You wouldn’t go to bed without grabbing your toothbrush, but when was the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth? Dental care should be part of their regular health routine, too.
At least once a year, your vet should look at your dog’s teeth for any potential problems. That includes checking for signs of gum disease and broken teeth. They also need to see how much plaque and tartar have built up.
Plaque is a sticky coating of bacteria that forms on teeth. If it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to get rid of. Tartar can lead to gum disease, and that can cause infections and tooth loss.
Why Do Dogs Need Their Teeth Brushed?
By the time they’re three years old, most dogs have some signs of gum disease. It may be diagnosed as gingivitis in its mild stages. But in advanced stages, it can be periodontal disease. Your pup’s gums might start to pull back, or recede, from their teeth. That creates gaps, which can let bacteria from their mouth enter their bloodstream. That can lead to infections.
The best way to manage dental issues is to prevent them. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth can help keep their teeth and gums healthy and breath smelling fresh.
“Brushing your dog’s teeth removes food and plaque from the surface of the teeth before it can harden into calculus (also called tartar) and contribute to periodontal disease,” says Emily Singler, VMD, a companion animal veterinarian and veterinary content specialist at the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). “It can keep your dog’s gums healthy and comfortable and keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh as well.”
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
If you’ve never brushed your dog’s teeth before, it can take time for them to get used to it. The younger they are when you start, the easier it’ll be. But you can start brushing your dog's teeth when they’re any age.
“Brushing a dog’s teeth is very similar in concept to brushing your own teeth,” Singler says. “Be gentle with the brush, and try to clean the whole surface of the tooth including the gumline.”
Use a toothpaste specifically made for dogs and a soft-bristled dog toothbrush. Unlike human toothpaste, dog toothpaste doesn’t have to be spit out. It’s designed to be licked or swallowed.
It can help to practice first. Start small by rubbing your dog’s teeth with your finger or a soft piece of cloth. Don’t pull open your dog’s mouth. Instead, gently raise your dog’s lip, and slip your finger inside, on the outside of their teeth and gums. Rub just a couple of teeth at a time to let them get used to you touching their teeth. When they seem comfortable, put a dab of dog toothpaste on your finger and let them smell and lick it.
Don’t try to brush your dog’s teeth as you’re rushing out the door or hurrying to get dinner made. Your dog can pick up on your stress. Instead, find a time when you’re not rushed and can go as slowly as needed.
Dental chews can also help avoid plaque and tartar buildup. Be sure to check the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) website for good options, or look for their seal of approval on products.
Brushing your dog’s teeth step by step
Here’s an easy guide to dog teeth brushing.
Find a quiet spot. Choose a place where your dog feels comfortable and won’t be easily distracted. If your pup is small, you can put them on your lap with their head facing away from you. If they’re larger, try sitting in a chair with them sitting next to you.
Introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste. Put a small amount of toothpaste on your dog’s toothbrush. Let your dog sniff it or taste it first.
Expose your dog’s teeth. Use your free hand to gently raise your dog’s lip to see your dog’s teeth and gums. You can put your hand over your dog’s snout and lift the lip with your thumb. Keep your dog from moving too much.
Start brushing. Gently brush back and forth using very soft strokes. The bristles should be straight and not flared away from the teeth.
Pick certain areas. Focus on the large teeth on the sides of your dog’s mouth at the gumline, where most of the plaque and tartar builds up. “I usually recommend dog owners concentrate on the outer surface of the tooth that is up against the cheek or lips, since this is the easiest part of their teeth to reach and where most food and plaque tends to accumulate,” Singler says. “This way, you don’t have to pry your dog’s mouth open — just pull their lips away from the teeth you are brushing so that you can get to them.”
Take breaks. Brush in small spurts, and give treats and plenty of praise. Eventually, work your way up to spending about 30 seconds on each side when brushing your dog's teeth.
Highlights:
- Find a quiet spot and a place where your dog feels comfortable.
- Introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste slowly. Let your dog sniff it first.
- Gently brush with soft strokes. Focus on the large teeth on the sides of your dog’s mouth at the gumline, where most of the plaque and tartar build up.
- Take breaks, and give treats.
How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?
Daily brushing is best. It only takes a few days for plaque to harden into tartar. If you go too long between brushings, you may need to see a veterinarian for removal. If your dog’s teeth have that yellow-brown buildup along their gumline or their gums are bleeding or puffy, it could be time for a professional cleaning.
With regular brushing, you should be able to go longer between professional dental cleanings at your vet’s office. You may not need professional cleanings at all. But some dogs need them even if they get regular dental care at home. That’s because of things such as genetics.
When your vet cleans your dog’s teeth, they’ll put them under anesthesia. Your pet may need X-rays so your vet can study their dental roots and jaw health. They’ll also look for growths, infections, or broken teeth. Your vet might suggest pulling teeth that aren’t healthy.
Your vet may also suggest your dog see a veterinary dentist. That’s a vet who has extra training and certification in dentistry.
There are some vets who do cleanings without anesthesia, but the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) doesn’t recommend that.
You probably don’t need anesthesia during your teeth cleaning because you understand what’s happening. Dogs obviously can’t.
Anesthesia allows your vet to clean and examine below the gumline, where most dental disease is found. Although there are some risks, pets aren’t stressed under anesthesia, and there’s less chance of them getting hurt during the exam. But your dog may have other health conditions that make anesthesia too risky. Your vet will discuss this with you before proceeding. Be sure to ask them any questions you have.
Along with examining, cleaning, and polishing your dog’s teeth, some vets may recommend sealants. These help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, especially if you’re unable to brush your dog’s teeth.
Best Products for Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
It’s easier to brush your dog’s teeth when you have some good products on hand.
Toothpaste for dogs
Never use human toothpaste when brushing your dog’s teeth. These products often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be deadly for dogs. Instead, use only toothpaste made for dogs.
Some dog toothpaste contains enzymes that spark chemical reactions in your dog’s mouth. These enzymatic toothpastes can help prevent the buildup of tartar and tackle bad breath.
Toothpaste for dogs comes in many flavors, including poultry, peanut butter, and mint.
Toothbrush for dogs
Look for a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can use one specifically made for dogs, with an angled head or even two heads, to make it easier to reach all your dog’s teeth. You can also use a human toddler toothbrush or a smaller-head adult brush, particularly if your dog isn’t very big. The bristles are the most important part because as they move across your dog’s teeth, they help dislodge plaque.
Dog toothbrush alternatives
You might find it easier to use a silicone fingertip brush to clean your dog’s teeth. These are small silicone pieces with rubbery nubs. You slip it on your finger and rub your dog’s teeth and gums. It gives you more control over where and how you brush. These are often used with puppies who are new to the brushing experience. You might want to avoid these if your dog typically chomps down on the toothbrush.
You can also try dental wipes, which are one-time use moist wipes that are soaked in a safe cleaning solution. Wipe them over the surfaces of your dog’s teeth. Make sure to only choose dental wipes for dogs so there are no potentially harmful ingredients.
Dental chews
Most dogs love treats, and some treats can help your dog’s dental health. Dog dental chews work because they cling to your dog’s teeth, and the chewing motion helps get rid of plaque. Be sure to choose dental treats that have the VOHC seal, which means they’ve been shown to help dental health.
When You Can’t Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Even though you know the importance of brushing a dog’s teeth, not every dog wants their teeth brushed.
“Some dogs do not want anyone going anywhere near their mouths, especially if they have not been exposed to tooth brushing from an early age,” Singler says.
“This might be due to fear, anxiety, a sensitivity in their mouth or a history of a previously painful condition involving their mouth, or if their teeth are currently hurting them,” she says.
Other dogs might not mind having their teeth brushed, but they just chew anything that’s in their mouth. That makes it hard to make any brushing progress. Or sometimes a dog just likes the toothpaste taste so much that they can’t help chewing on the brush. “In these cases, brush with just water, and then give the toothpaste as a treat at the end,” Singler suggests.
Dental chews are another option. Though they aren’t an equal substitute for brushing, they can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
These edible treats take a long time to chew. The longer chomping time helps clear buildup from a dog’s teeth. Look for chews with the VOHC seal of approval.
Diet is also key. Be sure to feed your dog high-quality pet food. Many studies have found that dry kibble can have a positive impact on their dental health. The action of chewing crunchy food can fight tartar and plaque buildup. There are also foods specially designed for dental health.
Highlights:
- Sometimes, you can’t brush your dog’s teeth because of fear, anxiety, or sensitivity in their mouth.
- Dental chews aren’t a substitute for brushing, but they can help with dental health.
- Be sure to feed a high-quality dog food. The act of chewing crunchy kibble can help fight tartar and plaque buildup.
Takeaways
- Brushing your dog’s teeth helps remove plaque, which can harden into tartar. It also can help freshen breath and avoid more serious dental issues from developing.
- Take your time, and be patient while getting your dog used to brushing. Eventually, work your way up to brushing daily.
- Be sure to use only dog toothpaste, but you can use any type of soft-bristled toothbrush or a silicone finger brush.
- If your dog won’t let you brush their teeth, consider feeding dental chews or using dental wipes.
- It’s still important to have your vet check your dog’s teeth annually. Even if you brush regularly, your dog might need their teeth cleaned professionally.
FAQs
Can dogs use human toothpaste?
Never use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth. It can contain ingredients such as xylitol and fluoride, which can be dangerous to dogs. Dog toothpaste comes in many tasty flavors, such as chicken, peanut butter, and mint.
Can I brush my dog’s teeth with baking soda?
Some human toothpastes contain baking soda, and some people use it right out of the box for brushing. But you should probably skip it with your dog. “My reasons for not recommending it are that it likely does not taste good to dogs (whereas dog toothpastes are very palatable) and because too much of it could upset the stomach,” Singler says.
Should I brush my dog’s teeth every day?
If you can, it’s best to brush daily. Tartar forms every day, so brushing every day can help. But if that’s not possible, try to brush every other day or as often as you can.
What happens if you never brush your dog’s teeth?
If you never brush your dog’s teeth, plaque will harden into tartar, and this becomes the perfect spot for bacteria to form. Bacteria can cause damage to your dog’s gums, the bone around the teeth, and the ligaments that hold them in place, leading to periodontal disease. “As this condition progresses, dogs can experience pain in their mouth, loose teeth, bad breath, trouble eating, and even have some of their teeth fall out,” Singler says. “In severe cases, infection can spread from the mouth to other parts of the body like the kidneys or the heart through the dog’s bloodstream.”
How can I deep clean my dog’s teeth at home?
There is no safe and effective way to deep clean your dog’s teeth at home, Singler says. Brushing is the best thing you can do for your dog at home. “All dental cleanings should be performed by a veterinarian under general anesthesia so that a dog’s mouth can be fully assessed and so that their teeth can be safely cleaned and any other problems can be addressed,” Singler says.
