthy. Brushing away soft plaque before it turns into solid tartar is by far the best way to prevent dental disease.

It’s best to start teeth cleaning when your dog is a puppy, but whatever age your dog is, if you’re introducing teeth brushing for the first time, it’s essential to start off slowly – it may take them a short while to get used to it.

Start out by giving them a small taste of the dog-safe toothpaste and go from there. You may need to get your dog happy and used to you touching their mouth and teeth, before you try and use the toothbrush. You can do this by gently rubbing a soft cloth along their gums and giving them a reward or praise each time they allow you to do it. Gradually move on to using a brush that fits over your finger. This will get your dog used to the feeling of their teeth being brushed.

When your dog’s comfortable and ready, use a proper dog toothbrush. The longer handle will help you reach all of their teeth. If your dog seems stressed or anxious at any stage of the process, stop and try again another day.

Some dogs may not tolerate their teeth being brushed despite going through the steps slowly. If your dog finds having their teeth brushed particularly stressful, there are a few other ways that may help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy:

Regular dental check-ups with your vet or vet nurse
Mouthwash and antibacterial gels may help reduce plaque
Dental toys and chews (but be careful with the added calories!)
Dry foods and dental diets – may be more beneficial than wet food

Whilst these can be great alternatives to help maintain healthy teeth, nothing works as well as regular tooth brushing unfortunately. Additionally, dogs do tend to chew using their back teeth, which means their front teeth perhaps aren’t getting the same benefits.

How to spot dental disease in dogs

Ask your vet to check your pet’s teeth regularly so any dental disease is spotted early, their annual vaccination and health check appointment is a good time for this. But if you are concerned about your dog’s teeth, it’s best to get your vet to check them sooner for any issues.

Dental disease symptoms

There are a few signs to look for that could indicate that your dog may have some dental problems, but remember, sometimes dogs can have tooth disease without showing any signs at all.

Signs include:

Bad breath
Pain or difficulty eating
Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Red or swollen gums
Yellowish brown covering on the teeth caused by plaque build up
Any broken or missing teeth

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