For eating, but also for attacking or defending, the dentition of an adult dog is perfectly adapted to the dietary needs of its order. As a primarily carnivorous species, a dog's mouth is equipped with distinctive teeth and fangs, allowing it to ensure its sustenance, digestion, and protection if necessary in the wild. With a total of 42 teeth, the teeth supported by its jaw all have very specific characteristics. Have you ever wondered what each type of tooth in your dog is for?
To better understand your canine's diet and its dental peculiarities, let's look together at the specifics of its teeth, their function, and their specialty!
I. Overview
Like all carnivores, dogs have highly specialized teeth with large canines, small front teeth called incisors, premolars, and then molars.
Each tooth has its specialty and function, and they are counted per half-jaw (42 teeth in a healthy adult dog).
Fangs are the canines of carnivorous animals. These are hook-shaped teeth designed to pierce the flesh of their prey. Most of the time, they are used to kill their prey. Very characteristic of carnivores, this type of tooth allows the animal to hold onto its prey and tear tissues.
Then its premolars and molars will allow it to bite into tissues to break them down into smaller pieces that can be swallowed.
Finally, with the small front incisors, it can scrape flesh off bones and pick up small pieces that have fallen to the ground.
Unlike cats, adult dogs can chew effectively, and a balanced diet will also include some vegetables and certain fruits, preferably raw, but little to no starches, as their digestive system is not well adapted to them.
II. Morphology and Characteristics
1. Upper Half-Jaw
Each upper half-jaw has 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, and 2 molars (20 teeth in total for the upper jaw).
2. Lower Half-Jaw
Each lower half-jaw has 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, and 3 molars (22 teeth in total for the lower jaw or mandible).
3. Remarks
Regardless of the cephalic type of the dog and thus the shape of its jaw, dolichocephalic (greyhounds, Dobermans, ...), mesocephalic (German Shepherds, Labradors, ...), or brachycephalic (Boxers, Bulldogs, Pekingese, ...), the number of teeth remains the same.
Dogs use their teeth not only for eating but also for defense. In a natural context, a wild carnivore will catch its prey with its fangs (the canines).
Note that the lower carnassial is considered the first molar and the upper carnassial as the fourth premolar.
III. Specificities of Dog Teeth
1. The Incisors
The front teeth, which are the smallest, are called incisors. There are 12 in a dog's jaw. These are shaped like a fleur-de-lis or clover. They are named, per half-jaw, pincers (the central incisors), intermediates (the next two), and corners (the last lateral ones), with the corner being the incisor closest to the canine. Their size increases in this order. The larger upper corners resemble fangs, and the wear of their lobes gives an estimate of the dog's age.
2. The Canines
Also known as "fangs," the canines, numbering 4, are the strongest, most robust, and longest teeth in a dog's jaw. These hook-shaped or laniary teeth are used to tear food in carnivores. These pointed, prominent teeth are located between the incisors and the molars. The fangs, when the dog growls, are also used to warn and threaten if the animal feels disturbed or threatened. The name "canines" comes from the Latin word "canis," meaning dog.
3. The Molars and Premolars
There are 26 in a dog's mouth (12 on top, 14 on the bottom). Their size increases from the beginning of the arch to the carnassial (large molar), then decreases. Located before the carnassial, the premolars, called precarnassials, are thin, sharp, and saw-toothed. After the carnassial, the molars, also called tuberculous, are flattened, rounded, and grinding.
The last molars in dogs, located at the back of the jaw, are rather flat (like in humans), for tearing and grinding. These are more prone to cavities, especially if sugary products are given to the dog, which is not recommended by veterinarians.
IV. Puppy Dentition
The permanent dentition of an adult dog consists of 42 teeth, while the deciduous dentition of a puppy (milk teeth) is composed of only 28 or 32 teeth (the number of premolars in puppies varies by breed), with the same number of teeth for each jaw, unlike adults. Generally, the adult dentition is complete by 7 months.
Per half-jaw, a puppy has 3 incisors, 1 canine, and 4 premolars. The eruption of milk teeth in puppies starts around three weeks to a month and a half of age. Then, the milk teeth start to fall out around the fourth month, although the duration of eruption and loss of milk teeth obviously varies by breed and individual. Gradually, the milk teeth are replaced by adult teeth until the age of seven months.
| Milk Teeth |
Puppy Age |
| Central Incisors or Pincers | From 4 months |
| Lateral Incisors or Intermediates | From 4 and a half months |
| Canines or Fangs | From 5 months |
| Premolars to Molars (carnassials) | From 6 months |
The incisors, and especially the milk canines, resemble adult teeth but are very pointed. This peculiarity has two consequences: the first, physiological, is that the appearance of milk teeth will encourage weaning due to the pain it causes the mother during nursing; the second, behavioral, is that puppy nipping, contrary to what one might imagine, is not harmless and can cause injuries and pain to overly permissive owners.
V. Characteristics of Brachycephalic Breeds
Brachycephalic breeds, which have a more recessed nose, such as Boxers, Bulldogs, and Pekingese, have an additional peculiarity. These breeds, which have a slightly shortened face, have nevertheless retained the same number of teeth in a smaller space, leading to more dental crowding and possibly more dental-related diseases. Indeed, bacteria will have a surface with more folds, which can predispose them to dental infections, which must be particularly watched in these breeds, as in small breeds, also known as "Toy" breeds, which also have large teeth in a smaller jaw.
It is therefore strongly recommended to accustom these sensitive breeds, in terms of oral health, to dental brushing from a young age. There is also a convenient alternative that saves time and easily reaches the back teeth, while acting on the existing dental plaque: anti-tartar spray for dogs. Indeed, a good plant-based tartar spray will help avoid two common problems in our four-legged friends: tartar deposits, which can lead to periodontal diseases and gingivitis, as well as bad breath, which can be unpleasant if the dog has poor oral hygiene.
Taking Care of Your Dog's Teeth for Good Hygiene
Perfectly suited for a diet rich in meat products, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits, a dog's dentition, being primarily a carnivorous species, always has 42 teeth, regardless of breed and cephalic type. Depending on its morphotype, particular attention might be necessary, especially for small breeds that cannot chew to maintain optimal oral hygiene for as long as possible. We hope to have enlightened you about the dental characteristics of your faithful friend, and as always, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section. Best regards!
