How do dogs' teeth grow? - briefly
Dogs' teeth grow in stages throughout their lives, similar to humans. From birth to about 8 months old, they have a set of deciduous teeth (baby teeth), which are gradually replaced by permanent adult teeth by around 7 months. After this, their teeth do not continue to grow longer like human teeth; instead, they maintain their size and shape throughout the dog's life.
How do dogs' teeth grow? - in detail
Dogs, like humans, have two sets of teeth during their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth. The process of tooth growth in dogs begins before birth and continues throughout their lives.
In the womb, the development of a dog's teeth starts with the formation of the dental lamina, a band of ectodermal tissue that gives rise to the enamel organs. These organs produce the hard tissues of the teeth: enamel, dentin, and cementum. The tooth germs, which are the precursors of the teeth, begin to form around the 25th day of gestation. By the time a puppy is born, it already has 28 deciduous teeth, including incisors, canines, and premolars. These baby teeth are smaller and lighter in color than the permanent teeth that will replace them.
The eruption of deciduous teeth typically occurs between the third and sixth weeks after birth. The first teeth to emerge are usually the central incisors, followed by the lateral incisors, canines, and premolars. As the puppy grows, the roots of the deciduous teeth begin to resorb, making way for the permanent teeth to erupt. This process is called exfoliation or shedding.
The permanent teeth start to develop during the embryonic stage and continue to grow and mineralize throughout the dog's life. The first permanent teeth to erupt are usually the incisors, which appear between the third and fourth months of age. The canines follow shortly after, typically emerging between the fourth and sixth months. The premolars and molars erupt later, with the full set of 42 adult teeth in place by the time the dog is around seven months old.
Throughout a dog's life, its teeth undergo continuous remodeling, which involves both resorption (breaking down) and deposition (building up) of dental tissues. This process helps maintain the health and integrity of the teeth and allows them to adapt to changes in the environment and diet. However, it is crucial for dog owners to provide proper oral care, including regular brushing, dental check-ups, and professional cleanings, to prevent dental diseases and ensure their pets' overall well-being.