how to take care of puppy teeth

Puppies get adult teeth when they're 12-16 weeks old

One thing that all pups have in common is a need for dental care. This includes paying attention to how and when they’re teething — and what they’re chewing on. At around 6 months, most pups will have their adult teeth, and will need regular dental care to help them avoid smelly, painful dental disease. Getting your puppy used to regular dental care when they are young can make future dental upkeep easier down the line.

Can puppies have dental chews for teething?

Puppies often chew to relieve the pressure of their new teeth coming in, so a vet-approved puppy chew can definitely help. Ask about the right kind and size for your special pup’s age, size, and breed. Plus, always keep an eye on your puppy as they gnaw. You don’t want your little buddy pulling off chunks, which can be a choking hazard — or even block their intestines.

As your pup’s grown-up teeth start coming in, you may notice them drooling or see a bit of blood on their gums. You may even find shed baby teeth on the floor (or in their poop). This is all normal, but it’s worth mentioning it to your veterinary team at your puppy visits so they can take a peep and rule out any problems.

How and when to start brushing puppy teeth

It can make it a lot easier to brush your grown doggo’s teeth if you get your puppy safely used to your hands near their mouth when they’re small.

If your pup allows, flip their lip to check for brown tartar and stinky breath. Stinky breath is not normal puppy breath! Puppy breath is a sweet smell that will go away as your pup grows up.
Brush your puppy’s teeth at home with dog-specific toothpaste (never use toothpaste made for humans!) as frequently as your dog allows. Anything is better than not brushing at all, even if that's once a day, twice a week, or a few times a month. See more tooth-brushing tips
Once your pup is over 6 months old, you can give them dental treats. Just remember that treats do have calories, so they count as part of your pup’s daily food portion.
When your pup is nearing the 1-year mark (happy birthday!), it’s time for a dental exam, and even an annual cleaning if your veterinary team spots any issues. Why professional dental cleanings matter

Give your pup the "gold standard" for canine dental care

Proper dental habits while your pup is still a puppy can help keep their mouth healthy. Even past puphood, we always recommend:

Twice-yearly dental exams (as part of their comprehensive exam.)
Annual dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinary team.
Continued toothbrushing and regular home care.

smiling woman holds brown dog talks to smiling-vet

How Banfield can help

We’re here for love, health, and pet dental care. Regular professional dental cleanings and oral exams can help to tackle the buildup of smelly, sticky tartar on your doggo’s teeth, helping them avoid painful periodontal disease, tooth loss, and truly stinky pet breath. See why dental disease stinks

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