Building Healthy Habits Early

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s greatest joys. Those first few weeks are filled with cuddles, playtime, training, and lots of bonding moments. But in the midst of all that adorable chaos, there’s one essential part of puppy care that often gets overlooked—dental health.

At Heritage Manor Labradoodles, we know that healthy teeth mean a healthier dog. Starting good oral hygiene habits early not only helps your pup feel better, but also prevents costly dental issues later in life. Here’s what you need to know to keep those puppy smiles bright and healthy from the start!

Puppy Teeth 101: What’s Happening in That Little Mouth?

Just like human babies, puppies go through two sets of teeth in their early months.

Birth – 3 Weeks: Puppies are born toothless.
3 – 8 Weeks: Baby (deciduous) teeth erupt—usually 28 razor-sharp little teeth!
4 – 6 Months: Teething begins. Puppy teeth fall out and are replaced with 42 adult teeth.

You may even find tiny puppy teeth on the floor or in their toys—or not at all (many are swallowed, and that’s totally normal).

Understanding the Teething Stage

Teething can be uncomfortable for your pup, and chewing is their natural way of coping with sore gums. During this phase, you might notice:

Increased chewing or mouthing
Drooling more than usual
A sudden interest in shoes, furniture, or fingers!

How to Help Your Puppy Through Teething:

Offer safe chew toys like rubber rings, rope toys, or soft nylabones
Try frozen KONGs with peanut butter or broth to soothe sore gums
Freeze a wet washcloth (knot it first) for a DIY teether
Redirect and reward when they choose appropriate things to chew

Remember, this is a short-lived stage—but it’s a great time to guide good chewing behavior!

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Brushing Your Puppy’s Teeth: Start Young for Long-Term Success

The earlier you introduce brushing, the better. Puppies are more open to new routines, and early exposure builds tolerance and trust.

Brushing Tips:

Use dog-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste (never use human toothpaste—it can be toxic to dogs).
Start slow: Let your pup lick the toothpaste before ever brushing.
Make it fun: Keep sessions short and give lots of praise and treats.
Aim for a few times a week to start, and work toward daily brushing over time.

You’re not just preventing bad breath—you’re warding off plaque, gum disease, and infections.

Chews That Help Teeth Stay Clean

Some toys and treats can support dental health naturally by scrubbing away plaque as your dog chews.

Look for:

Vet-approved dental chews with proven benefits
Durable rubber toys with texture for cleaning
Raw bones or antlers, if appropriate—always supervise and choose the right size

⚠️ Avoid cooked bones or overly hard chews, which can crack teeth.

When to See the Vet

During your puppy’s regular checkups, your vet will monitor their dental development—especially during teething.

Common issues include:

Retained baby teeth, which don’t fall out naturally and can crowd adult teeth
Malocclusions (misaligned bites)
Early signs of decay or tartar in adult teeth

If needed, your vet may recommend removing baby teeth—often done during a spay or neuter procedure to minimize stress and cost.

Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Smiles

Good dental care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple habits started in puppyhood, you’ll give your doodle the foundation for a lifetime of:

Healthy gums
Strong, pain-free teeth
Fresh breath (you’ll thank us later!)
Fewer dental procedures as they age

Your pup may not understand the importance of brushing or chew toys—but they’ll appreciate the comfort and health that come with it.

Final Thoughts

At Heritage Manor Labradoodles, we raise our puppies with love, health, and whole-dog wellness in mind. That includes encouraging good habits from the very beginning—and dental care is a key part of that journey.

So grab that toothbrush, stock up on chew toys, and make those brushing moments something to wag about. Your puppy’s future smile depends on it!

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Caring for Your Labradoodle Puppy’s Teeth