The short answer
Puppies have 28 baby teeth and grow 42 adult teeth. Baby teeth start falling out from 14 weeks (Merck, U.S.) or 3 to 4 months (Ontario SPCA), all adult teeth are in by 7 to 8 months, and chewing during that time is normal. Give a few safe chews that pass the thumbnail test, supervise them, and skip anything that can splinter or is too hard for young teeth, such as bones, hooves, antlers and hard nylon. Start gentle mouth handling now. See your vet if a baby tooth is still in place when the adult tooth comes in beside it, or if a tooth breaks, your puppy stops eating, or you see swelling or pus.
Key takeaways
- Most dogs have 28 baby teeth and 42 permanent teeth (Merck Veterinary Manual, U.S.).
- Baby teeth start falling out from 14 weeks (Merck, U.S.) or between 3 and 4 months (Ontario SPCA). All adult teeth are in by 7 to 8 months.
- Veterinary dentists use a thumbnail test: if you cannot dent a chew with your fingernail, it may be too hard (Cornell, U.S.).
- Real bones, hooves, antlers, hard nylon toys, rocks and fences are all listed as causes of fractured teeth (Merck, U.S.).
- A retained baby tooth can change how the bite lines up. Vets can remove it as soon as it is noticed (Merck, U.S.).
- Brush daily if you can. Never use toothpaste made for people (Merck, U.S.).
What is happening in your puppy’s mouth
Puppies are born without teeth. Baby, or deciduous, teeth come in during the first weeks. Merck (U.S.) puts the start at 3 to 5 weeks, and the Ontario SPCA puts it at two weeks. Later, the baby teeth loosen and fall out as 42 permanent teeth replace them. The two sources agree on the story but differ a little on dates, so use the table as a window, not a deadline.
| Stage | Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.) | Ontario SPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Baby teeth appear | 3 to 5 weeks | Two weeks |
| Baby teeth begin to fall out | From 14 weeks, starting with the upper central incisors | Between 3 and 4 months |
| Permanent teeth appear | From 4 to 5 months | Baby teeth gone by 6 months |
| All permanent teeth in | By 7 months | Up to 8 months |
| Tooth counts | 28 baby, 42 permanent | 42 adult teeth |
You may find tiny teeth on the floor, or never see one. We found no Canadian source that says what happens to a swallowed baby tooth, so mention it at your next vet visit if it worries you. The Ontario SPCA lists the signs of teething as abnormal drooling, chewing, whining, biting, suckling, bloody saliva and changes in eating habits. Ask your vet if any of these is severe or does not settle.
The thumbnail test and the safe chew list
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (U.S.) says fractured teeth are commonly caused by chewing very hard objects. Veterinary dentists use a thumbnail test: if you cannot dent the chew with your fingernail, it is likely too hard. Cornell also suggests looking for chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council and choosing a size suited to your dog, since larger chews are harder and may be wrong for a small dog.
| Choice | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen chew toy, or a dampened towel or old shirt, frozen | Cold soothes sore gums and the material is soft | Ontario SPCA |
| Chews that pass the thumbnail test, sized to your puppy | Hard chews are linked to fractured teeth | Cornell (U.S.) |
| Chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council | Cornell suggests looking for the seal | Cornell (U.S.) |
| Rawhide, with supervision only | Cornell says rawhide can be safe but needs supervision | Cornell (U.S.) |
| Real bones, hooves, antlers | May break a tooth, or splinter and cause stomach problems | Cornell, Merck (U.S.) |
| Hard nylon toys, rocks, fences, cages | Listed by Merck as causes of tooth fracture | Merck (U.S.) |
| Anything that could splinter | The Ontario SPCA says never give it | Ontario SPCA |
| Old socks and shoes | Ottawa Humane Society says never use them as chew toys | Ottawa Humane Society |
Sources differ on ice. The Ontario SPCA lists ice cubes as a way to soothe gums. Cornell says dogs should not chomp on ice cubes but that licking, chasing and playing with them is fine. Because the dental source warns against hard objects, ask your vet before giving ice, and favour frozen towels and soft frozen toys.
Ottawa Humane Society says puppies commonly chew up to the age of 18 months and recommends giving no more than three safe chew objects at a time. Redirect chewing to a safe object and give praise and a treat when your puppy takes it. Rotating a few items is easier than managing a toy box. The Ontario SPCA adds a plain warning: even the best made toy is not indestructible, so supervise.
Puppy-proofing during teething
A teething puppy tests everything at mouth height. Walk through your home on your knees and remove what you would not want swallowed. In a Canadian winter the pile by the door matters: mitts, boots, salt bags and ice melt are all within reach. Our puppy-proofing guide has the room-by-room list, and toxic foods and household hazards covers what to keep out of reach entirely. Use baby gates or a pen so your puppy is either supervised or in a safe space, and tidy cords and shoes.
- Cover or hide electrical cords and unplug chargers when not in use.
- Keep shoes, laundry, remotes and phones off the floor.
- Move plants out of reach until you have checked each one against a poison-control list.
- Offer a swap, not a scolding: calmly trade the forbidden item for an approved chew, then praise.
- If your puppy mouths hands during play, stop the game for a few seconds when teeth touch skin, then resume with a toy. Our biting and mouthing guide has a step-by-step plan.
Start tooth care now
Merck (U.S.) says daily toothbrushing is best. If a dog will not allow brushing, wiping the teeth with gauze at least every two to three days can help. Only the outside surfaces of the teeth need to be brushed or wiped. Toothpastes made for people should not be used. The Ontario SPCA recommends starting a gentle teeth-cleaning routine during the teething phase. Begin with a minute of lifting lips and touching gums, followed by a reward. Our dental care guide covers brushing, chews and professional cleanings.
Retained baby teeth and other reasons to see your vet
Merck (U.S.) says that if baby teeth are not lost when the permanent teeth come in, abnormal tooth position and bite may result, and that removal as soon as a retained tooth is noticed can prevent later complications. A common sign is a baby tooth still in place beside its adult replacement. Ask your vet to check your puppy’s mouth at each visit; your puppy’s first year of vet visits shows when those visits fall, and choosing a vet and what the first visit covers helps you pick a clinic.
Cornell lists these signs of a fractured tooth: avoiding chew toys or hard treats, walking up to the food bowl and leaving without eating, eating less, sensitivity to hot and cold, and swelling and pain that can signal an abscess. It warns that a wiggly tooth should not just be watched. Call your vet if you see any of these, or if:
- a baby tooth is still in place after the adult tooth has come in beside it;
- an adult tooth comes in at an odd angle;
- bleeding does not stop, or you see swelling, a bad smell or pus;
- your puppy stops eating or seems to be in pain;
- your puppy swallowed something that is not food, such as part of a toy or a sock.
Do not give human pain medicine to a teething puppy, and ask your vet before using any gel or numbing product; our guide to human medicines dogs should never have explains why.
Breed and size
We found no Canadian source that ranks breeds by risk of retained teeth, so we make no claim on it here. Merck (U.S.) says some breeds, especially small breeds, are prone to teeth that stay under the gumline, so ask your vet to look at the teeth of any toy or small-breed puppy at each visit. Cornell (U.S.) notes that larger chews are harder and may be wrong for a small dog, so size every chew to your puppy.
A simple daily teething routine
- Morning: a frozen soft toy after breakfast to soothe the gums.
- Midday: a short supervised chew session while you work nearby.
- Afternoon: a tug or retrieve game with a soft toy, ending before your puppy gets over-excited.
- Evening: a calm chew on a mat or in the crate before bed.
- Daily: one minute of gentle mouth handling, with a reward.
You do not need dozens of toys. Three safe chew objects at a time (Ottawa Humane Society), rotated, cover most of what a puppy needs.
Myth vs fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Harder chews clean teeth better. | Cornell (U.S.) says fractured teeth are commonly caused by chewing very hard objects, and recommends the thumbnail test. |
| Bones are natural, so they are safe. | Cornell and Merck (U.S.) both list real bones, hooves and antlers as causes of tooth fractures or splintering. |
| Baby teeth do not matter because they fall out. | Merck (U.S.) says retained baby teeth can change the position of teeth and the bite. |
| A little blood on a toy means an emergency. | The Ontario SPCA lists bloody saliva among the signs of teething. Heavy bleeding that does not stop needs your vet. |
| Ice is always safe. | Sources differ. Cornell advises against chomping on ice. Ask your vet. |
Frequently asked questions
When do puppies stop teething?
Merck (U.S.) says all permanent teeth are in by 7 months. The Ontario SPCA says adult teeth can take up to 8 months. The urge to chew can continue: Ottawa Humane Society says puppies commonly chew up to 18 months.
What is the thumbnail test?
Press your fingernail into the chew. If you cannot dent it, it is likely too hard for your puppy’s teeth (Cornell, U.S.).
Can I use human toothpaste?
No. Merck (U.S.) says toothpastes made for people should not be used. Ask your vet for a dog toothpaste.
How often should I brush?
Merck (U.S.) says daily brushing is best. If your dog will not allow it, wiping the outside of the teeth with gauze at least every two to three days can help.
My puppy swallowed a baby tooth. Should I worry?
We found no Canadian source on this. Mention it at your next vet visit. Call your vet at once if your puppy swallowed a toy, a sock or any other object.
Keep reading
- Puppy biting and mouthing: what is normal and how to stop it
- Dental care for dogs: brushing, chews and cleanings
- Puppy-proofing a Canadian home and yard
- Toxic foods and household hazards for dogs
- Your puppy’s first year of vet visits, month by month
Sources
All links checked October 2026. Sources marked (U.S.) are American.
- Merck Veterinary Manual, pet owner version: Dental development of dogs (U.S.)
- Merck Veterinary Manual, pet owner version: Dental disorders of dogs (U.S.)
- Ontario SPCA: When do puppies lose teeth and how to help with teething
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Risks from a fractured tooth (U.S.)
- Ottawa Humane Society: Tips for dogs (chewing, crate training)
Keep reading