One of the many surprises new puppy owners encounter is finding tiny teeth scattered around the house. This leads to a common question: Do puppies teeth fall out? The answer is yes! Just like humans, puppies go through a teething process where their baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. This article explains when this happens, what signs to look for, and how to help your puppy through it.
Table of Contents
- When Do Puppies Start Teething?
- Timeline: When Puppies Lose Baby Teeth
- Signs Your Puppy Is Losing Teeth
- What’s Normal and What’s Not
- How to Help Your Puppy During Teething
- Puppy Dental Care Tips
- Retained Baby Teeth: What to Know
- FAQ About Puppy Teething
- Conclusion
When Do Puppies Start Teething?
Puppies typically begin teething at around 3 weeks of age, when their baby teeth, or “deciduous teeth,” start to erupt. By the time a puppy reaches 6 to 8 weeks old, they usually have a full set of 28 baby teeth.
The teething journey continues as they begin to lose these baby teeth between 12 to 16 weeks, making way for 42 adult teeth.
Timeline: When Puppies Lose Baby Teeth
Here’s a typical puppy teething timeline:
- 3–4 weeks: Baby incisors appear
- 5–6 weeks: Canines and premolars emerge
- 6–8 weeks: Full set of baby teeth present
- 12–16 weeks: Baby teeth begin falling out
- 6 months: Most puppies have all 42 permanent adult teeth
Individual timing may vary by breed and size, with smaller breeds often teething later.
Signs Your Puppy Is Losing Teeth
Teething can be uncomfortable. Look for these common signs:
- Crying or whining during chewing
- Drooling or swollen gums
- Chewing on furniture, hands, or shoes
- Blood spots on chew toys
- Missing or loose teeth
- Decreased appetite (in some puppies)
If symptoms seem severe or your puppy stops eating entirely, consult a vet.
What’s Normal and What’s Not
It’s normal for puppies to swallow some of their teeth while eating or chewing. You might never see them fall out. But pay attention to red flags:
- Persistent bad breath
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Teeth that are still present after 6 months (retained teeth)
- Severe gum swelling or pus
These may indicate infection or the need for veterinary dental intervention.
How to Help Your Puppy During Teething
Support your puppy through this uncomfortable stage with the following:
- Provide a variety of safe chew toys (rubber, soft nylon, frozen options)
- Freeze damp washcloths for soothing gum relief
- Supervise play and discourage biting with positive redirection
- Maintain regular routines and monitor behavior changes
Chew toys designed for teething puppies help massage the gums and speed up tooth loss.
Puppy Dental Care Tips
Good dental hygiene starts early. Here’s how to keep your puppy’s mouth healthy:
- Introduce brushing with puppy-safe toothpaste around 10–12 weeks
- Use finger brushes or soft-bristle toothbrushes
- Get them used to mouth handling through gentle training
- Schedule a vet dental check by 6–7 months of age
Establishing a routine helps prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease later.
Retained Baby Teeth: What to Know
Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out on their own. This is more common in toy breeds. If a puppy has a permanent tooth growing beside a baby tooth, it can cause misalignment or crowding. Vets may recommend extraction, especially during spay/neuter surgery.
Signs include:
- Double rows of teeth
- Bad breath
- Gum irritation or redness
Retained teeth should not be ignored — they can lead to long-term dental issues.
FAQ About Puppy Teething
Do puppies swallow their baby teeth?
Yes, it’s very common. Puppies often swallow teeth while chewing or eating without harm.
Is bleeding during teething normal?
A little blood is normal when baby teeth fall out. Excessive or continuous bleeding may need a vet’s attention.
How long does puppy teething last?
The entire teething process usually lasts from 3 weeks to 6 months of age.
Can I give my puppy bones to chew?
Only soft, vet-approved chew items are recommended. Hard bones can damage developing teeth.
Should I brush my puppy’s teeth while teething?
Yes — begin gently and use puppy-formulated toothpaste. Avoid brushing areas that seem overly sore.
Conclusion
Do puppies teeth fall out? Absolutely — it’s a completely natural part of their growth. As they transition from baby teeth to adult teeth, your puppy may experience discomfort, drooling, and an intense desire to chew. With the right support, toys, and care, teething can be a smooth and manageable stage. Keep an eye out for any unusual signs and consult your vet when in doubt. Healthy puppy teeth lay the foundation for a strong adult bite and a happy canine smile.