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One often-neglected aspect of canine grooming is dental care. While many dog owners diligently brush their pet's coat to a gleaming finish and trim their nails to prevent clicking on floors, they often overlook the importance of brushing their dog’s teeth. Regular brushing helps remove plaque, which can cause bad breath and more severe issues like tooth decay or gum disease. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that by age three, 80% of dogs exhibit signs of periodontal disease.
Maintaining good dental care at home offers more than fresher-smelling kisses—it can contribute to your dog living a happier, healthier, and longer life. Fortunately, keeping your dog's teeth clean is simpler than you might think, even with a busy schedule. Dental care goes beyond brushing, and there are other easy practices you can incorporate in just a few minutes each week. With consistent effort, your furry friend’s teeth can stay sparkling and healthy for years to come.
Tips to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Choose the Right Time and Place for Brushing
To make the experience stress-free, especially for nervous dogs, minimize distractions during teeth brushing sessions. Find a quiet and comfortable spot where it’s just you and your dog—avoid environments with active children or other pets. Ensure the area has good lighting so you can see clearly while brushing.
Invest in the Right Tools
Choose a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs, which you can find at pet stores or online. These toothbrushes often feature angled handles, soft bristles, and even multiple heads, making it easier to clean all the small nooks and crannies in your dog’s mouth. Don’t forget to use toothpaste formulated for dogs, as human toothpaste can be harmful to them.
Choose the Right Toothpaste
It's essential to use toothpaste specifically made for dogs, as human toothpaste contains harmful ingredients like xylitol and fluoride that can be toxic to them. Dog toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors, such as peanut butter, beef, and chicken, which are designed to appeal to your pet. Experiment with different toothpaste flavors and toothbrush styles to find the combination your dog enjoys most, making the experience more pleasant for both of you.
Help Your Dog Get Comfortable with Toothbrushing
• Touch the Teeth and Gums
Start by gently handling your dog’s mouth without a toothbrush. Lift the top lip and hold it while touching the teeth, then pull the bottom lip down to touch the lower teeth. If your dog has taken AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy or Canine Good Citizen classes, they may already be used to having their mouth handled.
● Introduce the Toothbrush
Gently touch the toothbrush to the front, side, and back teeth on both the upper and lower jaws. Praise and reward your dog for tolerating this step.
• Introduce the Toothpaste
Show your dog the toothpaste and let them lick it off your finger. This helps them get familiar with the taste and smell.
• Add Toothpaste to the Toothbrush
Apply a small amount of dog-safe toothpaste to the toothbrush.
• Brush the Top Teeth
Hold the upper lip up and begin brushing the front teeth. Use gentle motions and praise your dog throughout.
• Brush the Side and Back Teeth on Top
Gradually move from the front teeth to the sides and back, brushing all areas on the top jaw.
• Brush the Bottom Teeth
Pull down the bottom lip and start brushing the front teeth, then work your way to the sides and back.
• Brush the Insides (Optional)
If your dog is calm and tolerating the brushing well, start brushing the inside surfaces of the teeth. This step may require additional patience, as it can be more challenging.
• Praise and Reward
Consistently praise your dog and offer treats during each step to make toothbrushing a positive experience. Although giving treats may seem counterproductive, the priority is to build comfort and trust. Over time, you can phase out treats and rely solely on praise
Alternative Dental Care: Dog Dental Chews
Dog dental chews are an excellent supplement to regular brushing, combining oral hygiene with a tasty treat that satisfies your dog’s natural chewing instincts. These chews help reduce plaque and tartar build-up while polishing your dog’s teeth for a cleaner, healthier smile.
Dental chews come in various sizes and shapes, often featuring ridges and nubs designed to reach crevices between teeth and stimulate blood flow in the gums. Many also have hollow spaces that make them easier for dogs to grip and chew evenly.
While dental chews are beneficial, always supervise your dog during chewing sessions to ensure they’re using the chew safely. This prevents potential choking hazards or accidental ingestion of large pieces.
Spritz Dog Dental Spray
Dog dental sprays are a convenient and effective solution for maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene, especially when time is limited or your pet isn’t cooperative with brushing. These sprays combat plaque-causing bacteria, helping to eliminate bad breath while also preventing and removing plaque and tartar build-up.
Using dental sprays is straightforward: simply spritz the spray directly onto your dog’s teeth and gums. For dogs that resist oral care, you can apply the spray to their toys or treats, allowing them to lick it off for a quick breath freshening with minimal effort.
To maximize the benefits, ensure your dog doesn’t eat for 30 minutes before or after using the spray. With regular use, dental sprays can keep your dog’s mouth cleaner and their breath fresher, making cuddle time more enjoyable for everyone!
Gnaw on Chew Toys
If you have a playful dog, chew toys are a perfect way to channel their energy while protecting your belongings from destruction. These toys not only keep your dog entertained but also cater to their natural instinct to chew, providing mental stimulation and promoting better oral health.
Chewing helps dogs of all ages explore their surroundings. For puppies, it soothes teething pain, while for adult dogs, it keeps their minds sharp and alleviates boredom. By offering your dog a chew toy, you’re giving them a safe and satisfying outlet to stay happy and engaged—and saving your shoes in the process!
Chewing is a natural behavior that helps dogs clean their teeth, as the constant gnawing action scrapes plaque away. Chew toys are available in various materials such as plastic, rubber, nylon, and rawhide, each offering unique benefits. To keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom, it’s a good idea to rotate different types of chew toys.
These toys come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, ensuring you’ll find the perfect option to suit your dog’s play style and keep them entertained while promoting oral health. Whether for a puppy or an adult dog, chew toys are an excellent way to satisfy their chewing instincts and help maintain a healthy smile.
Dog Dental Powders
Dog dental powders are a convenient and effective way to support your dog's oral health. These powders often contain probiotics that promote healthy bacteria in your dog's mouth while simultaneously targeting plaque-causing bacteria. By sprinkling the powder on your dog's meals, you can help prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque while also freshening their breath.
Using dental powder regularly offers ongoing benefits, making it a simple addition to your dog’s routine that contributes to cleaner teeth and a fresher-smelling mouth.
Regular Professional Veterinarian Cleanings
One of the most important steps in maintaining your dog’s oral health is scheduling regular professional cleanings with your veterinarian. Veterinarians are trained to detect, prevent, and treat dental issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. Most dogs should have an oral exam and cleaning at least once a year, allowing the vet to catch any early signs of serious dental problems. Breeds such as Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds, which are more prone to periodontal disease, may require more frequent cleanings, potentially every six months.
Professional cleanings allow veterinarians to remove plaque beneath the gum line, an area that is hard for toothbrushes to reach. The process typically includes taking x-rays to assess the health of the jawline and tooth roots, as well as scaling and polishing teeth to eliminate plaque and tartar. Your dog will be under general anesthesia for the procedure, and the vet can also perform fillings or extractions if necessary. While this option can be more costly and time-consuming, regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for your dog’s dental health and overall well-being. Your dog's teeth will thank you for prioritizing these professional cleanings!
What to Do if Your Dog’s Teeth Are Stained
We all know that brushing our dog's teeth is essential for their health, but it’s a task that often gets overlooked. Whether it’s due to lack of time or a dog who resists the toothbrush, neglecting oral care can lead to stains, plaque buildup, and other dental issues. If your dog’s teeth are stained or if their oral health has declined significantly, it may be time to consult a professional veterinary dentist.
A veterinary dentist can assess the condition of your dog’s teeth, clean away stubborn stains, and treat any underlying issues like gum disease or cavities. They have the tools and expertise to handle cases that go beyond regular brushing, ensuring your dog gets the necessary care for a healthier mouth and fresher breath. Regular visits to a professional can help prevent further damage and maintain your dog’s overall health.
Veterinary dentist Thoulton W. Surgeon emphasizes that tooth brushing should be an essential part of every dog owner’s daily routine. He recommends spending as much time as you can brushing your dog’s teeth, for as long as your dog will tolerate it. According to Surgeon, "It’s very important, maybe more so than what I do," highlighting that professional cleanings, which remove calculus and plaque, are only about a third as important as regular brushing.
If your dog’s teeth are already covered in brown and yellow tartar, and their gums are bleeding or inflamed, a professional cleaning is necessary. However, it's crucial to resume brushing immediately after the cleaning. Plaque can begin to accumulate within two to three days, so getting back to a regular brushing routine can help prevent future tartar buildup and reduce the likelihood of needing another cleaning in the near future.
Getting Your Dog Used to Dental Care
It’s common for dogs to be afraid of having their teeth brushed, and this fear can stem from several factors: the unfamiliar sensation of a toothbrush in their mouth, the strange smell of the toothpaste, and the process of opening their mouth to apply it. The good news is that this issue can be overcome with patience and a desensitization program.
Start by introducing the toothbrush and toothpaste gradually, without forcing your dog. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to help your dog associate dental care with something pleasant. You can break the process into different sessions on the same day to prevent overwhelming your dog, giving them time to adjust between each step. With consistency and a calm approach, your dog will eventually become more comfortable with regular dental care.
Select a Location
Choose a consistent place for tooth brushing, such as the bathroom, and start making it a positive, enjoyable space for your dog. The goal is to help your dog associate this area with fun and rewards. Throughout the day, bring your dog into the bathroom with their favorite toys and treats. If your dog is particularly food-motivated, you can even begin feeding them their meals in this space. By spending 10–15 minutes multiple times a day in this room, you’ll help your dog feel relaxed and comfortable, eventually associating the bathroom with positive experiences, making tooth brushing easier and less stressful for them.
Get Your Dog Used to the Brush
The next step in helping your dog become comfortable with dental care is to desensitize them to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead of keeping these items hidden away, begin placing them around the house in visible, familiar locations. You can put the toothbrush on the kitchen counter, near their toys, or even by their food bowl (while supervising). Over time, the presence of the toothbrush and toothpaste will become a normal part of your dog’s environment, reducing any stress or anxiety they may feel about these items. This gradual exposure helps your dog get used to the idea of dental care without feeling overwhelmed.
Touching the Teeth
The next step is helping your dog feel comfortable with having their mouth handled. If your dog has shown aggression or extreme fear when you’ve tried to handle their mouth, it’s important to consult a vet or behaviorist for guidance.
To begin, sit on the floor with your dog on a leash, making sure they are hungry and you have a stash of their favorite treats. Start by gently petting your dog, gradually moving your hands to under their chin. After a few seconds, give them a treat, and repeat this step two or three times. If your dog seems relaxed and interested, move to the next step: after petting under the chin, gently run your hand over the top of their muzzle and give them a treat. Repeat this a few times before ending the session.
Once your dog is calm with having their mouth handled, you can begin pairing this with the toothbrush. Go slowly, and if your dog seems worried or frightened, feel free to step back and repeat an earlier step. It’s important to remember that this process takes time—getting your dog comfortable with opening their mouth and accepting a toothbrush will take patience. With consistency, positive reinforcement, and great treats, your dog will eventually be more open to the process of brushing their teeth, though getting them to say “ahhh” might take a bit longer!
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