When Do Puppies Lose Their Teeth

Understanding when puppies lose their teeth helps you stay ahead of dental problems before they start. Between 3 weeks and 7 months of age, your puppy replaces all 28 baby teeth with 42 permanent ones. That process follows a predictable six-stage sequence. Each stage brings different signs and different risks.

Knowing what to expect at every phase gives you a clear advantage. You’ll recognize normal symptoms, spot warning signs early, and know exactly when a vet visit becomes urgent rather than optional.

Key Takeaways

Puppies move through six teething stages between 3 weeks and 7 months, replacing 28 baby teeth with 42 adult teeth.
Retained baby teeth are the most common clinical complication and need veterinary care before they damage the bite and gums.
Chilled chew toys, soft food during peak discomfort, and dog-safe toothpaste protect long-term dental health.
A dental check-up between 4 and 6 months catches problems before adult teeth finish setting into place.
Starting a brushing routine during puppyhood makes lifelong dental care far easier to maintain.

The Puppy Teething Timeline: From Milk Teeth To Adult Teeth

The teething timeline starts earlier than most owners realize. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, 28 deciduous teeth erupt around weeks 3 to 4 deciduous teeth begin to erupt. All of those temporary teeth settle into place by 8 weeks.

Permanent teeth then push in around 4 to 5 months. The full set of 42 adult teeth is typically complete by 7 months.

Breaking that down into six stages helps you track where your puppy is in the process.

Stage 1, Weeks 2 to 4: The first baby incisors break through the gumline. Your puppy is still with the litter at this point. You may spot tiny white points just visible above the gum. These early teeth are sharp but fragile.

Stage 2, Weeks 5 to 6: All 28 baby teeth are now present. The weaning process typically begins here. The mother becomes less willing to nurse a litter with a full set of sharp teeth. Breeders often start introducing soft solid food during this window.

Stage 3, Weeks 12 to 16: This is the most active teething phase. Permanent incisors start pushing the baby teeth out. Most new owners notice their puppy chewing on everything during this stage. Redirecting that energy toward appropriate chew toys saves your furniture and your shoes.

Stage 4, Weeks 16 to 20: The canine teeth transition next. These long, pointed teeth tend to be the last baby teeth to fall out. This stage often feels more uncomfortable than the incisor phase. You may notice your puppy pawing at their mouth or showing less interest in hard toys.

Stage 5, Weeks 20 to 24: Premolars and molars come in. These back teeth handle grinding. They have no baby-tooth versions, so they emerge without displacing anything. Adult molars fill the space behind the premolars and complete the chewing surface your dog needs for solid food.

Stage 6, Month 6 to 7: Full permanent dentition is complete. All 42 adult teeth should be in place. Every baby tooth should be gone by now.

If any baby teeth remain past the 7-month mark, the next section explains why that matters.

What are normal puppy teething symptoms?

Normal teething symptoms include drooling, reduced appetite, sore gums, small blood spots on chew toys, and temporary bad breath. The American Kennel Club notes that these are expected responses to new teeth pushing through gum tissue; teething intensity is temporary.

You may also find a tiny tooth on the floor or tucked inside a toy. If symptoms persist beyond the expected stage, something more serious could be developing.

Retained Deciduous Teeth, Dental Problems, And When To See a Vet

A retained deciduous tooth is a baby tooth that stays in place after the permanent tooth erupts. This is the most clinically significant dental problem from the teething phase.

A study of 61 Yorkshire terriers found retained teeth in the majority of puppies examined. Smaller dogs required surgical extractions most often retained deciduous teeth in 69% of puppies. Retained teeth can affect any breed, not only small ones.

When a baby tooth and a permanent tooth share the same socket, the adult tooth shifts into an abnormal position. That misalignment changes your puppy’s bite. It also creates tight spaces where tartar builds up, plaque collects, and gum disease takes hold.

Without treatment, retained teeth lead to periodontal disease. This condition breaks down the tissue holding teeth in place.

Bacteria from infected teeth can enter the bloodstream. From there, they can reach the heart, kidneys, and liver. The Merck Veterinary Manual identifies this pathway as bacteremia associated with periodontal disease.

These risks make early detection critical. A retained tooth left in place for even a few weeks creates lasting bite problems. The timing of your puppy’s first dental check-up matters more than most owners expect.

Why the 4 to 6 Month Dental Check-Up Is the Critical Window

Between 4 and 6 months, a dental check-up is the most important appointment you can book. A vet can identify retained baby teeth before the permanent teeth finish setting into position. Once adult teeth lock into place, correcting retained-tooth damage becomes much harder.

Normal teething symptoms turn into warning signs when they persist past the expected stage. Watch for ongoing bad breath, visible double teeth sitting side by side, or swollen gums that won’t resolve. A puppy that refuses food is another red flag.

A noticeable change in chewing patterns or reluctance to play with favorite toys can also signal mouth pain. These signs don’t always confirm a serious problem, but they should never go without a professional check.

Dental Care, Chew Toys, And Oral Health During the Teething Phase

Good oral health habits started during the teething phase carry forward into your dog’s adult life. The habits that matter most are simpler than you might think. A few consistent choices now prevent costly dental problems later.

Chilled or frozen toys are some of the most useful tools for teething discomfort. Cold reduces gum inflammation and gives your puppy a safe outlet for intense chewing.

Choose toys made for teething puppies, firm enough to satisfy chewing but soft enough to protect developing teeth. Rubber and textured toys designed for this age work well. Ice cubes can also offer short-term gum relief.

Avoid natural bones during the teething phase. Hard bones can fracture teeth that are still developing. They can also become a hazard if your puppy swallows a fragment. Dental chews designed for puppies are a safer option for redirecting chewing behavior.

Moist, soft puppy food is worth considering during peak teething weeks. Dry kibble hurts when gums are inflamed. Softening kibble with water or switching to wet food reduces discomfort without changing your puppy’s nutrition.

Once the teething phase settles, returning to dry kibble helps clean tooth surfaces through the mechanical action of chewing.

Teething gel made for dogs can ease sore gums in the short term. Always confirm the product is dog-safe before use. Some human teething gels contain ingredients toxic to dogs, so checking labels is non-negotiable.

Starting a Dental Care Routine: Tooth Brushing and Beyond

Starting a dental care regimen at 8 weeks sets the foundation for lifelong oral health. Tooth brushing with a doggy toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste removes the plaque that hardens into tartar. Many toothpastes come in meaty flavors, which makes brushing more tolerable for puppies who resist mouth handling. Start with short sessions of just a few seconds and gradually build up.

Daily brushing at home slows tartar buildup between professional dental cleanings. Starting that dental hygiene routine during puppyhood makes the habit far easier to keep as your dog grows. Dental treats can supplement brushing, but they don’t replace it. Physical contact between bristles and tooth surfaces helps prevent tartar buildup over time.

Dental exams during routine vet visits give you a professional view of your puppy’s oral health between milestones. Your vet can spot early periodontal signs and flag foreign bodies lodged in the gum tissue. They can also advise on bite correction if something looks off.

That ongoing monitoring turns a good care routine into a complete dental care regimen. Pairing daily home care with regular vet exams covers both prevention and early detection.

When Do Puppies Lose Their Teeth: The Real Work Starts Here

Knowing when do puppies lose their teeth gives you a clear map. Acting on it is what protects your dog’s dental health for life. Retained baby teeth, a misaligned bite, and early periodontal disease are all preventable. Timely check-ups and the right home care routine make the difference.

The six teething stages tell you what to expect and when to pay closer attention. A dental visit between 4 and 6 months catches the problems that don’t resolve on their own. A brushing habit started during puppyhood keeps those 42 adult teeth healthy long past the teething phase.

If you’d like a professional assessment of your puppy’s teething progress, schedule your pet’s dental exam at Luxe Vet today.

FAQs

Do puppies bleed when they lose their teeth?

Light bleeding is normal when puppies lose their baby teeth. You may notice small blood spots on chew toys or a pink tinge in their water bowl. The bleeding comes from gum tissue as permanent teeth push through. It should be minimal and brief. Heavy or persistent bleeding warrants a vet check.

Do puppies’ breath smell when they lose their teeth?

Temporary bad breath is common during the teething phase. It happens as baby teeth loosen, fall out, and gum tissue heals around incoming permanent teeth. The odor typically clears once the transition is complete. Persistent bad breath after teething ends can signal a retained tooth or early gum disease and should be evaluated.

Do puppies lose their appetite when teething?

Yes, reduced appetite is a normal teething symptom. Sore, inflamed gums make chewing uncomfortable, especially with hard kibble. Softening dry food with water or switching temporarily to wet food can help. Appetite usually returns once the most active teething stages pass. Contact our vet if your puppy refuses food for more than 24 hours.

Do puppies get sick when they lose their teeth?

Puppies do not get sick from teething in the way humans might assume. Mild symptoms like drooling, irritability, and reduced appetite are normal. However, teething does not cause fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your puppy shows any of those signs during the teething period, a separate health issue is likely the cause.

Do puppies stop biting when they lose their baby teeth?

Losing baby teeth does not automatically stop biting behavior. Teething increases the urge to chew due to gum discomfort, which can make nipping worse between 12 and 20 weeks. Consistent training and redirecting to appropriate chew toys are what reduce biting over time. Most puppies improve significantly by 6 to 7 months as adult teeth settle in.

When do puppies lose their teeth? 6 Stages Every New Owner Needs To Know