In puppies it’s normal for baby teeth to fall out at 3 to 6 months. In adult dogs it is not normal, so see a vet.
Puppies
Normal. Puppies have 28 baby teeth, which fall out at 3 to 6 months and are replaced by 42 adult teeth.
Adult dogs
Not normal. Loose or missing teeth usually mean dental disease.
Causes in adults
- Periodontal disease.
- Trauma or chewing hard objects.
- Infection or tumors.
What to do
Book a vet dental exam.
Prevention
Brush teeth and use dental chews.
Fact
Over 80% of dogs over age 3 have gum disease (AVMA).
Puppy and adult teeth
Puppies have 28 baby (deciduous) teeth that fall out starting around 3 to 4 months, replaced by 42 adult teeth by about 6 to 7 months. Losing baby teeth is normal and owners may find small teeth on the floor or notice slight bleeding. Adult dogs should not lose teeth.
- Periodontal disease is the most common cause of adult tooth loss and affects about 80 percent of dogs by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental College.
- Trauma, chewing hard objects such as bones and antlers, and tumors can fracture or loosen teeth.
- Retained baby teeth, especially in small breeds, can crowd adult teeth.
What to do
A vet should examine loose or lost adult teeth. Treatment may include dental cleaning under anesthesia, X-rays and extraction. Brush the dog’s teeth daily with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste with fluoride or xylitol, and give approved dental chews (VOHC seal). Avoid very hard chews. Bad breath, drooling or reluctance to eat suggest dental pain.
Puppy and adult teeth
Puppies have 28 baby teeth that fall out between 3 and 6 months and are replaced by 42 adult teeth. Adult teeth should not fall out.
What to do
If an adult dog loses teeth, see a vet for periodontal disease, which affects most dogs over 3. Brush teeth daily and offer dental chews.
Normal tooth loss
Puppies have 28 baby teeth and begin losing them at about 3 to 4 months, replaced by 42 adult teeth by around 6 to 7 months. This is normal. In adult dogs, teeth should not fall out.
Causes in adult dogs
Adult tooth loss usually comes from periodontal disease, which affects most dogs over age 3 to some degree, trauma, chewing hard objects or tumors. Signs include bad breath, red gums, loose teeth and drooling. A vet performs dental exams and cleanings under anesthesia and may remove damaged teeth, with X rays showing root problems. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste, dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council and regular cleanings help prevent disease. Avoid hard bones and antlers that can fracture teeth. Never use human toothpaste.
Based on data from the American Veterinary Dental College and the American Veterinary Medical Association
