03 Oct Puppy and Kitten Dental Milestones: What to Expect in the First Year
At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, we know how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) the first year with a new puppy or kitten can be. As board-certified veterinary dental specialists, one of the most common questions we hear from new pet owners is: “What should I expect as my pet’s teeth come in?”
Just like children, puppies and kittens go through important stages of dental development. Understanding these puppy and kitten dental milestones can help you support your pet’s comfort and prevent problems down the road.
Teething: The First Few Months
- Puppies and kittens are born without teeth. Their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) begin erupting around 3–4 weeks of age.
- By 6–8 weeks, most will have a full set of baby teeth—28 in puppies and 26 in kittens.
- As these sharp little teeth erupt, pets often chew more to relieve discomfort. Safe chew toys are especially helpful during this stage.
Baby Tooth Loss: 3–6 Months
- Around 3 months of age, baby teeth start to fall out as permanent teeth erupt.
- By about 6 months, most pets have a complete set of adult teeth—42 in dogs and 30 in cats.
- Sometimes, baby teeth don’t fall out on their own. These retained deciduous teeth can cause crowding, misalignment, or periodontal disease, and often need to be removed by your veterinarian or a dental specialist.
- Quite often, persistent deciduous teeth violate the “rule of succession,” where no two teeth should occupy the space that only one should be in. This will often cause or worsen a pre-existing malocclusion (abnormal bite)
Veterinary Dental Checkpoints
This is one of the most important puppy and kitten dental milestones. During your pet’s spay or neuter procedure—often at 6 months—your veterinarian will check for retained baby teeth. If any remain, extraction at this stage prevents future dental problems.
At-Home Care for Young Pets
The first year is the perfect time to build healthy habits:
- Introduce tooth brushing gently with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. I advise starting this even when baby teeth, that are going to fall out, are still present. You can never start too early
- Offer safe toys to support teething without damaging teeth.
- Schedule regular dental checkups so your veterinarian can track tooth development.
Setting the Stage for a Healthy Smile
Your puppy or kitten’s first year is full of growth, learning, and big changes—including in their mouth. By staying on top of these puppy and kitten dental milestones, you can ensure your pet transitions smoothly from baby teeth to healthy adult teeth.
At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, we’re here to partner with you and your family veterinarian to make sure your pet’s smile stays strong for a lifetime.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/03/2025) Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash
