Puppy Teething: The Stages, Potential Hazards, Issues, and Some Helpful Tips

This blog will delve into the puppy teething process, including the stages, tooth count, common issues, and practical advice to help ease their pain. I hope that having some understanding of your puppy’s teething process will enable you to help ease their discomfort and maintain their oral health during their dental journey.

Teething can be tough for everyone involved: the puppy and those caring for them.

Unfortunately, Puppy play often leads to new owners hearing themselves saying “Ouch” and “No” because of their puppy's razor-sharp baby teeth. Tip: Have plasters on hand.

Puppy teeth feel like what shark teeth look like - Sharp

Teething is a natural part of the dental journey, which can be challenging. I once had the heels chewed off a brand-new pair of stilettos, the edge of a plasterboard wall, and a wooden door frame—all chewed.

Beware of the adorable, playful puppy

Puppy Teething Timeline, Tooth Count

• At Birth: Puppies are toothless, and their only food source is their mother's milk

• At 3 weeks old: Puppies' baby teeth, also called deciduous milk teeth, grow. They are sharp and small and, in my opinion, resemble the spiky teeth of a piranha fish

• By 6 - 8 weeks: The puppy will have 28 baby teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 12 premolars

• At roughly 12 weeks old, Puppies' baby teeth will start to fall out. Look for: small teeth in toys, on the floor, bleeding gums, and excessive chewing. This process usually continues until 6 months of age.

• 6 - 7 months of age: Puppies typically have all 42 of their permanent adult teeth, consisting of 12 incisors, 4 canines,16 premolars, and 10 molars.

Common Puppy Teething Problems

It’s typical for puppies to chew a lot or seem uncomfortable while teething. However, some difficulties may arise during the puppy’s teething phase:

• Bite and Tooth Alignment (Malocclusions):

  This is when the teeth don’t fit together correctly. These include overbites, underbites, and crossbites, which can range from mild to severe. Importantly, no one has a crystal ball, and when the adult teeth erupt, they might grow in the right spot as the baby teeth fall out. TIP: Monitor your puppy’s mouth while they’re teething and get the vet to check their teeth once the adult ones are in.

• Retained Baby Teeth:

  Sometimes a baby tooth doesn’t fall out before the adult tooth comes in. This is most common with canine teeth. If left untreated, retained teeth can cause: overcrowding, misalignment, and gum infections. TIP: A vet may recommend extraction if the tooth doesn’t fall out naturally. However, often time and the use of a tennis ball can help here.

• Inflamed Gums:

  Swollen or red gums can cause pain and reluctance to eat. TIP: Gentle brushing or teething toys can help, but consult your vet if swelling persists.

  
  

• Bleeding or Bad Breath:

  A little bleeding is normal, but foul-smelling breath or excessive blood can be a sign of infection or dental disease. TIP: Arrange a dental health check with your Vet

How to Help a Teething Puppy: Practical Tips

Puppies' teething is a struggle, but these ideas can soothe their pain and protect your things.

TIPS

1. Offer Frozen treats: As they can numb sore gums and reduce inflammation

2. Provide Safe Chew Toys: Look for brands approved by vets or labelled as dental-safe

3. Start Brushing Early: With a finger brush and dog-safe toothpaste. Early habits prevent plaque and get them comfortable with oral care

4. Provide Carrots as snacks: They can help to clean the teeth and keep plaque at bay.

5. Schedule a Dental Health Check: Your vet can monitor dental development and catch retained teeth or abnormalities before they become a problem

   
   

Summary:

• Puppies have 28 baby teeth and 42 adult teeth

• Teething starts at 3 weeks and ends around 6-7 months

• Watch for retained teeth, swelling or chewing issues

• Use chew toys, carrot stick snacks, brushing and frozen treats to ease discomfort and help keep plaque build-up at bay.

  
  

Last note: With an understanding of your puppy's teething stages, tips on how to soothe them during their dental journey, knowing what to monitor for, and providing the right chew toys and treats, you’ll help your puppy grow into a happy, healthy adult with great teeth.

Click here to view puppies at Monnybrook Labradors