How Many Teeth Do Dogs Have?
October 5, 2020At a glance
Adult dogs have 42 teeth (20 on top, 22 on the bottom); puppies start with 28 temporary teeth. Adult cats have 30 teeth; kittens have 26. Both species use four tooth types: incisors, canines, premolars and molars, and the large carnassial teeth built for shearing.
How many teeth do dogs and cats have? What are the differences between cat and dog teeth? We have answers to all your questions!
Did you know that cats have fewer teeth than dogs and dog’s teeth collect more plaque than cats?
There are some big differences between canines and felines. For dogs, calculus can cause irritation to the gums which can lead to gingival recession and bone loss. Cats get cat-specific diseases such as stomatitis and resorptive lesions where the teeth and/or gums become painful and inflamed.
Remember that cats are stoic! Cats will not show clinical signs until the periodontal disease is advanced. Therefore, watch closely for any odd behavior.
How Many Teeth Do Dogs and Cats Have?
Different teeth perform different jobs. Cats have 26 baby teeth and 30 permanent teeth.
An adult dog should have 42 teeth in total, that’s 20 on top of their jaw and 22 on the bottom. Puppies have only 28 temporary teeth!
Not all dogs grow in their 42 teeth! In fact, for unknown reasons teeth may become entrapped by bone or gum tissue. This condition appears more commonly in Tibetan Terrier, Wheaton Terrier, Maltese, and Havanese.
Once all the adult teeth grow in and the puppy teeth fall out, count your dog’s teeth. Then, if you suspect something is off, simply talk to your vet.
What About Retained Puppy Teeth?
PetMD tells us that when puppy teeth don’t fall out on their own and stay in your puppy’s mouth they could present problems!
When puppy teeth do not fall out on their own and stay in your puppy’s mouth, they are called retained or deciduous teeth. This is an issue that can lead to overcrowding, which can cause abnormal positioning of adult teeth and increased susceptibility to periodontal problems.
With that in mind, there are four types of teeth to know about. Above all, being familiar with them before your pet’s dental cleaning makes the report card much easier to follow.
- Incisors
- Canines
- Premolars and molars
- Carnassial teeth (carnassial teeth are the 4th upper premolars and the 1st lower molars)
Canine and Feline dental anatomy
1. Incisors
Incisors are named first, second, and third based on their location in the mouth. There should be six incisors in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw. Incisor teeth are used for shearing and grooming.
2. Canines
Two large canine teeth are located in the upper and lower jaw. The canines are designed to grasp and tear with great pressure.
3. Premolars and molars
Premolar teeth have sharp edges used for shearing. In the dog, there are four premolar teeth on either side of the upper and lower jaws. Dogs have four molars (2 on each side) in the upper jaw and six (3 on each side) in the lower. Molars have a flat surface used for grinding.
The cat has three premolars on each side of the upper jaw identified as second, third, and fourth; and two lower premolars on each side of the lower jaw called third and fourth. Cats have one upper and lower molar on each side.
4. Carnassial teeth
Carnassial teeth are the 4th upper premolars and the 1st lower molars. This term means “tearing of flesh” and is used to describe the largest shearing tooth of the upper and lower jaw in dogs, cats and other carnivores.
Wondering how your pet’s mouth measures up? Take the free 60-second Pet Dental Assessment and get a quick read.
Pet tooth composition
VetZone tells us that a tooth has two parts: the crown, which sits above the gumline, and the root, which sits below it.
Enamel, the hardest mineralized tissue found in the body, covers the crown. Cementum, which is attached to the periodontal ligament, covers the root. Dentin, softer than enamel, makes up the bulk of the tooth. Inside, the pulp is composed of live tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics.
Your vet technician should provide you with a tooth anatomy report
If your dog has an anesthetic or non-anesthetic dental cleaning, your vet should provide a detailed dental chart or report to show which teeth had complications or were extracted. Being familiar with the types of teeth will make the conversation easier to follow.
At HealthySmiles every patient receives a report card after their dental cleaning.
Schedule a teeth cleaning for your pet today!
Gentle, no-anesthesia cleanings for all 42 dog teeth or 30 cat teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog and Cat Teeth
How many teeth do dogs have?
Adult dogs have 42 teeth: 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower. Puppies start with 28 temporary teeth that fall out as the adult set grows in.
How many teeth do cats have?
Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth, and kittens have 26 baby teeth. Cats are stoic, so they often hide dental problems until the disease is advanced; regular cleanings catch trouble early.
What are retained puppy teeth?
Baby teeth that don’t fall out on their own. They can crowd the mouth, push adult teeth out of position, and raise the risk of periodontal problems, so mention them to your vet if you spot a double row.
