Cleaning your dog’s teeth can be a daunting task, especially if your pooch hates it. But it’s an important part of keeping him healthy, as he can develop dental diseases linked to bacteria that thrive in a poorly or uncleaned mouth. So no, it’s not just about keeping his breath fresh: cleaning your dog’s teeth is an essential task on the list of regular grooming care.
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
But it doesn’t have to be a nightmare for you and your precious four-legged friend. Learn how to keep your dog’s mouth clean and fresh by following these simple steps, while making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Before You Start
Gather the essential tools to make cleaning your dog’s teeth a breeze:
Dog toothbrush
Dog-safe toothpaste
Chew treats
Here are some examples of dental health products for dogs approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC):
Dog toothbrush
Dog-safe toothpaste
Chew treats
- Dog toothbrush
- Dog-safe toothpaste
- Chew treats
Dental diet (plaque, tartar):
Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Small Bites
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Small Bites
Rawhide chews (tartar):
Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Small Bites
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Small Bites
- Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Small Bites
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DH Dental Health Small Bites
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz Dental Chew Dog Treats
Edible chew treats (plaque, tartar):
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz Dental Chew Dog Treats
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz Dental Chew Dog Treats
OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews for Small Dogs
Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats
Toothbrush and toothpaste kit:
OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews for Small Dogs
Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats
- OraVet Hygiene Dental Chews for Small Dogs
- Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Toothpaste + Dog Toothbrush
Petsmile Professional Natural London Broil Flavor Dog Toothpaste
TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Kit for Small & Medium Dogs
Now that you have all the products in hand, you can declare war on the nasty bacteria that inhabit the mouth of your beloved dog!
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Toothpaste + Dog Toothbrush
Petsmile Professional Natural London Broil Flavor Dog Toothpaste
TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Kit for Small & Medium Dogs
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Toothpaste + Dog Toothbrush
- Petsmile Professional Natural London Broil Flavor Dog Toothpaste
- TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Kit for Small & Medium Dogs
How To Clean Dog’s Teeth in 5 Simple Steps
1. Go to a Quiet Room with Your Dog
The last thing you want is for your other dogs, cats, or even your children to distract your dog while you introduce him to a dental routine. So, grab your dog’s favorite blanket and head to a quiet room where you can have his full attention.
2. Use Wipes to Get Your Dog Used to Gums Handling
Before introducing your dog to the toothbrush, you can start by getting him used to teeth and gums handling. This process is called desensitization and you can do it at any age, although it’s most effective when your pet is still a puppy:
Begin by gently touching your dog’s teeth.
Scrub his teeth with a dog dental wipe, such as TropiClean Oral Care Wipes for Dogs.
Move the wipe in a circular motion over each of the teeth.
Warmly reward your dog with lots of praise, petting, and treats.
Be patient and don’t force your dog if he seems stressed or worse, tries to bite you. If he fidgets and seems uncomfortable, stop and start again later when your dog has calmed down.
However, know that desensitization may take longer for some dogs, and some may never fully get used to it. Thus, if your pet refuses any contact with his teeth, it is better to leave his dental care to your veterinarian.
Begin by gently touching your dog’s teeth.
Scrub his teeth with a dog dental wipe, such as TropiClean Oral Care Wipes for Dogs.
Move the wipe in a circular motion over each of the teeth.
Warmly reward your dog with lots of praise, petting, and treats.
Be patient and don’t force your dog if he seems stressed or worse, tries to bite you. If he fidgets and seems uncomfortable, stop and start again later when your dog has calmed down.
- Begin by gently touching your dog’s teeth.
- Scrub his teeth with a dog dental wipe, such as TropiClean Oral Care Wipes for Dogs.
- Move the wipe in a circular motion over each of the teeth.
- Warmly reward your dog with lots of praise, petting, and treats.
- Be patient and don’t force your dog if he seems stressed or worse, tries to bite you. If he fidgets and seems uncomfortable, stop and start again later when your dog has calmed down.
3. Familiarize Your Dog with the Toothbrush and Toothpaste
The goal is to create a positive association between your dog and these new products so that he does not perceive them as “instruments of torture”.
Start by showing the toothbrush to your dog. After he sniffs it, give him a treat and lots of praise.
Repeat this process several times before moving on to the next step.
Once your dog associates his toothbrush with treats and positive praise, gently touch your pet’s teeth with the toothbrush.
Repeat until he is comfortable.
Then, introduce the toothpaste to your dog in the same way.
You can also put toothpaste on your finger and let your dog taste it.
4. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Once your dog is comfortable with the toothbrush and toothpaste, it’s time to clean his mouth properly.
Start by showing the toothbrush to your dog. After he sniffs it, give him a treat and lots of praise.
Repeat this process several times before moving on to the next step.
Once your dog associates his toothbrush with treats and positive praise, gently touch your pet’s teeth with the toothbrush.
Repeat until he is comfortable.
Then, introduce the toothpaste to your dog in the same way.
You can also put toothpaste on your finger and let your dog taste it.
- Start by showing the toothbrush to your dog. After he sniffs it, give him a treat and lots of praise.
- Repeat this process several times before moving on to the next step.
- Once your dog associates his toothbrush with treats and positive praise, gently touch your pet’s teeth with the toothbrush.
- Repeat until he is comfortable.
- Then, introduce the toothpaste to your dog in the same way.
- You can also put toothpaste on your finger and let your dog taste it.
Stand beside your dog or place his head in your lap.
Put the toothpaste on the toothbrush with a little water.
Apply the toothbrush to your puppy’s teeth at a 45-degree
Brush only the outside of the teeth of each section (front right and left, rear right and left).
Give three horizontal strokes on each of the teeth.
Give a final vertical stroke, from the gum to the tip.
Avoid pressing too hard so as not to irritate the gums.
When brushing is complete, reward your dog with praise (no need to rinse his mouth with water afterward).
Note: It is strongly recommended that you brush your dog’s teeth daily or every other day to reduce plaque buildup and tartar formation.
Stand beside your dog or place his head in your lap.
Put the toothpaste on the toothbrush with a little water.
Apply the toothbrush to your puppy’s teeth at a 45-degree
Brush only the outside of the teeth of each section (front right and left, rear right and left).
Give three horizontal strokes on each of the teeth.
Give a final vertical stroke, from the gum to the tip.
Avoid pressing too hard so as not to irritate the gums.
When brushing is complete, reward your dog with praise (no need to rinse his mouth with water afterward).
- Stand beside your dog or place his head in your lap.
- Put the toothpaste on the toothbrush with a little water.
- Apply the toothbrush to your puppy’s teeth at a 45-degree
- Brush only the outside of the teeth of each section (front right and left, rear right and left).
- Give three horizontal strokes on each of the teeth.
- Give a final vertical stroke, from the gum to the tip.
- Avoid pressing too hard so as not to irritate the gums.
- When brushing is complete, reward your dog with praise (no need to rinse his mouth with water afterward).
5. Use Other Dog Dental Care Products
Despite all your patience, gentleness, positive praise, and rewards, some dogs will never get used to brushing their teeth. In these cases, you may need to consider other dental care options, such as dental chews, sprays, water additives, or even chew toys.
However, it is best to discuss the appropriate options for your pet with your veterinarian beforehand. For example, if your dog is overweight, giving him high-calorie dental treats every day will not help his condition!
How To Prevent Your Dog from Getting Oral Diseases
Dogs can develop oral diseases, such as cavities or bleeding gums, as young as 3 years old. Additionally, periodontal disease, an inflammation of the tooth’s supporting tissues, is the most commonly diagnosed disease in pets. In fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 80% of dogs show signs of canine periodontal disease by the age of three. Even worse, this disease can cause health problems to your dog’s kidneys, liver, and heart.
However, although this disease is common, progressive, and painful, it is also preventable and even reversible at an early stage of the condition.
So, when brushing your dog’s teeth daily, be on the lookout for signs of possible oral disease:
Bad breath
Yellow-brown tartar around the gum line
Bleeding or red gums
Tooth or gum pain
Abscess or infected teeth
Presence of cysts in the mouth
Malocclusion
Missing tooth
You also need to schedule annual dental examinations with the vet. However, if you notice the above signs, get your dog checked out sooner, as prevention is the best cure.
Bad breath
Yellow-brown tartar around the gum line
Bleeding or red gums
Tooth or gum pain
Abscess or infected teeth
Presence of cysts in the mouth
Malocclusion
Missing tooth
- Bad breath
- Yellow-brown tartar around the gum line
- Bleeding or red gums
- Tooth or gum pain
- Abscess or infected teeth
- Presence of cysts in the mouth
- Malocclusion
- Missing tooth
Note: Even if your dog appears to have healthy teeth, be aware that many dental diseases occur below the gum line where you cannot see them. This is another reason not to skip annual vet checkups.
- See also: Is A Dog’s Bad Breath Typically From Their Stomach?
Final Thoughts
Brushing your beloved dog’s teeth regularly is a necessity to keep him healthy. However, with the right tools and technique, this process can be an enjoyable experience and even strengthen your bond with your pet. But, if in doubt about the best dental care products or methods to use, always ask your veterinarian for advice.
See also: 9 Best Puppy Toothpastes: Reviews & Top Picks
Sources
AVMA: Pet dental health The Most Common Questions About Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth PetMD: Periodontal (Gum) Disease in Dogs Merck Vet Manual: Dental Disorders of Dogs
Featured Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
Sources
AVMA: Pet dental health The Most Common Questions About Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth PetMD: Periodontal (Gum) Disease in Dogs Merck Vet Manual: Dental Disorders of Dogs
- AVMA: Pet dental health
- The Most Common Questions About Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
- PetMD: Periodontal (Gum) Disease in Dogs
- Merck Vet Manual: Dental Disorders of Dogs
