Puppy Teething: Complete Guide for New Owners

Between 3 and 7 months of age, puppies lose their 28 baby (deciduous) teeth and grow their 42 permanent adult teeth. It's a normal developmental process, but understanding the timeline and what to expect makes it much easier to manage.

Teething Timeline

3–4 months: Incisors (front teeth) fall out; adult incisors start coming in.
4–5 months: Canines (fang teeth) fall out — the phase that causes the most discomfort.
4–6 months: Premolars and molars are replaced.
7 months: All adult teeth should be in place.

Small breeds tend to complete teething earlier; large breeds slightly later.

What's Normal

Finding small white teeth on the floor or in toys — completely normal
Slightly more drooling than usual
Mildly swollen or slightly bleeding gums
Dramatically increased need to chew — this relieves discomfort
Temporary reduction in appetite or difficulty with hard kibble

Warning Signs — See the Vet

Retained baby tooth: An adult tooth has erupted but the corresponding baby tooth hasn't fallen out. Common in small breeds. If it persists for 2+ weeks, the vet may need to extract the baby tooth — otherwise the adult tooth will grow crooked.
Severely inflamed gums or pus around a tooth
Complete appetite loss for more than 24 hours

How to Help Your Teething Puppy

Appropriate Chew Toys

Solid rubber chew toys (Kongs), nylon chews, and cotton rope toys are good options. Avoid real bones (splinter risk) and very hard objects that could crack the incoming adult teeth.

Frozen Chew Toys

A frozen, damp cloth or a chew toy soaked in low-sodium chicken broth and frozen provides cold relief for inflamed gums. Supervise to avoid swallowing pieces.

Soften Kibble Temporarily

If your puppy is struggling with hard food, soak kibble in warm water for a few minutes. Their normal diet can resume once the new teeth have settled.

Redirect the Biting

Teething puppies bite more — everything. This is the ideal window to teach "chew THIS, not that." When the puppy bites furniture or hands, calmly substitute a chew toy. Consistent redirection now prevents biting problems later.

Starting Dental Care

Once all adult teeth are in (~7 months), begin tooth brushing. Puppies accept it far more readily than adult dogs — start the habit now and it becomes routine. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste; never human toothpaste (fluoride is toxic to dogs). Aim for daily brushing or at minimum three times per week.

Frequently Asked Questions

My puppy swallowed a baby tooth. Is that dangerous?: No — it's very common. Baby teeth are tiny and pass through the digestive system without issue.
My puppy has two rows of teeth. Is that normal?: Temporarily, yes — while the adult tooth is pushing out the baby tooth. If both remain side by side for more than 2 weeks, have the vet check whether the baby tooth needs to be removed.
When will the biting improve?: The teething-driven urge to bite usually decreases significantly after 6–7 months when all adult teeth are in. Consistent training during this period shapes long-term bite inhibition.