The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Arnett, Kristen. With Teeth. Corsair, 2021.

Kristen Arnett's novel With Teeth is written from the third person limited point of view and in the past tense. The novel is set in Orlando, Florida, and traces protagonist Sammie's search for her true self in the years following her son Samson's birth. Although the novel toys with conventional notions of structure and form, the following summary employs a streamlined mode of explanation.

When Sammie's and Monika's son Samson was four years old, he was nearly kidnapped at a park one day. Sammie left him on the swings while packing up their belongings and airing out the car. When she turned around, she was horrified to see a strange man leading Samson into his truck. Although Sammie got Samson away from the man, the incident would haunt her for years to come.

By the time Samson was in the fourth grade, Sammie had taken on the majority of the maternal and domestic responsibilities. Monika was a lawyer and acted as the family breadwinner. She was often away on business. When she was home, she was distracted by her phone. Whenever Sammie tried to talk to Monika about Samson's odd behaviors, refusal to speak, and frequent tantrums, Monika dismissed her concerns. She just wanted their family to be normal.

After Samson bit one of his friends while Sammie and Monika were away one weekend, the couple sought therapy for their son. The therapist suggested enrolling Samson in sports. Samson joined a local swim team shortly thereafter.

At Samson's swim practices, Sammie started spending time with another mother named Lenore. She and Lenore drank alcohol from water bottles and made fun of the other mothers. Then one day they kissed at Lenore's house after practice. Sammie had no interest in pursuing an affair with Lenore, but the kiss made her realize she wanted something in her life to change.

Over the years, Monika became increasingly distant. Meanwhile, Sammie became increasingly depressed. She missed her old friends. She longed for Monika's comfort and support. She did not know how to reach or communicate with her adolescent son. Eventually, she and Monika decided to split up. Despite this decision, neither one moved out of the house. A few months later, Monika told Sammie she was in a serious relationship with a young woman named Megan. Horrified and hurt, Sammie pretended that her casual relationship with a woman named Myra was also serious.

One night, Monika arranged a double date with Megan, Sammie, and Myra. They met at the restaurant where Megan worked. Throughout the dinner, Myra and Megan did their best to make polite conversation. However, Sammie's and Monika's animosity shadowed the evening. When Megan revealed that Monika had invited her to move into Sammie's and Monika's house, Sammie was so furious she shattered her wine glass in her hand.

That night, Sammie, Monika, and Samson got into a volatile argument. During the altercation, Monika accused Sammie of inventing Samson's unborn twin's existence and death. Ever since her pregnancy, Sammie had mourned the baby she believed had died in utero. She was convinced that Samson had consumed the baby girl in the womb. Monika's accusation unmoored Sammie, making her defensive of her version of reality. After Sammie accidentally pushed Monika down the stairs, Sammie and Monika realized they had to change their arrangement.

Sammie and Myra were in a committed relationship by the time Samson was in college. Sammie tried keeping in touch with Samson via email.