Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in adult dogs. Most dogs show some signs of it by about three years of age. It can cause bad breath, pain, tooth loss, and infection, and many dogs hide mouth pain well. A few minutes of care at home can make a real difference.
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This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Home care helps prevent problems but cannot treat existing disease. Your vet should examine your dog’s mouth at least once a year.
Quick Answer
- Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is the most effective thing you can do at home
- Dental chews, water additives, and wipes can help, but they work best alongside brushing
- Look for products with the VOHC seal, which means they were shown to reduce plaque or tartar
- Avoid very hard chews that can break teeth
- Professional cleanings under anesthesia are still needed when tartar builds up below the gumline
Signs Your Dog May Have Dental Problems
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Chewing on one side, dropping food, or not wanting hard food or toys
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
- Loose or broken teeth
- Swelling under the eye, which can be a sign of a tooth root abscess
If you notice any of these, book a vet visit before starting a new home routine. Brushing sore gums can hurt.
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
What You Need
- A dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste. Many contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and fluoride and foaming agents that should not be swallowed
- A soft dog toothbrush sized for your dog, or a finger brush for small dogs and beginners
- Treats or praise to make the routine pleasant
Step by Step
- Start slow. For a few days, let your dog lick a little toothpaste from your finger
- Touch the mouth. Gently lift the lip and rub your finger along the outer gums and teeth for a few seconds
- Add the brush. Put toothpaste on the brush and let your dog sniff and lick it
- Brush the outsides. Hold the brush at a slight angle to the gumline and use small circles. Focus on the outer surfaces of the back teeth and canines, where tartar builds up most. Most dogs do not need the inner surfaces brushed
- Keep it short. Start with 30 seconds and work up to about two minutes
- End happy. Praise and reward your dog every time
Daily brushing is best because plaque starts hardening into tartar within days. If daily is not realistic, a few times a week still helps more than not brushing at all.
Dental Chews, Toys, and Other Helpers
Dental Chews
Dental chews can help scrape away plaque. Choose the right size for your dog so it cannot be swallowed whole, supervise chewing, and count chews as part of your dog’s daily calories.
Water Additives and Wipes
A water additive is the easiest product to use, and dental wipes are a good middle step for dogs who will not accept a brush yet. Neither replaces brushing.
Dental Diets
Some prescription and over the counter foods are designed to clean teeth as dogs chew. Ask your vet whether one fits your dog’s overall diet and health.
Chew Toys
Rubber dental chew toys give dogs a safe outlet for chewing. Replace toys once they start breaking into pieces.
Chews to Avoid
Hard objects are a common cause of broken teeth in dogs. Many vets advise avoiding:
- Real bones, cooked or raw
- Antlers, hooves, and hard nylon chews
- Ice cubes and hard plastic toys
A simple test: if you cannot press your thumbnail into the chew, or it would hurt if you hit your knee with it, it is probably too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Once tartar has built up, especially below the gumline, it cannot be removed by brushing. Your vet can clean, examine, and X-ray the teeth while your dog is under anesthesia. This lets the vet clean below the gums safely and find hidden problems.
Anesthesia-free cleanings only scrape the visible surface and can hide disease under the gums. The American Veterinary Dental College does not recommend them. If you worry about anesthesia, especially for an older dog, ask your vet about pre-anesthetic blood work and monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start brushing my puppy’s teeth?
Start gently as soon as your puppy comes home, even before the adult teeth come in. The goal is to make mouth handling a normal, happy routine.
Are small breeds more prone to dental disease?
Yes. Small and toy breeds often have crowded teeth and tend to develop tartar sooner, so home care is especially important for them.
My dog hates brushing. What can I do?
Go back a step and move more slowly, using lots of rewards. Try a finger brush, a flavored toothpaste, or dental wipes. If your dog still resists or seems painful, ask your vet to check for a sore tooth.
Bottom Line
Brush often with dog toothpaste, add safe dental chews, avoid very hard chews, and see your vet for regular checkups. Your dog’s teeth will last longer and their breath will be fresher. For more care tips, see our guides to stress-free nail trimming, slow feeders and lick mats, and keeping a senior dog comfortable.
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