Proper oral care for dogs preserves their overall health as well as their well-being. A dog’s oral health problems resemble those of human patients because they experience plaque accumulation and tarter formations which lead to gum disease and developing tooth decay. Knowledge of dog dental charts allows pet parents to identify their pet’s tooth structures such as shape and function in addition to receiving proper canine dentistry education.
We will examine dog teeth structure followed by discussing oral health issues and dental care recommendations and showing you a complete instructional dental chart of dog teeth.
📌 Dog Teeth Development Stages
Dogs go through two sets of teeth in their lifetime—puppy (deciduous) teeth and adult (permanent) teeth.
| Stage | Number of Teeth | Age Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Teeth (Deciduous) | 28 | 2-6 weeks | Also called “milk teeth”; temporary |
| Adult Teeth (Permanent) | 42 | 4-7 months | Stronger, built for lifelong use |
🦷 Puppy Teething Timeline
2-3 Weeks: First baby teeth start appearing.
6 Weeks: Puppies have a full set of 28 deciduous (baby) teeth.
3-4 Months: Adult teeth start replacing baby teeth.
6-7 Months: Full set of 42 adult teeth are present.
🛑 Puppies experience discomfort while teething and may chew excessively to relieve pain. Providing soft chew toys can help!
📊 Dog Dental Chart – Understanding a Dog’s Teeth Structure
Dogs have four types of teeth, each serving a different purpose:
| Tooth Type | Upper Jaw (Maxilla) | Lower Jaw (Mandible) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 6 | 6 | Grasping, nibbling, grooming |
| Canines | 2 | 2 | Tearing, holding prey |
| Premolars | 8 | 8 | Shearing, cutting food |
| Molars | 4 | 6 | Grinding, crushing hard food |
🦷 Functions of Dog Teeth
✔️ Incisors – Small front teeth used for gripping, nibbling, and grooming fur.
✔️ Canines (Fangs) – Sharp teeth used for tearing and holding food.
✔️ Premolars – Sharp-edged teeth used for chewing and slicing.
✔️ Molars – Large flat teeth used for grinding and crushing hard food.
📌 Dogs use a combination of these teeth to chew their food properly. Unlike humans, dogs do not chew from side to side.
🚨 Common Dog Dental Problems
Many dogs experience dental diseases if their teeth are not properly maintained. Here are some of the most common dental issues:
1️⃣ Plaque & Tartar Buildup
Plaque forms when food particles remain on the teeth. If not cleaned, it hardens into tartar, leading to gum disease.
💡 Solution: Daily brushing & dental chews help prevent plaque buildup.
2️⃣ Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
💡 Solution: Regular dental checkups and professional cleaning.
3️⃣ Periodontal Disease
Severe infection that damages the gums, bones, and ligaments supporting the teeth. Can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
💡 Solution: Professional deep cleaning and dental care.
4️⃣ Tooth Fractures
Dogs can break their teeth by chewing on hard objects like bones, stones, or antlers.
💡 Solution: Avoid giving hard chews; provide rubber chew toys instead.
5️⃣ Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Persistent bad breath is often a sign of infection, gum disease, or tartar buildup.
💡 Solution: Regular brushing, water additives, and professional dental checkups.
📌 80% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from some form of dental disease. Regular checkups help prevent severe oral health issues!
🦷 How to Take Care of Your Dog’s Teeth?
Proper dental care is essential to prevent serious health issues. Here’s how to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy:
1️⃣ Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Regularly 🪥
✅ Use a dog-friendly toothbrush & toothpaste (never use human toothpaste).
✅ Start with short brushing sessions and gradually increase time.
✅ Brush at least 3-4 times a week for best results.
2️⃣ Provide Dental Chews & Toys 🦴
✅ Chewing helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
✅ Choose rubber chew toys and veterinarian-approved dental treats.
3️⃣ Schedule Regular Vet Checkups 🏥
✅ Annual professional dental cleanings prevent major issues.
✅ Early detection of dental diseases saves money and discomfort.
4️⃣ Feed a Healthy Diet 🍖
✅ Avoid excessive soft food, which can cause plaque buildup.
✅ Consider dry kibble, as it helps clean teeth while chewing.
5️⃣ Use Dental Water Additives 💧
✅ Special oral health water additives help reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
📌 Following these tips can extend your dog’s life and keep them pain-free!
📋 Full Dog Dental Chart Reference
📌 Download a detailed dog dental chart here:
🔗 Dog Dental Chart – CelebsPet Care
This chart visually represents a dog’s teeth structure, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
🐶 FAQs About Dog Dental Care
Q1: At what age should I start brushing my dog’s teeth?
🦷 Start as early as 8 weeks old to help your puppy get used to brushing.
Q2: How often should I clean my dog’s teeth?
🦷 Ideally, daily brushing is best, but at least 3-4 times a week is recommended.
Q3: Can dogs get cavities?
🦷 Yes, but it’s rare. Dogs mostly suffer from gum disease and tartar buildup rather than cavities.
Q4: What’s the best dog toothpaste?
🦷 Use enzymatic dog toothpaste (chicken or beef-flavored) for better acceptance.
Q5: Are raw bones good for my dog’s teeth?
🦷 Raw bones can help with plaque removal, but they also risk tooth fractures. Safer alternatives are rubber chew toys and dental treats.
📞 Book a Dog Dental Checkup Today!
🐾 Keep your pet’s teeth healthy with regular dental checkups at PetVet Health Care Centre.
📍 Locations: Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, NHPC Colony, Sarai Baderpur, Mewla Maharajpur
🔗 Visit Us: CelebsPet Care
Your dog’s smile matters—let’s keep those teeth strong and healthy! 🐶✨
