Puppy Teething Timeline: When Adult Teeth Come In

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Understanding the Puppy Teething Timeline

The puppy teething timeline runs from about 3 weeks of age (when the first deciduous teeth appear) through 6 to 7 months of age (when the last adult teeth fully erupt). For most pet owners, the visible part of teething happens between 3 and 6 months — a phase characterized by intense chewing, mild discomfort, occasional bleeding gums, and the appearance of stray tiny teeth around the house.

Teething is normal, manageable, and temporary. With appropriate chewing outlets, the right toys, and patient redirection, most puppies move through it without incident. A small percentage develop retained deciduous teeth that need vet attention. A vet check at the spay/neuter age (or earlier if you notice problems) catches most issues in time.

This guide walks through the teething stages, what to expect at each, how to safely relieve discomfort, when to involve the vet, and how to manage the chewing impulse without losing your shoes or your patience.

Stage 1: Deciduous Teeth (3 to 6 Weeks)

Puppies are born without teeth. The first deciduous (baby) teeth — the incisors — break through around 3 weeks of age. Canines and premolars follow over the next 2 to 3 weeks, so by 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies have a full set of 28 deciduous teeth.

This stage usually happens before puppies leave the litter, while still with the mother. The mother begins weaning around this time partly because nursing becomes uncomfortable as the deciduous teeth come in. Breeders and foster carers transition puppies to softened solid food during this stage. See our newborn puppy care guide for the early weeks.

Pet owners adopting at 8 weeks usually skip this entire stage at home, receiving a puppy with a full set of deciduous teeth. The teething chaos comes later when those teeth start to fall out.

Stage 2: Loose and Falling Deciduous Teeth (3 to 5 Months)

Around 3 to 4 months of age, the deciduous teeth begin to loosen and fall out as the adult teeth push up underneath them. Incisors typically go first, around 12 to 16 weeks. You may find tiny teeth on the floor or in your puppy’s bedding — many disappear because the puppy swallows them, which is harmless.

Mild bleeding from the gums during this period is normal and does not require treatment. You may see small spots of blood on toys, your hand, or even in the water bowl. Persistent bleeding, bad breath, or one-sided chewing reluctance warrants a vet check.

Chewing intensifies during this stage as the puppy seeks pressure relief on sore gums. Provide multiple safe chewing options and rotate them to maintain interest:

• Frozen wet washcloths twisted into a rope shape
• Frozen Kong toys stuffed with appropriate puppy food or a small amount of plain yogurt
• Dental chews appropriate for the puppy’s size and chewing strength
• Soft rubber teething toys designed for puppies

Stage 3: Adult Teeth Erupting (4 to 7 Months)

Adult teeth come in at different times by tooth type. Incisors erupt around 3 to 5 months. Canines (the long pointy teeth) come in around 4 to 6 months. Premolars and molars fill in between 4 and 7 months. By 7 months, most puppies have a full set of 42 adult teeth.

The full adult dentition includes 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. Adult dogs do not get a third set, so dental care from this point matters for life. Start a brushing routine in puppyhood — early acceptance makes lifelong dental hygiene possible.

Mild appetite reduction during peak teething is common. Soaked kibble or warmed wet food can help if your puppy goes off dry food temporarily. Significant appetite loss for more than a day or two warrants a vet check.

Retained Deciduous Teeth

A retained deciduous tooth is one that does not fall out when the adult tooth erupts, leaving the puppy with two teeth in the same socket. This is most common in toy and small breeds (Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians) but can happen in any breed.

Retained teeth crowd the dental arcade, trap food and bacteria, cause malocclusion (bad bite), and lead to early periodontal disease. The most common retained teeth are the upper canines and the incisors. If a deciduous tooth is still in place when the adult tooth has fully erupted (typically by 6 months), it usually needs to be extracted.

Extraction is usually done under general anesthesia, often combined with the spay/neuter procedure to avoid a separate anesthetic event. Talk to your vet at the 6-month visit about evaluating your puppy’s dental development. See puppy spay neuter timing for evidence-based guidance on combining procedures.

Managing the Chewing Impulse

Teething puppies will chew. The question is what they chew, not whether. Manage the environment by puppy-proofing aggressively — pick up shoes, charging cables, books, remote controls, and any small items off the floor. Use baby gates to limit access until your puppy reliably chooses appropriate toys.

When you catch your puppy chewing something off-limits, calmly redirect to an appropriate chew toy and praise. Avoid punishment — the puppy is not “being bad,” they are managing real discomfort. Punishment risks fear without solving the chewing problem. For broader bite and mouthing management, see puppy biting and mouthing.

Avoid chews that are too hard. Antlers, hard nylon bones, hooves, and ice cubes can fracture adult teeth, especially during eruption when teeth are not fully calcified. The general rule: if you cannot make a small dent in the chew with your fingernail, it may be too hard. Look for VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved dental chews for safer options.

Safe Teething Relief Options

The best teething aids are cold, slightly textured, and chewable but not damaging. Effective options include:

• Frozen wet washcloth: Soak a clean washcloth in water (or low-sodium chicken broth for extra appeal), wring out, twist into a rope shape, and freeze for an hour. Supervise — puppies should not be left to shred and ingest large pieces.
• Frozen Kong: Stuff a puppy-sized Kong with soaked kibble or a small amount of plain yogurt or puppy-safe peanut butter (no xylitol), then freeze. Provides chewing relief and mental stimulation.
• Soft rubber teething toys: Designed specifically for puppy use, these flex slightly and provide pressure relief without risk to teeth.
• Frozen carrot pieces: Whole baby carrots, served frozen, are an inexpensive option for many puppies. Supervise — small pieces can be choking hazards in fast eaters.

Avoid ice cubes (too hard for adult teeth coming in), antlers, hard nylon bones, and any chew that has caused tooth fractures in your previous dogs. Rotate toys to maintain novelty.

Starting Dental Hygiene Early

Now is the time to start a dental routine. Adult dogs who tolerate tooth brushing almost always learned in puppyhood. Steps to introduce brushing:

1. Let the puppy lick a small amount of dog-specific toothpaste off your finger. Never use human toothpaste — many contain xylitol or fluoride that are toxic to dogs.
2. Once they enjoy the taste, gently rub a finger along the gumline.
3. Progress to a finger brush, then a soft-bristled puppy toothbrush.
4. Brush daily or at least 3 times a week.

Dental chews, water additives, and dental diets can supplement but do not replace brushing for plaque control. Annual dental exams (and eventually professional cleanings) start in adulthood and continue for life.

When to Call the Vet

Most teething is uneventful. Reasons to call the vet during teething include:

• Persistent bleeding from the gums beyond mild spotting
• Significant appetite loss for more than 24 to 48 hours
• Severely bad breath
• Visible retained deciduous teeth at 6 months or later
• Misaligned bite (significant overbite or underbite that worsens)
• One-sided chewing or swelling on the face
• Dropping food repeatedly or visible discomfort eating

For the broader puppy timeline, see first year with a puppy roadmap. Combining a teething check with the spay/neuter visit (see puppy spay neuter timing) is efficient and avoids unnecessary anesthetic events.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do puppies start teething?

Deciduous (baby) teeth come in starting around 3 weeks of age, with all 28 in place by 6 to 8 weeks. The visible teething chaos most owners experience starts at 3 to 4 months when adult teeth begin pushing baby teeth out.

When do puppies have all their adult teeth?

By 6 to 7 months of age, most puppies have a full set of 42 adult teeth. Incisors come in first (3 to 5 months), then canines (4 to 6 months), with premolars and molars completing the set by 7 months.

Is bleeding gums normal in a teething puppy?

Mild spotting or small smears of blood on toys is normal during peak teething. Persistent bleeding, severe halitosis, or one-sided chewing reluctance warrants a vet check.

What is the best chew toy for a teething puppy?

Frozen wet washcloths, frozen Kong toys stuffed with appropriate food, soft rubber puppy-specific teething toys, and VOHC-approved dental chews. Avoid antlers, hard nylon bones, and anything you cannot dent with a fingernail.

What are retained deciduous teeth?

Baby teeth that do not fall out when adult teeth erupt, leaving two teeth in one socket. Most common in toy and small breeds. Usually need extraction by 6 months to prevent crowding, malocclusion, and periodontal disease — often combined with the spay/neuter procedure.

Should I brush my puppy’s teeth?

Yes — start during puppyhood. Use only dog-specific toothpaste (human toothpaste often contains xylitol, which is toxic). Begin by letting the puppy lick paste off your finger, then progress to a finger brush and soft-bristled puppy toothbrush. Brush daily or at least 3 times a week.