Our dog’s smiles and kisses are one of our favorite things in life. In order to provide them with the best oral care, as a pet parent, it’s important to know how their mouth and teeth are organized, how many teeth do dogs have, what they have been designed for, and what’s their anatomy.
Dogs’ teeth
Dogs are omnivores who descend from wild wolves, so their teeth are specifically designed to tear meat and fibrous plants up. However, just as humans, dogs are born without teeth, and they start to erupt in their 3rd or 4th week of life.
Puppy teeth
So, how many teeth do dogs have? Deciduous teeth, better known as puppy teeth, are approximately 28. By the age of 3/4 months old, puppies would have developed almost all their puppy teeth (with the exception of shorter breeds that may take a bit longer). These teeth tend to fall out when pups are 5/7 months old. When puppy teeth don’t fall out, they are called “retainers’ teeth” and it can lead to overcrowding. You will need to have these teeth removed by your vet, in order to avoid further dental problems and periodontal diseases.
How many teeth do dogs have in adulthood?
Adult dogs’ teeth are usually 42, and they can be divided into 4 categories:
- Incisors: Pups have 12 incisors, 6 on the top and 6 on the bottom of their mouths. These are the small teeth that are found at the front of their mouth. They are used to scrape, chew, and groom themselves.
- Canines: These 4 teeth are behind the incisors, and they are the equivalent of fangs in humans. Canines are pointy and sharp, they are good to hold to something with strength, and tear meat up.
- Molars: These teeth are strong and flat, and they are specially designed for chewing and breaking down hard foods. Dogs have 10 molars, 4 on the top and 6 on the bottom.
- Premolars: They are 16 (8 on the top and 8 on the bottom) and they are located behind the canine teeth. They are sharp-edged and they are used to chew and shred food.
Dog dental care
Again, just as in humans, teeth won’t take care of themselves. About 80% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from some form of dental disease.
When a dog turns 3/4 years old, it’s important to pay an annual visit to the vet to make a follow-up on his denture. Besides, you should make dental hygiene part of their daily routine. By using Mokai Dental Wipes for dogs, you will reduce the plaque, dental calculus, and tartar build-up in your dog’s teeth. In addition, if you think your dog needs a boost and you want to add a supplement to their diet, you can add a tbsp of All-in-one Super Herbs to their regular food. It’s an all-natural supplement made out of harvested sea kelp that maintains your pet’s oral health while reducing bad breath.
