Do Dogs Teeth Ever Grow Back? Our Vet Explains

This article was updated on August 13th, 2023

Similarly to humans, dogs have two sets of teeth during their lifetime; their deciduous (baby) teeth and their permanent (adult) teeth. When a deciduous tooth falls out, the adult tooth will soon emerge from beneath the gum, filling its place.

Sadly, an adult tooth will not grow back after it has fallen out. This is true regardless of the dog’s age or breed. While many owners I see worry after their adult dog has had teeth extracted, they cope very well after tooth loss.

When do dogs grow back teeth?

The only time a dog’s tooth ‘grows back’ is when they have lost their deciduous tooth and the adult tooth then takes its place. This is a normal part of growing up.

Any adult tooth that has been lost will never be replaced. However, the other teeth may shift their alignment with time, meaning gaps that are left can become smaller and less noticeable.

Why does a dog lose a tooth?

There are lots of reasons a dog will lose a tooth including:

• The expected loss of a deciduous tooth. I’m often approached by a worried owner who has found a tooth on the floor and they’re wondering what on Earth is going on! If the dog is less than 7 months of age, I’ll ask them to send me a photo of the tooth, to confirm it is a deciduous tooth. It is normal for these teeth to fall out. They won’t always be seen as they are frequently swallowed.
• Trauma. Whether a dog has been hit by a car in the face or they’ve been chewing on rocks, trauma to the tooth can lead to it falling out. The trauma has to be quite significant as teeth are deeply rooted.
• Overcrowding. Smaller faced dogs including Pugs and Frenchies commonly do not have enough room for all of their teeth and they can overlap each other and grow at unusual angles. In some cases, the teeth are so misaligned that they quickly become diseased and fall out at a relatively young age.
• Periodontal disease. The most common reason for adult tooth loss in dogs is dental disease, including gingivitis and oral abscesses. Those who are older, smaller and shorter-faced are most at risk of tooth loss (1). Usually, the diseased tooth is extracted under anaesthetic during a dental cleaning. In some cases, the tooth falls out of its own accord, signifying advanced dental disease.

Is there anything that I should be doing?

While not a consideration for those who already own dogs, those who are considering buying a dog may opt for one who is less prone to dental issues. Studies have shown that breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Labrador are at a decreased risk of tooth loss compared to other breeds (1).

For those who currently own dogs, I would strongly advise tooth brushing. This is something we aim to do every day and should be introduced from puppyhood, to get the dog used to the idea. Using beef or chicken flavored tooth paste can make the experience more pleasant for your pooch.

As well as tooth brushing, other things that help dental health include using plaque dissolving products and mouthwashes (2), not letting your dog chew on stones and tennis balls and feeding a dental kibble as well as dental sticks or hard food like raw carrot and apple.

How can my veterinarian help?

Your vet should be checking your dog’s oral cavity and teeth thoroughly at every check up. When very early dental disease is detected, they should be discussing a preventative health care plan with you. For more established dental disease, they should book your dog in for a dental cleaning.

When we stay on top of a dog’s oral hygiene, there should be no need for them to lose teeth.

When to visit the vet if your dog loses a tooth

If your adult dog has lost a tooth at home, there is a problem. This would usually be indicative of quite advanced periodontal disease, so a vet visit should be scheduled ASAP.

In my experience, when a dog is at the point that they lose a tooth, their other teeth are in bad condition and benefit from a dental cleaning.

Can a dog’s tooth be replaced when removed?

No. Once a permanent tooth has been removed, it cannot be replaced. However, advances in dental therapy in dogs now mean that options like root canals and dental implants. These procedures are not widely available and are costly.

Dental development in dogs

Puppy teeth/Deciduous teeth

Puppy teeth start to emerge from about 3 weeks of age, which is when we can slowly start to introduce solid food. These teeth erupt in a predictable manner, and the process is complete relatively quickly.

These teeth are very sharp (like needles!) and there will be visible gaps in between them.

Permanent teeth

Just a few months later, these baby teeth are replaced for the permanent teeth, and a dog has their full set of adult teeth by about 7 months of age.

These teeth are not as spiky as puppy teeth and take up more space in the mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I promote good dental health in my dog – if they’ve lost a tooth?

If your dog has already lost a tooth, they likely have established dental disease. Organize a vet trip ASAP and dental cleaning will probably be needed.

Is it normal for my dog to lose teeth as they age?

The deciduous teeth fall out from about 3 months of age and they continue to loose teeth until 7 months old.

Adult dogs should never lose teeth, but they commonly do as they become older, thanks to their genetics and poor dental hygiene.

Are there specific dental care products for dogs that I should be using?

The best product is the good old toothbrush. Other products we can use include canine mouth washes, plaque dissolving gels and powders and dental dog foods and treats.

References

1. https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/new-rvc-research-gets-to-the-root-of-dental-disease-in-dogs

2. https://biotech-asia.org/pdf/vol12no1/BBRA_Vol_12_No1_P_955-959.pdf