When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?

What is the sequence of tooth loss?

The 28 baby teeth fall out in roughly the same order they came in. Incisors (the small front teeth between the canines) are first, typically loosening around 12 to 16 weeks. The canines (the long, pointed teeth) follow at 4 to 5 months. The premolars behind the canines fall out between 4 and 6 months. Meanwhile, the adult molars, which have no baby tooth version, emerge at the back of the mouth between 4 and 7 months. By 7 months, the full set of 42 adult teeth should be in place.

Will you actually find the teeth?

Sometimes. Baby teeth are very small and easy to miss. Many puppies swallow their baby teeth while eating, which is completely harmless and extremely common. You may find small teeth on the floor, stuck in a chew toy, or on the puppy's bedding. Occasional small spots of blood on toys or in the mouth during the teething phase are normal and result from the baby tooth loosening from the gum. If you do find a tooth, there is no need to save it unless you want a keepsake.

What are retained baby teeth?

A retained baby tooth occurs when the adult tooth erupts before the baby tooth has fallen out, resulting in two teeth occupying the same position. This is most common with the upper canine teeth. Retained baby teeth cause crowding, misalignment, and trap food between the teeth, which leads to early dental disease. Small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians are more prone to retained teeth than larger breeds. If you see a double tooth (two teeth in one spot), your vet will likely recommend extraction of the retained baby tooth, which is a simple procedure typically done during spay or neuter surgery.

When should you check with the vet?

A vet check at 6 months is a good idea to confirm that the baby teeth are shedding on schedule and the adult teeth are emerging properly. See the vet sooner if you notice a baby tooth that seems stuck while the adult tooth is clearly growing in beside it, if there is excessive bleeding from the gums beyond what normal teething produces, if the puppy stops eating for more than a day (suggesting significant mouth pain), or if adult teeth appear to be growing in at unusual angles. Most puppies complete the process without complications, but catching retained teeth or alignment issues early leads to simpler and less expensive corrections.