When Does Puppy Teething End? Age Timeline and Signs It's Over

Quick Answer

Most puppies finish teething around six months old, though some adult teeth may keep coming in until seven months. If you're wondering when does puppy teething end, watch for the full set of adult teeth and the loss of baby teeth. Chewing can continue long after tooth replacement ends.

Key Takeaways

Puppy teething has a fairly clear timeline, but the end can look different for each dog. These points help you tell normal tooth growth from a problem that needs care.

• Most puppies finish replacing their baby teeth around six months, though some permanent teeth may emerge through seven months.

• Puppies have 28 baby teeth, while adult dogs normally have 42 permanent teeth, including molars that have no baby versions.

• Baby teeth usually begin falling out around three to four months, with much of the replacement process happening over the next few months.

• A puppy may keep chewing, mouthing, or nipping after all adult teeth have come in because these are also normal behaviors.

• A baby tooth still in place beside its adult replacement needs a prompt veterinary check, even before six months.

• Pain, swelling, ongoing bleeding, broken teeth, or trouble eating should not be dismissed as normal teething.

• A simple age-and-tooth check can guide your next step, but only a veterinarian can assess dental health fully.

The most useful question isn't whether your puppy still chews. It's whether the teeth are growing as expected. Look at age, visible tooth changes, and comfort together.

When Does Puppy Teething End for Most Puppies?

Most puppies complete tooth replacement by about six months. Some take closer to seven months, especially as their back teeth emerge. These ages describe the normal pattern, not a fixed deadline for every dog.

The PetMD guide to puppy teething gives about six months as the usual finish point. It also places permanent molar eruption between five and seven months.

A puppy at six months may have almost every adult tooth. Another may still have a few emerging teeth. Both situations can fit the usual range if the mouth is healthy and tooth growth is on track.

Why Six Months Is a Guideline, Not a Deadline

Each puppy grows at its own pace. The front teeth, pointed canine teeth, and back teeth don't all emerge on one day.

The process also has several parts. A baby tooth loosens, falls out, and makes room for its adult replacement. Some teeth emerge after others have settled into place.

The VCA guide to teeth, teething, and chewing in puppies describes six months as the usual time when adult teeth are present and baby teeth are gone.

That general age helps owners know what to expect. It doesn't replace a mouth exam. A tooth that grows in the wrong place may need care well before the puppy reaches six months.

Why Some Puppies Finish Closer to Seven Months

The last teeth to appear can include permanent molars. These sit farther back in the mouth, so owners may not notice them coming in.

A puppy may seem finished when the front teeth look complete. Yet a few back teeth could still be growing.

The American Kennel Club's puppy teething timeline provides a useful overview of the change from baby teeth to adult teeth.

If your puppy is near seven months and you can't tell whether the teeth are complete, ask your veterinarian to check. Don't force the mouth open to inspect teeth that are hard to see.

Puppy Teeth Timeline: What Changes Before Teething Ends?

The main tooth-replacement period runs from about three to seven months. Most of the change happens before the puppy reaches six months.

Puppies first grow a set of baby teeth. These are also called deciduous teeth. Later, permanent teeth replace them as the jaw grows.

The table shows a typical pattern, not a schedule that every puppy must follow.

Puppy's Age	Typical Tooth Development	What Owners May Notice
Around 3 weeks.	The first baby teeth begin emerging.	Small teeth appear in the mouth.
Around 6–8 weeks.	Most of the 28 baby teeth are present.	The puppy has a small, sharp set of teeth.
Around 3–5 months.	Baby teeth loosen and adult teeth begin replacing them.	Loose teeth, new teeth, or more chewing may appear.
Around 4–6 months.	Much of the permanent set emerges.	Adult front teeth and larger back teeth become visible.
Around 5–7 months.	The permanent molars finish emerging.	Back teeth may still change after the front looks complete.
Around 6–7 months.	Most puppies have their full adult set.	Tooth replacement slows or ends, though chewing may continue.

The ages overlap because different teeth grow at different times. A puppy doesn't move from one row to the next on a set date. Tooth position and oral comfort matter more than matching every stage exactly.

Three to Five Months: Baby Teeth Start Giving Way

This is when many owners first notice the replacement process. A small tooth may fall onto the floor or become caught in a toy.

You might see an adult tooth pushing through near a loose baby tooth. The gums may look a little tender during this change.

Often, the baby tooth falls out without anyone noticing. Puppies commonly swallow shed baby teeth while eating or chewing. This is usually harmless.

Not finding teeth around the home doesn't mean the process has stopped. It also doesn't confirm that every tooth has been replaced.

Five to Seven Months: The Adult Teeth Finish Emerging

By the later months, most visible baby teeth should have been replaced. The back teeth may still be changing.

An adult dog normally has 42 permanent teeth. A puppy has 28 baby teeth. The adult set is larger partly because permanent molars appear without replacing baby molars.

The VCA puppy teething and toy guidance describes premolar and molar eruption extending into this later stage.

You don't need to count all 42 teeth yourself. Back teeth can be hard to inspect, and some dental issues aren't clear from a quick look. A veterinarian can check whether the permanent teeth are present and growing in the right places.

How to Tell When Your Puppy's Teething Is Over

The best clue is that the permanent teeth have emerged and the baby teeth are gone. Age adds useful context, but chewing habits can't confirm that tooth replacement is complete.

A healthy puppy may still love chewing toys at eight months. That behavior alone doesn't mean more teeth are coming in.

Adult Teeth Are in Place

Permanent teeth are often larger and less needle-like than baby teeth. As they emerge, the mouth starts to look more like an adult dog's mouth.

You may notice broader front teeth and larger teeth farther back. The pointed canine teeth also become more substantial.

A calm look at your puppy's mouth can help you spot changes. Choose a quiet moment when your puppy is relaxed. Gently lift the lip only if the puppy is comfortable.

Don't press on the gums or pull the jaws apart. If your puppy resists, stop. A veterinary visit is a safer way to check teeth that you cannot see.

A complete-looking front row isn't proof that all back teeth have emerged. Nor does it rule out a retained baby tooth hidden behind another tooth.

Baby Teeth Are No Longer Being Shed

During active replacement, owners sometimes see loose baby teeth or find tiny teeth on bedding. As the process ends, those events become less common.

Still, many owners never find a single shed tooth. Puppies can swallow them during ordinary chewing and meals.

The absence of loose teeth on the floor doesn't tell you much by itself. The position and condition of the teeth still in the mouth are more useful.

If a baby tooth seems to remain after its adult counterpart has appeared, arrange a veterinary check. Don't wait for the puppy to reach a certain birthday.

Chewing Alone Cannot Confirm the Teething Stage

A puppy may chew for play, comfort, exploration, or habit. Chewing can also increase during tooth replacement.

These causes often overlap. You can't tell which one applies simply by watching the puppy gnaw on a toy.

For example, a seven-month-old puppy may chew a rubber toy each evening. If the adult teeth are in place and there are no signs of pain, the behavior may be unrelated to tooth growth.

A different puppy may stop chewing much earlier but still have a tooth problem. Reduced chewing doesn't guarantee healthy teeth.

Puppy Teething Completion Check: What Should You Do Next?

Use your puppy's age, visible tooth changes, and comfort to choose the next step. This check helps you make sense of what you see without trying to diagnose dental problems at home.

The most important distinction is between normal tooth replacement and a possible retained baby tooth. A second tooth growing beside a baby tooth can change how the permanent tooth sits.

Compare Age, Tooth Changes, and Next Steps

The following guide combines common development stages with practical next actions. It is based on veterinary guidance about tooth eruption, retained teeth, and oral warning signs.

Age or Situation	What It May Mean	What to Check	Recommended Next Step
3–5 months, with baby teeth falling out.	Normal replacement may be underway.	Look for new adult teeth without forcing the mouth open.	Offer safe supervised chews and watch for changes.
5–6 months, with most adult teeth appearing.	The puppy may be nearing completion.	Note unusual tooth positions or visible crowding.	Continue routine care and raise concerns with the vet.
6–7 months, with some back teeth still appearing.	Later eruption may be within the usual range.	Watch for pain, crowding, or teeth that seem stuck.	Book a dental check if growth seems unclear or abnormal.
Adult teeth appear complete, but chewing continues.	Chewing may now be a normal habit.	Check for pain, injury, or changes in eating.	Use safe chewing outlets and reward-based training.
A baby tooth remains beside an adult tooth.	A retained baby tooth may be present.	Look for two teeth crowded into one position.	Arrange prompt veterinary assessment.
Pain, swelling, bleeding, or trouble eating occurs.	Dental injury or illness may be present.	Note severity and changes in normal behavior.	Contact a vet promptly; severe signs may need urgent care.

This guide is an educational aid, not a medical test. It cannot rule out hidden dental problems.

The age rows are helpful for planning routine checks. The last two rows have more weight. A suspected retained tooth or serious oral problem needs attention regardless of the puppy's age.

Three Questions to Check Without Forcing the Mouth Open

You can make a useful first assessment through daily care. These questions focus on changes you can notice safely.

1. Is your puppy within the usual tooth-replacement age range? Most replacement occurs from about three to seven months, so age helps set expectations.

2. Do you see an adult tooth beside a baby tooth or any signs of mouth pain? These findings deserve veterinary advice rather than waiting for teething to end.

3. Is the main issue continued chewing after adult teeth seem present? If no oral warning signs appear, the next step may be behavior management rather than teething relief.

You don't need a perfect view of every tooth to answer these questions. Watch meals, play, and normal behavior. Make a note of any changes you want to discuss at the next appointment.

A veterinarian can examine areas that are hard to see and assess the bite. Dental imaging may be needed for some problems. Home checks should help you notice concerns, not replace that care.

Why Is My Puppy Still Chewing After Teething Ends?

Chewing can continue long after all permanent teeth emerge. It is a normal dog behavior, not only a response to tender gums.

Puppies use their mouths to explore objects and interact during play. They may also chew when bored or excited. Some develop favorite chewing routines that carry into adulthood.

If your puppy still mouths hands or clothing, the NJ Puppy Whisperer FAQ on puppy biting and nipping offers related behavior guidance.

Tooth Eruption and Chewing Habits Are Different

Tooth eruption is a physical growth process. It has an expected age range and an endpoint.

Chewing doesn't have the same deadline. A young dog may continue gnawing on toys after the gums have settled and all adult teeth are in place.

This difference can save owners from an easy mistake. They may keep treating an older puppy as if sore gums explain every bite. Yet the puppy may simply need help learning what is safe to chew.

The reverse is also true. Don't assume that every chewing problem is behavioral. Sudden changes, visible damage, or pain call for a veterinary check.

How to Redirect Chewing Safely

Give your puppy suitable things to chew and keep unsafe items out of reach. Choose objects that fit the dog's size and chewing style.

Avoid very hard bones, antlers, and rigid items that can damage teeth. Check toys for loose parts, tears, or pieces that could be swallowed. Supervise chewing, especially with new toys.

When your puppy chooses a suitable toy, reward that choice. Keep the response calm and consistent. The site's positive puppy commands resource can support this kind of household learning.

If your puppy grabs a shoe, guide attention toward an acceptable toy. Avoid turning the moment into a chase game. The goal is to help your puppy practice a better choice.

For families, adults should manage close play with children. A child should not be asked to pull a toy from a puppy's mouth or test whether the puppy will bite.

When Should You Call the Vet About Puppy Teeth?

Contact a veterinarian when tooth growth looks abnormal or your puppy shows clear signs of oral pain. You don't need to wait until the usual six-month finish point.

The American Veterinary Medical Association's pet dental care guidance identifies oral pain, broken teeth, swelling, bleeding, and abnormal eating or chewing as concerns that need professional attention.

A Baby Tooth Remains Beside an Adult Tooth

A retained deciduous tooth is a baby tooth that stays in place when its permanent replacement begins to erupt.

You might see two teeth close together, especially near the pointed canine teeth. The mouth may look crowded in that area.

According to VCA's veterinary guidance on retained baby teeth, retained teeth can interfere with normal tooth position. They can also create narrow spaces where food and debris collect.

Small and short-faced breeds may face a higher risk, though the problem can occur in other dogs.

If an adult tooth is growing beside its baby counterpart, arrange a prompt dental check. The veterinarian can assess the tooth and decide whether treatment is needed.

Never try to pull it out yourself. Even a tooth that looks loose can have roots below the gum. Home removal may cause pain or injury.

Pain, Swelling, Bleeding, or Difficulty Eating

Mild gum tenderness can occur during tooth replacement. An isolated tiny blood spot may also appear when a baby tooth falls out.

Ongoing bleeding is different. So are facial swelling, severe pain, a broken tooth, or a puppy that cannot eat normally.

A puppy may show pain by avoiding hard food, chewing on one side, dropping food, or pulling away during mouth handling. Some dogs show few obvious signs, even when a tooth is damaged.

If your puppy refuses food or has persistent oral pain, call your veterinarian. Seek urgent advice for severe swelling, heavy bleeding, major injury, trouble breathing, or inability to drink.

Don't give human pain medicine or use home dental treatments without veterinary instructions. Some common human medicines are unsafe for dogs.

When a Veterinary Dental Check Is the Best Next Step

A routine puppy visit is a good time to ask about tooth growth. Your veterinarian can check which teeth have erupted and whether the bite looks normal.

If your puppy is around six or seven months old and the mouth still seems to be changing, describe what you've noticed. The vet can decide whether the timing fits normal growth.

For a suspected retained tooth, don't postpone the visit merely because your puppy is still young. The relationship between the baby tooth and its adult replacement matters more than the calendar.

Bring clear photos if you can take them without upsetting your puppy. Tell the vet when you first noticed the change. Also mention any trouble with eating or chewing.

What to Do After Your Puppy's Adult Teeth Come In

Once tooth replacement ends, shift from teething comfort to lasting dental care and good chewing habits. Your puppy still needs suitable chew outlets, gentle mouth handling, and routine veterinary attention.

A full adult set marks an important stage of growth. It doesn't mean your puppy has finished learning how to live in a home.

Keep Dental Care Gentle and Consistent

Ask your veterinarian about home dental care that suits your puppy. A gentle toothbrushing routine can help build good habits, but it should not cause a struggle or pain.

Start with calm, short handling sessions when the mouth is comfortable. Let the puppy get used to the process over time.

Avoid forcing the lips or jaws into position. If your puppy resists or shows pain, stop and seek advice.

Continue routine veterinary checks. A healthy-looking mouth today doesn't rule out future dental problems.

Help Your Puppy Learn Appropriate Chewing Habits

Keep safe chewing choices easy to find. Put shoes, cords, children's small toys, and other unsafe items out of reach.

Reward calm play and appropriate chewing. If the puppy becomes overexcited, offer a break and a suitable activity.

The site's advanced puppy development guidance can help owners plan for learning beyond the earliest puppy months. Families can also explore raising puppies with kids for a safer shared routine.

These resources support behavior and family life. They don't replace a veterinary examination if chewing comes with pain or unusual tooth growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers cover common questions that arise near the end of tooth replacement. They focus on age, tooth growth, and next steps rather than a full list of teething symptoms.

Is My Seven-Month-Old Puppy Still Teething?

A seven-month-old puppy may be finishing the last stage of permanent tooth eruption. Some molars can emerge later than the front teeth.

Still, chewing alone doesn't prove that teeth are coming in. If your puppy seems comfortable and the adult teeth are present, chewing may be a normal habit.

If teeth appear missing, crowded, painful, or unusually placed, ask your veterinarian to examine the mouth. A professional check is more reliable than waiting for another age milestone.

Do Puppies Stop Biting When Teething Ends?

No. Many puppies keep mouthing or nipping after their adult teeth emerge.

Biting during play can reflect excitement, exploration, or habits the puppy has learned. It doesn't always mean sore gums.

Help your puppy choose toys rather than hands or clothing. Reward calm interactions and manage play before it becomes too rough.

If biting appears suddenly with pain, a marked change in behavior, or trouble eating, seek veterinary advice before treating it as a training issue.

How Many Teeth Should a Puppy Have When Teething Ends?

A dog normally has 42 permanent teeth after tooth replacement is complete. The earlier baby set contains 28 teeth.

The adult set includes molars that have no baby versions. That helps explain why the total tooth count rises.

You don't need to count every tooth at home. Some sit far back, and a brief look may miss dental problems.

Your veterinarian can check the full mouth and confirm whether the adult teeth have developed as expected.

What If My Puppy's Baby Teeth Have Not Fallen Out?

A baby tooth may still be waiting to fall out during the normal replacement period. The more concerning finding is an adult tooth growing beside its baby counterpart.

This can indicate a retained deciduous tooth. It may cause crowding or affect how the teeth meet.

Arrange a prompt veterinary assessment if you see both teeth together. Don't try to loosen, twist, or pull the baby tooth.

The veterinarian can decide whether the tooth needs treatment or removal.

Is It Normal Not to Find Any Fallen Puppy Teeth?

Yes. Many owners never find their puppy's baby teeth because puppies often swallow them while eating or chewing.

A missing tooth on the floor isn't evidence that replacement failed. It also doesn't prove that all adult teeth are in place.

Look at the puppy's overall comfort and visible dental growth instead. If the mouth appears crowded or a baby tooth remains beside an adult tooth, ask for a veterinary check.

Do Small-Breed Puppies Finish Teething Later?

Some breed and individual differences can affect tooth eruption. Yet no single finish month applies to every small-breed puppy.

Small breeds can be more prone to retained baby teeth. That concern deserves attention even if the puppy is within the usual teething age range.

Avoid assuming that a remaining baby tooth is normal simply because the dog is small. A veterinarian can check whether the adult tooth is emerging correctly and whether the baby tooth needs care.

Can a Puppy Still Have Teething Pain at Seven Months?

Some puppies may have mild discomfort as the last permanent teeth emerge. But ongoing or severe mouth pain should not be dismissed as teething.

Look for trouble eating, repeated bleeding, swelling, or changes in normal behavior. Those signs can point to dental injury or another problem.

If you cannot tell whether late tooth growth is the cause, contact your veterinarian. An examination can help separate normal eruption from a condition that needs treatment.

What Should I Do If My Puppy Keeps Chewing Everything?

First, check for signs of oral pain or abnormal tooth growth. If none are apparent, focus on safe choices and steady training.

Give your puppy suitable chew items. Supervise their use and replace damaged toys. Put unsafe household objects away before the puppy finds them.

Reward appropriate chewing and keep play calm. Consistent routines help puppies learn what belongs to them.

If chewing is sudden, intense, or paired with discomfort, speak with your veterinarian before assuming it is only a habit.

Final Practical Takeaway

Most puppies finish teething around six months, with some adult teeth emerging through seven months. The finish point concerns tooth growth, not the day a puppy stops chewing.

Look for adult teeth replacing the baby set. Keep track of any unusual crowding or discomfort. If a baby tooth remains beside its adult replacement, arrange a prompt veterinary check.

Use the Puppy Teething Completion Check to guide your observations. It can help you decide which questions to raise with your veterinarian, but it cannot diagnose dental health.

Once adult teeth are in place, keep supporting safe chewing and good daily habits. For ongoing mouthing or family play concerns, puppy training can help after dental problems have been addressed.

A healthy mouth and clear household routines give your puppy a better start as the next stage of growth begins.