Puppyhood is a fun and exciting stage with critical turning points highlighting your pet’s development and growth. Teething is one of the most essential parts of this stage when pups lose their baby teeth and grow into permanent adult teeth.
To provide their puppies with the most care and support possible, pet owners must understand when and how this shift occurs. In this article, we will look at the chronology and indicators of teething, provide strategies for relieving discomfort, and address common concerns to ensure your small puppy’s oral health is on track.
Understanding the Development of Puppy Teeth
Just like human babies, puppies are born toothless. When they are between two and four weeks old, their baby teeth, also known as milk teeth, erupt. A puppy will typically have 28 deciduous teeth, which consist of the following;
- 12 incisors puppy baby teeth (6 on top and 6 on the bottom)
- Four canines (2 on top and 2 on the bottom)
- 12 premolars (6 on top and 6 on the bottom)
These infant teeth are smaller, sharper, and more brittle than the adult teeth that will replace them.
How Long Does Teething Last? the Timeline
Teething is the process of growing adult teeth and shedding baby teeth. A typical timetable for this procedure is as follows;
- 3 to 4 Months Old: The incisors are the first teeth to fall out. A puppy’s tiny incisors will fall out at three months of age. You could observe that the small front teeth fall out and are replaced with adult incisors.
- 4 to 5 Months Old: After the incisors, the pointed teeth, or canines, begin to fall out. Adult dogs often replace these between the ages of four and five months.
- 4 to 6 Months Old: Next are the premolars. Between four and six months, these teeth fall out to make room for the larger, more robust adult premolars.
- 5 to 7 Months Old: Finally, the molars, which are not present in infant teeth, begin to develop. Most pups will have all their adult teeth by the time they are seven months old.
A puppy will have 42 adult teeth by the end of this procedure, which usually takes six to seven months. These teeth include:
- 12 incisors
- 4 canines
- 16 premolars
- 10 molars
What are the Signs of Teething?
Teething may be a challenging time for pups and their caregivers. When a puppy is teething, common symptoms include;
- Chewing: To ease the pain associated with teething, puppies chew on everything they can find. Although this is typical behavior, it may be controlled by giving the proper chew toys.
- Drooling: During the teething period, salivation often increases.
- Inflamed Gums: As the new teeth erupt, swollen and sensitive gums are normal.
- Decreased Appetite: Puppies that have gum soreness may eat less.
- Gum bleeding: When teeth are falling out and growing in, minor bleeding on the gums is normal.
- Irritability: Teething can cause discomfort, making puppies more irritable and fussy than usual.
- Bad Breath: Teething can sometimes cause bad breath due to the bacterial buildup in the mouth.
- Changes in Behavior: Some puppies may become more irritable, while others may be more lethargic.
How to Help a Teething Puppy?
A puppy can be helped in a few different ways to get through the teething stage;
1. Provide Chew Toys
You must provide appropriate chew toys to your puppy to help them ease their discomforts during the teething phase. Make sure to look for toys designed specifically for this purpose, which are usually softer yet durable.
These toys help massage their gums and provide a safe outlet for their chewing instincts. Lastly, you must avoid giving them household items or hard objects that could damage their teeth.
2. Offer Cold Treats
Cold treats can help soothe your puppy’s sore gums. You can offer them chilled or frozen treats, such as frozen carrots or specially-made puppy teething rings that can be frozen.
These cold things will help to numb their gums and reduce inflammation, temporarily relieving the pain associated with teething. However, you must always supervise your puppy when giving them treats to ensure safety.
3. Maintain Oral Hygiene
You must ensure good oral hygiene for your puppy during its teething period. Regularly check your puppy’s mouth for signs of infection or abnormal growth. You can gently brush your teeth with a puppy-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your gums healthy.
Introducing oral hygiene early helps prevent future dental problems and keeps their mouth clean as they grow.
4. Ensuring Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition during your puppy’s teething process supports its overall dental health. Ensure your puppy receives a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. During this uncomfortable phase, you can feed them wet puppy food, or kibble softened in warm water.
You can also consult your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that suit your puppy’s needs during teething.
5. Keep a Watch on the Process
You must watch your puppy’s mouth to ensure the baby teeth are coming out and getting appropriately replaced with adult teeth. Sometimes, baby teeth can create dental problems during the teething stage and even refuse to come out independently.
Some common dental health in large dog issues are;
- Retained Deciduous Teeth: Crowding and misaligning adult teeth can result from baby teeth not erupting when they should. This is a typical problem with incisors and dogs.
- Misaligned Teeth: Adult teeth may not erupt into their appropriate positions, which can result in problems with jaw and chewing alignment.
If you leave these problems untreated, they can lead to bigger problems. In this case, consulting your veterinarian is recommended to avoid these issues.
When Do Puppies Get Their Adult Teeth
Puppies typically start getting their adult teeth around three to four months of age. The process, known as teething, begins with the incisors, followed by the canines, premolars, and finally, the molars. By six to eight months, most puppies have all 42 of their adult teeth. During this time, they may experience discomfort and chew on objects to alleviate pain, so providing appropriate chew toys is beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can puppies experience bleeding gums when losing baby teeth?
Yes, slight bleeding from the gums can occur when puppies lose their baby teeth. It is generally not a cause for concern, but if the bleeding is excessive or persistent, consult your veterinarian.
2. How long does the process of losing baby teeth last?
The process usually lasts until the puppy is about six to seven months old.
3. Do puppies swallow their baby teeth?
Yes, it’s common for puppies to swallow their baby teeth while eating or playing, and it usually causes no harm.
4. What should I do if I find a puppy tooth?
Finding a puppy tooth is normal. You can keep it as a memento or dispose of it; no special action is required.
5. Is it painful for puppies to lose their baby teeth?
Puppies may experience some discomfort, but it is generally not very painful. Chew toys can help alleviate any discomfort.
6. What can I give my puppy to help with teething discomfort?
Provide safe chew toys or teething rings to help soothe your puppy’s gums and alleviate discomfort.
7. Can losing baby teeth affect a puppy’s eating habits?
Puppies may eat less or prefer softer food while losing their baby teeth due to gum sensitivity.
8. Should I be concerned if my puppy’s adult teeth are coming in crooked?
Crooked adult teeth can sometimes correct themselves, but it’s best to consult a vet for advice.
9. What happens if a puppy’s baby tooth doesn’t fall out?
If a baby tooth doesn’t fall out and the adult tooth comes in, a vet should be consulted to remove the retained baby tooth possibly.
10. How can I care for my puppy’s new adult teeth?
Maintain good dental hygiene by brushing your puppy’s teeth regularly and providing dental chews to keep their teeth healthy.
Wrapping Up
Understanding when and how pups lose their baby teeth is critical for their overall growth and dental health. By the time they are seven months old, most pups will have lost all their baby teeth and grown a complete set of adult teeth.
Proper attention and care during this teething phase can help reduce discomfort and shield the teeth from future problems. If your pet receives regular veterinarian checkups and dental treatment, it will have healthy teeth and gums for the rest of its life.
