Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. A majority of dogs show some signs of periodontal disease by around three years of age, yet many owners never look inside their dog’s mouth. The good news is that a few minutes of care at home each day can make a real difference.
Why dental care matters
When food particles and bacteria build up on the teeth, they form plaque. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and allows bacteria to move below the gum line. Over time, this can lead to painful infections, loose teeth and tooth loss. Bacteria from the mouth can also enter the bloodstream.
Dogs rarely show obvious signs of dental pain. Many continue eating even with infected teeth, so problems often go unnoticed until they are advanced.
Signs of dental problems
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Broken or loose teeth
- Dropping food, chewing on one side or reluctance to eat hard food
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
- Swelling below the eye, which can signal a tooth root abscess
If you notice any of these, schedule a vet visit.
How to brush your dog’s teeth
Daily brushing is the most effective thing you can do at home. Here is how to get started.
What you need
- A dog toothbrush or finger brush. Choose one sized for your dog’s mouth.
- Dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste. Some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and dogs swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out. Dog toothpastes come in flavors such as poultry or peanut butter.
Step 1: Get your dog used to having their mouth touched
For a few days, gently lift your dog’s lips and touch their teeth and gums with your finger for a few seconds, then reward them. Keep it short and positive.
Step 2: Introduce the toothpaste
Let your dog lick a little toothpaste from your finger. Most dogs enjoy the taste, which helps them look forward to brushing.
Step 3: Introduce the brush
Put toothpaste on the brush and let your dog lick it. Then gently brush a few front teeth and reward them.
Step 4: Gradually brush more of the mouth
Lift the lip and brush the outer surfaces of the teeth with small circular motions, holding the brush at a slight angle toward the gum line. Focus especially on the large back teeth and the canines, where tartar tends to build up. Most dogs will not let you brush the inner surfaces, and that is fine; the tongue helps keep those cleaner.
Step 5: Make it a routine
Aim for daily brushing, or at least several times per week. Brushing every few days is still much better than nothing, but plaque starts to harden into tartar within a few days, so frequency matters.
Other ways to support dental health
- Dental chews and diets. Some products have been shown to reduce plaque or tartar. Look for those carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal.
- Water additives and gels. These can help a little, but they do not replace brushing.
- Safe chew toys. Avoid very hard items like antlers, hooves, cooked bones and hard nylon chews, which can fracture teeth. A good rule of thumb: if you cannot dent it with your fingernail, it may be too hard.
Professional dental cleanings
Even with excellent home care, most dogs need professional dental cleanings from time to time. A thorough cleaning is done under general anesthesia. This allows the vet to clean below the gum line, where most periodontal disease occurs, take dental X-rays and treat problem teeth safely.
“Anesthesia-free” cleanings may make teeth look whiter, but they cannot clean below the gum line or check for hidden problems, so they may give a false sense of security. Many veterinary dental organizations advise against them.
If you are worried about anesthesia, especially for an older dog, talk to your vet. They will typically run blood tests beforehand and monitor your dog closely during the procedure.
Start early
Introducing tooth brushing during puppyhood makes it a normal part of life. But it is never too late to start. Even older dogs can learn to accept brushing with patience and plenty of rewards.
This article is for general information only. Ask your veterinarian to check your dog’s teeth at every wellness exam.