Puppy teething is the natural process by which a young dog grows its first set of baby teeth, loses them, and replaces them with a permanent adult set, usually finishing by around six to seven months of age. If you have just brought home a new puppy, understanding this timeline helps you tell normal development from a problem worth a phone call to your veterinarian. We have spent more than 25 years thinking about canine oral care here at Ark Naturals, and one thing we hear constantly from new owners is a simple question: when does all this chewing and drooling end? Here is what the road actually looks like.
The two sets of teeth every dog grows
Dogs, like people, are diphyodont, which is a fancy way of saying they grow two sets of teeth in a lifetime. The first set is made up of deciduous teeth, often called baby or milk teeth. These are small, sharp, and temporary. The second set is the permanent adult dentition that has to last the rest of your dog's life.
A full set of puppy teeth numbers 28. The adult set is larger, at 42 teeth. That jump in number is one reason the mouth feels so busy during the transition: new, bigger teeth are arriving while smaller ones are pushed out.
Weeks 2 to 4: the very first teeth
Puppies are born without any visible teeth. The first deciduous teeth typically begin erupting at about two to three weeks of age, starting with the incisors at the front of the mouth. By the time a litter is around four weeks old, the small canine teeth and some premolars are usually coming in.
Most owners never witness this stage, because puppies generally stay with their breeder or rescue until at least eight weeks. Still, it helps to know the sequence so the later milestones make sense.
Weeks 5 to 8: a full set of baby teeth
By six to eight weeks, a healthy puppy usually has all 28 deciduous teeth in place. This is around the age many puppies go to their new homes. You may notice those needle-like "puppy teeth" when your pup nibbles your fingers. They are remarkably sharp, which is normal and serves a purpose during weaning and early play.
At this stage there is no brushing or chewing routine to worry about yet. The job is simply gentle handling: touch your puppy's muzzle, lift a lip, let them get used to your fingers near their mouth. That early familiarity pays off later.
Weeks 12 to 16: baby teeth start to go
Around three to four months, the deciduous teeth begin to loosen and fall out as adult teeth push up underneath. The incisors usually lead the way. You might find a tiny tooth on the floor or in a chew toy, though plenty of puppies swallow them harmlessly while eating.
This is also when many owners can begin introducing age-appropriate chews. Our dental chews are formulated for dogs 12 weeks and up, so once your puppy reaches that age and your veterinarian agrees the timing is right, a gentle daily chew can become part of the routine. Always start with the correct size for your dog's weight; our DENTA-METER on the package helps you match the chew to your pup.
Months 4 to 6: the adult teeth arrive
Between roughly four and six months, the bulk of the transition happens. Adult incisors, canines, premolars, and molars come in. The large adult canine teeth are often the ones owners notice most, and the first molars (which have no baby-tooth predecessor) appear during this window too.
Chewing tends to peak here. Gums can feel sore as teeth push through, and many puppies seek out anything firm to gnaw on for relief. Providing safe, appropriate chew options protects your furniture and gives your puppy an acceptable outlet.
Around 6 to 7 months: a complete adult set
Most dogs have all 42 permanent teeth by six to seven months of age, though some larger breeds finish a little later. This is the milestone you have been waiting for. Once the adult teeth are in, the foundation for a lifetime of oral care is set, and prevention becomes the name of the game.
The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that dental disease is one of the most common problems veterinarians see in adult dogs, which is exactly why habits started young matter so much. You can read their overview of pet dental care for the bigger picture.
Building a starter routine once teeth are in
Once your puppy is past 12 weeks and especially once the adult teeth are settling in, daily oral care can begin in earnest. For most owners, the easiest place to start is a brushless chew. Our Brushless Toothpaste chews are designed as a daily, fuss-free option, and the Soft Brushless version offers a gentler texture for pups who prefer something softer. We make our chews in the USA with no artificial flavors or colors, and they carry our Asta-Shield astaxanthin coating, an antioxidant we will say more about below.
If you would rather brush, that is wonderful too. The goal at this age is simply consistency and positive associations. Many owners combine occasional brushing with a daily chew, and your veterinarian can advise on what fits your puppy best.
A note on astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid studied for its antioxidant properties. Research published in peer-reviewed journals has examined its antioxidant activity in various contexts. We include it as a coating on our chews as a source of antioxidant support, not as a treatment for any condition. As always, talk with your vet about your puppy's overall nutrition.
When to call your veterinarian
Teething is messy but usually uneventful. A few signs are worth a professional look: a baby tooth that has not fallen out while the adult tooth is already in (a retained tooth), persistent bad breath, bleeding that does not stop, swelling, or a puppy who suddenly refuses to eat. Your veterinarian checks the developing mouth at routine puppy visits and can flag anything that needs attention. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian rather than waiting.
Key takeaways
- Puppies grow 28 baby teeth, then replace them with 42 adult teeth, usually by six to seven months.
- The first baby teeth appear around two to three weeks; they start falling out around three to four months.
- Chewing peaks between four and six months as adult teeth erupt.
- Daily oral care can begin once your pup is past 12 weeks and your vet agrees; brushless chews are an easy starting point.
- Retained baby teeth, persistent bad breath, or refusal to eat warrant a call to your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
How long does puppy teething last?
From the first baby teeth at around two to three weeks to a full adult set at six to seven months, the whole process spans several months. The most noticeable phase for owners, with heavy chewing and lost teeth, usually runs from about three to six months of age.
Is it normal for my puppy to swallow baby teeth?
Yes. Many puppies swallow their tiny deciduous teeth while eating, and this is harmless. You will not always find the teeth, and that is nothing to worry about.
When can I start giving my puppy dental chews?
Our chews are formulated for dogs 12 weeks and older. Once your puppy reaches that age, choose the right size using the DENTA-METER and check with your veterinarian, who can confirm the timing suits your individual pup.
Should I be worried about bad breath during teething?
Mild, temporary breath changes can occur as teeth shift. Persistent or strong bad breath, however, is worth mentioning to your veterinarian, since it can point to something beyond normal teething.