Puppies have 3 incisor teeth, 1 canine tooth and 3 premolar teeth in each jaw, that is, 28 deciduous teeth. Deciduous incisors erupt at 3 to 4 weeks of age, canines at 3 to 6 weeks and premolars at 4 to, as some literature suggests, 12 weeks of age. In general, the entire deciduous dentition is expected to be present by about 40 to 50 days of age, but this may vary with breed and sex.
Exfoliation of deciduous teeth occurs during the eruption of the permanent teeth, so at the age of 3 to 4 months, when temporary both sets of teeth are present (mixed dentition). By the 6th or 7th month of the age of the dog the eruption of permanent teeth is completed.
Kittens have 3 incisor teeth, 1 canine tooth and 3 premolar teeth in the maxilla and 2 in the mandible, that is, 26 deciduous teeth. Deciduous incisors start erupting at 11 to 15 days of age, canines between 17 to 19 days and premolars between 24 to 30 days of age. In general, the entire deciduous dentition is expected to be present by about 2 months of age.
Similar to puppies, exfoliation of deciduous teeth occurs during the eruption of the permanent teeth, and by the 6th or 7th month of the age of the cat the eruption of permanent teeth is completed.
If you have noted any problems with your animal, please consult your veterinarian. If the tooth is missing at 7 months of age, further evaluation is recommended.
Headline photo: Neca Jerkovič, DVM
Izbrane reference
1. Gracis M (2018). Dental anatomy and physiology. In: BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry and Oral Surgery, 4th ed. AM Reiter, M Gracis, Eds. BSAVA, Quedgeley, pp. 6-32.
2. Legendre L, Reiter AM (2018). Management of dental, oral and maxillofacial developmental disorders. In: BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry and Oral Surgery, 4th ed. AM Reiter, M Gracis, Eds. BSAVA, Quedgeley, pp. 245-278.
