Determining a dog’s age is an important part of caring for their health and wellbeing. As dogs age, their nutritional needs, exercise requirements, and health considerations change. While some signs of aging are visible, like graying fur and changes in energy levels, examining a dog’s teeth can provide more precise insight into their age.
A dog’s teeth go through distinct changes from puppyhood to senior age. Puppies develop baby teeth that fall out and are replaced by permanent adult teeth. Over time, the adult teeth show wear that indicates the dog’s approximate age. Using tooth charts that map the eruption and wear patterns of teeth at different life stages, veterinarians and pet owners can get a good estimate of a dog’s age based on an examination of their teeth.
Knowing a dog’s age allows pet owners to provide age-appropriate care in terms of diet, exercise, veterinary visits, and adjusting living situations to accommodate physical limitations. While not an exact science, examining teeth offers a helpful benchmark for determining a dog’s life stage and associated care needs.
Puppy Teeth
Puppies are born without any teeth. They typically start growing their milk teeth or baby teeth around 2-4 weeks of age. The milk teeth, also called deciduous teeth, are eventually replaced by permanent adult teeth starting around 12-20 weeks of age.
According to the American Kennel Club, puppies have 28 deciduous teeth and end up with 42 permanent teeth. The deciduous teeth include incisors, canines and premolars. Puppies do not have molars as deciduous teeth.
The teething and replacement process can cause some discomfort and behavioral changes as the teeth poke through the gums. Puppies may drool more, chew on things, show less interest in food, and be more mouthy during this time. Providing safe chewing toys can help relieve discomfort. Teething usually ends by 6 months of age when all adult teeth have emerged.1
Adult Teeth
By around 7 months of age, adult dogs have their full set of permanent teeth 1. Adult dogs have 42 teeth total, with the following types:
- Incisors – The small teeth in the front used for biting and gnawing. Adult dogs have 12 incisors, 6 on top and 6 on bottom.
- Canines – Also called fangs or cuspids. The large, pointed teeth used for grasping, holding, carrying objects. Adult dogs have 4 canines, 2 on top and 2 on bottom.
- Premolars – Teeth behind the canines used for chewing and grinding food. Adult dogs have 16 premolars, 8 on top and 8 on bottom.
- Molars – The large teeth in the back used for chewing and grinding. Adult dogs have 10 molars, 4 on top and 6 on bottom.
These different tooth types work together to help dogs bite, chew, and tear food 2. The incisors cut or shear food, the canines grip and tear it, and the premolars and molars grind it down. Proper dental care is needed to keep these adult teeth healthy.
Tooth Wear
A dog’s teeth will naturally wear down over time. The amount and rate of tooth wear depends on several factors. According to research from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the main factors influencing tooth wear are diet, chewing habits, and genetics. Dogs that chew hard toys, bones, or other objects frequently can experience more rapid tooth wear. The texture and hardness of the kibble or food a dog eats also impacts wear. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to more enamel issues and accelerated tooth wear.
In general, a dog’s teeth, especially the incisors and canines, will steadily wear down with age. The American Kennel Club states that puppies have razor-sharp temporary teeth that fall out around 4-6 months old. Their permanent adult teeth grow in and initially have pointed, unworn cusps. By one year of age, the adult teeth may start displaying slight wear depending on the dog’s chewing habits. At three to five years old, the teeth show increasing wear, and the tips of the incisors become smooth and rounded. Dogs five years and older often have observable tooth wear, with the incisors clearly shorter and blunter than they were originally.
According to research, by seven years of age, the cusps of the lower incisors are typically worn flat. The upper incisors may also appear clearly shorter due to wear. As dogs reach senior ages over 10 years old, additional teeth may be missing or damaged from advanced periodontal disease. Severe tooth wear in elderly dogs can make it difficult for them to pick up food and chew properly.
Tooth Chart by Age
Puppies have 28 deciduous (“baby”) teeth that erupt by around 8 weeks of age. The deciduous teeth are eventually replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth between 3-7 months old. This diagram from the USDA shows when puppy teeth typically arrive:
First Incisors: 3-4 weeks
Canines: 5-6 weeks
Premolars: 4-6 weeks
Molars: 5-7 weeks
This tooth eruption chart from Rural Area Vet shows the age ranges when permanent adult teeth come in:
Incisors: 3-5 months
Canines: 4-6 months
Premolars: 4-6 months
Molars: 5-7 months
So between 3-7 months old, puppies transition from having all baby teeth to all adult teeth. A complete adult set of 42 permanent teeth is usually fully emerged by around 7 months old. Tracking your puppy’s tooth eruption against standard tooth charts can help estimate age during the juvenile phase.
Source:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/ac-aid-aging-puppies-by-teeth.pdf
https://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf
Determining Age from Teeth
A dog’s teeth can provide important clues about their age. Puppies develop baby teeth starting around 3-4 weeks of age. By 8 weeks old, puppies have a full set of 28 deciduous teeth [1]. These baby teeth are gradually replaced by permanent adult teeth between 4-6 months old.
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth. Looking at which teeth a dog has can help estimate their age.
- 6-7 months – all adult incisors, canines, and premolars have come in.
- 7-9 months – adult molars are coming in.
- 9-12 months – all adult teeth have erupted.
The degree of wear on a dog’s teeth also correlates with age. Veterinarians use a tooth wear index to classify the amount of wear.
- Grade 0 – No sign of wear on teeth
- Grade 1 – Minimal wear on cusp tips
- Grade 2 – Wear on cusp tips and enamel points
- Grade 3 – Severe wear down to dentin
Younger dogs will have teeth showing grade 0-2 wear. Senior dogs often have grade 3 wear with exposed dentin. The more wear on the teeth, the older the dog is likely to be. Consult with a veterinarian to accurately determine age from dental wear.
Dental Health
Dental health is extremely important for dogs as they age. According to research from Purina, dental disease affects over 80% of dogs by the age of three (1). As dogs get older, plaque and tartar can build up on their teeth if not properly cleaned. This can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and can cause significant pain, discomfort, and even systemic health issues. Maintaining good dental hygiene and preventing dental disease is imperative as your dog ages.
There are several things you can do to promote good dental health in senior dogs. Daily tooth brushing is ideal, as it removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. There are also dental chews, wipes, gels, water additives, and dental diets that help clean teeth and freshen breath. Routine dental cleanings, exams, and treatments from your veterinarian are also very important, especially for older dogs. As teeth wear down with age, fractures or pulp exposure can occur, necessitating extraction. Regular check-ups allow veterinarians to monitor for signs of periodontal disease and other dental issues. With proper preventative care and oral hygiene, dogs can maintain healthy teeth and gums well into their senior years.
(1) https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/health/dental/caring-for-your-dogs-teeth
When to See a Vet
It’s important to monitor your dog’s oral health and be aware of potential signs of dental disease that may require veterinary attention. Some common symptoms that could indicate an underlying dental issue include:
- Bad breath – Persistent bad breath or foul odor from your dog’s mouth.
- Discolored or loose teeth – Teeth that appear discolored, loose, or are missing.
- Swollen or bleeding gums – Red, inflamed gums that bleed easily when touched or brushed.
- Changes or difficulty eating – Your dog may drop food, chew only on one side, or seem generally uncomfortable when eating.
- Pawing at the face – Your dog may paw at their mouth due to pain or discomfort.
- Decreased appetite – Dental pain can lead to a decreased appetite.
- Excessive drooling – Increased drooling, especially when eating.
You should schedule a veterinary dental exam if your dog exhibits any of these symptoms. The sooner dental issues are identified and treated, the better the outcome will be for your dog’s health and comfort. Leaving dental problems unchecked can lead to more severe issues down the road. Regular professional cleanings and home care are the best ways to maintain your dog’s dental health.
Caring for Senior Dogs
As dogs age, their teeth require additional care and attention. According to Orvis, the first step is to gradually get your senior dog comfortable with having their mouth handled and teeth brushed. Go slowly, giving your dog praise and treats for allowing you to touch their lips, gums, and teeth. Once they tolerate this, introduce toothpaste designed for dogs and finally a toothbrush.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council recommends brushing your senior dog’s teeth daily if possible. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Take care to gently brush along the gumline as well as the surfaces of the teeth. Never use human toothpaste which can upset your dog’s stomach.
You can also help keep your older dog’s teeth clean by giving them dental chews formulated for senior dogs, as recommended by Whimzees. These chews gently clean away plaque and tartar while providing an enjoyable treat. Check with your veterinarian for chew recommendations based on your dog’s dental health.
It’s important to routinely check your senior dog’s mouth for signs of dental disease. Red, inflamed gums, yellow/brown tartar buildup, chipped or infected teeth, or foul breath can indicate a problem. Schedule veterinary cleanings and exams as needed to stay ahead of issues that could lead to tooth loss or infections.
Conclusion
Dogs’ teeth go through many changes as they age from puppy to senior. Monitoring the condition and wear of your dog’s teeth can give you insights into their dental health and approximate age. From the needle-sharp puppy teeth to the often worn down teeth of senior dogs, a dog’s mouth tells an informative story.
Paying attention to your dog’s teeth chart by age helps you keep up with important aspects of their health. Schedule regular dental cleanings as recommended by your vet. Brush your dog’s teeth and watch for signs of dental problems. Providing good dental care helps ensure your dog remains healthy and comfortable through every stage of life.
A dog’s teeth offer a useful window into their overall wellbeing. By staying observant of changes happening in your dog’s mouth, you can get an idea of their age and alert your vet to any potential health issues. Caring for your dog’s teeth is an essential part of responsible pet ownership.
