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Puppy Dental Care: Puppy’s Teeth and Tooth Care

Puppy teeth cleaning
Mark Rainbird / Flickr

Do you know how many teeth your puppy has? How about when they all show up? Did you also know that you can guess quite accurately how old a puppy is by looking at the teeth? In this article, we’ll talk about that and more interesting things you should know about your puppy’s teeth and how to care for it. So read on for more information.

Are Puppies Born with Teeth?

No. Most of them come out without any tooth. That’s why as the new teeth come one by one, these puppies chew a lot. You probably have your own experience with puppies that chomp your feet and destroy objects they have access to.

Mark Rainbird / Flickr

Can I Tell a Puppy’s Age Through Its Teeth?

Yes. And here is a timeline to guide you through your pup’s “no teeth” to the “full teeth” stage.

  • Pups are toothless at birth until two weeks of age.
  • Pups’ incisors begin showing. Then the canine premolars come out. This is followed by the molars and finally the canine teeth. These happen from 3rd week of age until the 4th week.
  • Between the 5th to 8th weeks of age, your furry pet will have all its 28 baby teeth. These will start falling after the 8th week.
  • From 12 to 16 weeks old, your pup will grow its adult teeth. You need to have its teething balls or toys ready to help relieve the pain and soreness.
  • At 6 months old, your canine pet will have full adult teeth set. Congratulations!
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How Do You Care for Your Pup’s Teeth Throughout This Timeline?

So now you know the stage. How do you go about puppy dental care throughout this period? Here are some suggestions:

1. Brush Its Teeth

Start your pup early so it grows up comfortable with the brushing routine. You can use a dedicated toothbrush for canines. You can buy a cap-like toothbrush. You slip one on your finger and rub your pup’s teeth with it. You may also use a regular toothbrush. Maybe use a small one so it’s easier to move around inside your pup’s mouth. For toothpaste, it’s always better to use one that’s for dogs. It’s gentler and the taste is more appealing to your puppy for sure.

2. Use Supplementary Teeth Cleaners

Besides brushing your pup’s teeth, you can use additional cleaners. Try those dental chews and food or water additives. For the best products, do an online search. Or why not ask your vet what he thinks?

Choose dental chews that are sized right for your young pup. And these should be friendly on puppy gut. Give them out daily to your dog. For liquid additives, remember to change the water regularly to maintain freshness.

3. Schedule Your Pup for Dental Checkups

The vet can inspect your pup’s teeth much better than you can. And the vet can give timely warnings and spot possible dental diseases that are starting to show. So bring your pup to the vet. And have its teeth checked professionally at least twice or once yearly.

Vivichen28 / Flickr

Manage Your Dog’s Diet

Don’t give out too many sweets and odor-causing treats or foods. Make sure your pup drinks in good amounts of water every meal.

We should also mention that you need to watch for any changes in the odor of your dog’s breath or saliva. If it changes or something strange develops, have your dog checked immediately.

Final Thoughts

Managing your pup’s teeth is not too difficult. Start it young and practice hygiene regularly. This way your pup gets used to brushing times. Also, have the vet check your pup’s teeth out. They’re trained to spot dental diseases in dogs.

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