Puppy Dental Care & Teething
Just like babies, puppies go through a teething phase as they lose their baby teeth, and their adult teeth come in. This process is a normal but sometimes uncomfortable stage of development, and it's a great opportunity to start establishing good dental habits for life. At Forth Valley Vet Clinic, we recommend monitoring your puppy’s dental development early on, and booking a vet check if you're unsure whether everything is progressing normally.
UNDERSTANDING PUPPY TEETHING
Puppies are born without teeth, but their 28 baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) begin to emerge at around 3 weeks of age, usually before they come home with you. Between 4 and 6 months old, your puppy’s baby teeth will begin to fall out to make way for their 42 permanent adult teeth.
This includes:
🦷 6 incisors (top and bottom)
🦷 2 canines (top and bottom)
🦷 8 premolars on each side
🦷 And, finally, the molars, which aren’t present in baby teeth
This transition can cause some discomfort, which can lead to:
Chewing or biting more than usual
Drooling
Mild bleeding from the gums (sometimes spotted on toys)
Decreased interest in food
General irritability or restlessness
HELPING YOUR PUPPY THROUGH TEETHING
To help ease the discomfort and protect your furniture and fingers, here are a few simple tips:
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Rubber or silicone chew toys, puppy-safe frozen treats, and textured dental toys can offer soothing relief.
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Frozen carrots, a wet cloth twisted and frozen, or special puppy-safe frozen chews can help reduce gum inflammation.
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Always redirect chewing away from shoes, furniture, or hands. Praise your puppy when they choose the right toy.
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Teething can be frustrating, but with positive reinforcement and consistency, you’ll help your puppy learn what’s appropriate to chew.
WHY EARLY DENTAL CHECKS MATTER
Even during teething, it’s important to keep an eye on your puppy’s teeth and gums. Problems that start early can lead to lifelong dental issues if not addressed.
We recommend a dental check during your puppy’s routine vaccinations or desexing consultation, to ensure:
Baby teeth are falling out on schedule
Adult teeth are coming in correctly
There's no overcrowding or retained baby teeth
There are no early signs of gum disease or abnormal bite alignment
If a baby tooth doesn’t fall out on its own (known as a retained deciduous tooth), it may need to be removed to prevent crowding, pain, or misalignment of the adult teeth.
BUILDING GOOD DENTAL HABITS EARLY
Start gentle brushing with a soft finger brush, puppy toothbrush or soft toothbrush as early as possible, even before teething is complete. This helps your puppy get used to having their mouth handled.
Choose dental treats and chews that are vet-approved and appropriate for your puppy’s age and size.
Regular vet dental checks as your puppy grows help prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and dental pain later in life.
Not sure if your puppy's teeth are developing normally?
Book a FREE dental check with one of our experienced veterinary nurses, we are here to help every stage of your puppy’s growth.