The Structure of Dog Teeth

Dogs' teeth are important to their health.

A dog's teeth are essential to its health and well-being. Dogs' teeth are similar to a human's in that they begin their lives with one set of teeth which makes way for an adult set at about four months old. Dog owners should make sure to keep their pets' teeth clean as poor dental health can shorten a dog's life by three to five years.

Puppy Teeth

Young puppies have different teeth than older dogs.

Puppies, although born without teeth, begin to grow a set at about three or four weeks old up until six weeks. These teeth, called deciduous (which means teeth that may be shed), differ in formation to adult teeth as puppies have different needs. Puppies grow 28 teeth but, in contrast to adult dogs, do not grow molars. As puppies have a diet of softer food, they do not grow molars until a later stage.

Older Puppies' Teeth Formation

An older puppy may chew toys to alleviate pain in his teeth.

As a puppy ages, his teeth begin to change. At about four months, different teeth begin to grow in which causes the pup discomfort. This is why puppies tend to chew on anything they can--to relieve the discomfort. At this stage the first set of teeth begin to grow out to be replaced by the adult teeth. If the puppy tooth does not grow out before the adult tooth arrives, the puppy may experience some health problems.

New Teeth

At four months, adult molars and canine teeth begin to grow in. By the seventh or eighth month of a puppy's life, he should have a full set of adult teeth. Most breeds will have 42 teeth in a full set with exceptions in some breeds. The root of the deciduous (puppy) tooth should be reabsorbed into the adult set.

Types of Teeth

The formation of dog teeth is similar in some ways to a human's as the types of tooth grown are the same. A dog's set of teeth will include premolars and molars, canines and incisors. The 42 teeth are set out with 20 teeth in the top jaw and 22 in the bottom jaw. A dog's top jaw has six incisors, two canines, eight premolars and four molars. The bottom jaw has six incisors, two canines, eight premolars and six molars.

Teeth Uses

A dog uses its premolars to chew softer items.

The canines of a dog's mouth are used to rip into food and to bite and hold onto objects. A dog's premolars, which are at each side of his mouth, aid in chewing and do most of the chewing work. The stronger molars are used to break down harder items such as bones.

References

• Love to Know: A Dog's Teeth
• The Dog Health Guide: Canine Teeth
• Dog Owner's Guide: Canine Teeth