Knowing the teething process of puppies is vital for any new or experienced pet owner. A common question that owners have when raising a puppy is, “Do puppy molars fall out?” The answer to this is yes, they do. Similar to human babies, dogs have two sets of teeth in their lifetime. Puppy canine teeth start teething around twelve weeks of age, and the process lasts until they are approximately six months of age. While some puppies may be done teething sooner than others, it’s important to understand why puppy molars fall out and what signs you should look for during this process.
Signs That Your Puppy Is Teething
It’s normal for puppies to show signs of discomfort during teething; after all, those new teeth must feel like quite a shock coming through their gums! Some common signs that your pup is teething include excessive drooling, irritability, or fussiness when touched near their mouth, near your puppy’s teeth or face area, chewing on everything within reach (including furniture!), and redness or swelling around their gums. If you notice any of these signs in your pup while they’re teething, then it’s a good idea to consult with your vet right away; they may suggest some pain relief options, such as chew toys which can help keep them comfortable throughout this process.
The first set of teeth puppies get are their baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth. Your puppy’s baby teeth will begin to fall out when the permanent adult teeth come in, which typically happens at three to four months old. When the permanent teeth emerge, they push the existing baby teeth out so that the puppy can bite and chew properly. It’s normal for puppies to lose their baby molars (the back teeth) between three and seven months old, so don’t be alarmed if you find small white or yellowish-brown pieces of tooth in your pup’s bed or on the floor or loose teeth in your teeth puppy’s mouth.
Once your pup has lost all its baby molars, you will notice that it has a full set of 42 adult dog teeth —including 28 deciduous (baby) teeth and 14 permanent (adult) teeth. These adult molars will stay with your pup for life as they mature into adult dogs and will have long roots. During this period of puppy teething, it is important to make sure your puppy gets plenty of chews and food that require chewing in order to keep its gums healthy and strong and avoid periodontal disease.
Additionally, brushing your pup’s teeth every day with dog-safe toothpaste can help prevent plaque buildup and bad breath. Your vet may also offer dental cleanings, which you can start at an early age.
What To Expect During Teething
During the teething phase, make sure to supply them with plenty of safe chew toys for your breed. Your puppy will also likely need to learn bite inhibition as they transition from sharp baby teeth to permanent ones. Your teething puppy will definitely be a little more irritable. As a new puppy owner, this experience will definitely test your pet’s parenting and patience, but just remember that better times are coming and that you’re doing the best thing for your pup!
This can be an uncomfortable experience for puppies as their gums become sore and inflamed during the transition from their first teeth to adult dog teeth. Some puppies may also experience excessive drooling during this time, and you might even see blood in their saliva. If your pup is experiencing any pain while teething, try giving them something cold (like a wet soft cloth) to chew on that can help soothe the discomfort in their gums.
What To Do With Lost Teeth
When your pup’s molars start falling out, you may be tempted to collect them as keepsakes – but resist that temptation! It’s best not to handle the lost puppy molars because bacteria on your hands could potentially cause infection if it gets into an open wound caused by a missing tooth. Instead, let nature take its course and allow your pup’s body to naturally dispose of any lost teeth without interference from you.
Knowing The Teething Process of Puppies is Essential
Overall, it is normal for puppies to lose their baby molars as they grow up; however, there are steps pet parents can take to ensure their pups have healthy gums and strong adult molars that last them a lifetime! Providing plenty of chew toys and treats along with daily tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste will help prevent plaque buildup and bad breath, while regular exercise will keep those gums nice and healthy! With proper care for the teething period, your pup will have no trouble transitioning into adulthood with a beautiful smile!
