Dog Teeth & Dentition: Dental Formula, Tooth Eruption, & Common

What is a dog's dentition?

A dog’s dentition consists of the teeth, the periodontium (the tissues surrounding the teeth), the jaws, and the masticatory muscles. As a carnivore, the dog has a specialized dentition: sharp canines for gripping, carnassial teeth for tearing meat and bones, and incisors for scraping and cleaning. A dog’s permanent dentition consists of 42 teeth; the deciduous dentition consists of 28 teeth.

Teeth are not just for chewing—they are a means of communication (for threatening or playing), a tool for grasping, and part of the immune system (the gums act as a barrier).

Background + Scientific Context

Wiggs and Lobprise (1997, *Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice*) describe the complete dental anatomy of the dog: The permanent dentition formula is: 2 × (3/3 I, 1/1 C, 4/4 PM, 2/3 M) = 42 teeth. Breakdown: 3 incisors (I) each in the upper and lower jaws; 1 canine (C) each in the upper and lower jaws; 4 premolars (PM) each in the upper and lower jaws; 2 molars (M) on each side of the upper jaw and 3 on each side of the lower jaw. The carnassial teeth are of particular importance: P4 (4th upper premolar) and M1 (1st lower molar)—they function as scissors for cutting through meat and bear the greatest chewing load. In brachycephalic breeds, skull shortening leads to dental crowding and malocclusion.

Gorrel (2008, *Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner*) describes dental development and eruption timelines in dogs: Deciduous teeth (milk teeth) erupt between the 3rd and 6th week of life. Deciduous dentition formula: 2 × (3/3 I, 1/1 C, 3/3 PM) = 28 teeth — no deciduous molars. The transition to the permanent dentition begins at 3 months of age and is complete by 6–7 months in most breeds. Physiological order: incisors → canines → premolars → molars. Retained deciduous teeth: A deciduous tooth remains in place while the permanent tooth erupts — common in small breeds and canines. Leads to crowding, plaque buildup, and malocclusion — veterinary extraction of the deciduous tooth is necessary.

Hale (2005, Veterinary Clinics of North America, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15979455/) describes common dental problems in young dogs and occlusion: Normal occlusion in dogs: The upper incisors protrude slightly beyond the lower incisors (scissor bite, Class I occlusion). Abnormalities: Class II (upper jaw too long / lower jaw set back = overbite), Class III (lower jaw too long = underbite, often desirable in brachycephalic breeds), Class IV (asymmetry). Traumatic occlusion: if teeth rub against each other or press into the tissue, veterinary intervention is necessary. Enamel hypoplasia: underdeveloped enamel due to systemic disease or the distemper virus during tooth development.

Vitomalia-Position

The teeth are an underrated organ. Retained baby teeth, malocclusion, and tartar are often detected too late. Annual dental checkups at the veterinarian starting when the teeth begin to fall out, along with regular dental care, are part of basic care—not a luxury.

When does the denture become relevant?

• Tooth replacement (3–7 months): Check for retained baby teeth
• Starting at age 2–3: Check for tartar and gingivitis
• Brachycephalic breeds: increased risk of malocclusion from birth
• Chewing on bones: helps prevent regular fractures of the canines
• Bad breath, bleeding gums: veterinary dental checkup

Practical application

Dog dental formula (permanent):

Teething Timeline:

Common Mistakes & Myths

• "Dogs don't have baby teeth—their teeth don't fall out." Dogs have a full set of 28 baby teeth, which are replaced by 42 permanent teeth between 3 and 7 months of age. Not all baby teeth always fall out.
• "Small breeds have smaller teeth—so fewer problems." Small breeds have the same number of teeth in a smaller jaw—which leads to more crowding, more plaque buildup, and more frequent dental problems than large breeds.
• “Chewing on bones thoroughly cleans the teeth.” Chewing can mechanically reduce plaque. However, raw bones can cause tooth fractures (especially on canine tooth P4). Not a complete substitute for dental care.

Current State of Research (2026)

Veterinary dentistry is an established specialty. Canine fractures (slab fractures of P4) caused by hard chewing are a documented consequence of intensive bone and antler chewing. Genetic factors influencing dentition (jaw length, tooth position) are being studied across breeds. Digital dental radiography is standard in veterinary dentistry and enables subgingival assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teeth does a dog have?

An adult dog has 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. The deciduous dentition consists of 28 teeth (no deciduous molars). The transition to permanent teeth is complete by 6–7 months of age.

What is a canine tooth in dogs?

The carnassial tooth is the fourth upper premolar (P4) and the first lower molar (M1)—together, they function like scissors for cutting through meat and bone. They are the largest and most heavily loaded teeth in a dog’s mouth. Fractures of the P4 are common in dogs that chew hard.

What is the persistence of baby teeth in dogs?

Persistent deciduous teeth refer to a situation where a baby tooth does not fall out even though the permanent tooth is already coming in. This is common in small breeds (canines are particularly affected). The persistent baby tooth must be extracted by a veterinarian to prevent crowding and misalignment.

Related terms

• Dental Care for Dogs
• Brachycephaly in Dogs
• Dog Nutrition
• Veterinarian for dogs
• A Dog's Teeth

Sources & Further Reading

1. Wiggs, R. B., & Lobprise, H. B. (1997). Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice. Lippincott-Raven. ISBN 9780781710282.

2. Gorrel, C. (2008). Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner. Saunders. ISBN 9780702028977.

3. Hale, F. A. (2005). Juvenile veterinary dentistry. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 35(4), 789–817. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15979455/