Puppy teeth are not with the puppy long but there are a few things you should know about them. Hopefully this article will clear a few things up.
Timeline for Puppy Teeth
Timing can vary but this should give you and idea.
- 2 to 4 weeks old – Puppy teeth begin to emerge – typically the incisors (front smaller teeth) come in first followed by the canine’s. It is a good thing they are born without teeth as puppies are typically still nursing at this point. When the teeth are fully emerged, mom is more than willing to wean them.
- 5 to 6 weeks old – 28 Puppy teeth are fully emerged – puppy is usually weaned or weaning off of mamma by now.
- 12 to 16 weeks old – puppy teeth may begin falling out – replaced with permanent teeth. This process can take from a few weeks to a couple months.
- 6 months old – all 28 puppy teeth should be fully replaced by 42 adult teeth.
What’s the Deal With “Puppy Teeth”?
Just like human babies, puppies are typically born with no teeth to make nursing easier and safer. Just like human babies, puppies will “teethe” and will get baby teeth shortly after birth. Just like human babies, the baby teeth will eventually fall out and adult teeth will erupt. That is pretty much where the similarities end. To start with, there are 28 puppy teeth where Human babies have 20 and puppy teeth are SHARP. 
They are much like really thick needles and have little in the way of molars for proper chewing of hard food. Beware if your puppy nips you with them. They don’t mean to hurt you but it will happen. Be prepared, it’s part of the price of admission and will not last long.
Do They Require Special Food?
There are little in the way of molars so chewing adult sized kibble will be difficult. Puppy food will have smaller kibble (and be nutritionally balanced for puppies) so stick to good quality puppy kibble. In general, kibble is better than wet/canned/raw puppy food as it’s good for the teeth. Except in the case of really ancient geriatric dogs with bad/painful teeth, kibble will always be the best type food for your Golden Retriever.
Brush Those Toothies!
While it may seem a waste of time, it is a great idea to start brushing your puppy’s teeth at this time. Brushing of teeth is a learned activity and the age of puppy teeth is a prime time to teach them that brushing is OK.
How do Puppy Teeth Get Replaced?
The 28 Puppy teeth will begin to fall out at very roughly 4 months of age and will be replaced by 42 adult teeth. 
The adult teeth are larger, more solid, more blunt and will include good molars for crushing. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t see the teeth they lose. The puppy teeth typically get knocked out while eating or chewing a toy and get consumed by the puppy. This is safe and normal so don’t be alarmed. The puppy’s gums may be swollen and may even bleed, this is also normal. Get them some really good puppy chews to gnaw on and encourage them to play with them. This will help the process and is good for the puppy and will help protect your furniture and shoes. During teething some people like to tie a washcloth or small towel into a knot, get it wet then freeze it for a chew toy and continue to re-freeze it over and over. Our puppies have always LOVED this toy but you do this be prepared to throw it out when it gets torn up to the point that it becomes a choking hazard.
It is entirely possible that a puppy tooth will get stuck and be stubborn about falling out. Don’t worry, it’s not common but does happen. Your Vet knows all about this and can easily remove the stubborn tooth if required. We absolutely suggest that you let the vet do this however as they know when and how to do it properly and safely.
About the author.
Bryan Curry loves all dogs in general, especially Golden Retrievers. He has had dogs for all but 6 months of his long life and all have lived happy and much longer than average lives. Bryan and his wife Terri are co-owners of Texas TLC Goldens; a small responsible breeder producing high quality Golden Retriever puppies.
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