How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide
Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t just about fresh breath—it’s vital for their health. Over 80% of dogs over three develop periodontal disease, which starts as gingivitis from plaque and can lead to painful tooth loss if ignored. With the right approach, you can make tooth brushing a regular (even enjoyable) part of your pet’s routine.
Why Brushing Matters
Plaque forms on your dog’s teeth within hours after eating. If left alone, it quickly combines with minerals in saliva and hardens into tartar (calculus). This buildup irritates gums, causes infection, and eventually damages the bone around the teeth. Regular brushing removes plaque before it turns into stubborn tartar.
When and How Often Should You Brush?
Daily brushing is best—twice a day is ideal. At minimum, aim for three times a week to help prevent tartar. The earlier you start (puppyhood is perfect), the easier it’ll be for both of you. Older dogs may take longer to adjust, but patience pays off.
Getting Started: Training Your Pet
- Pick a quiet time and place, free from distractions.
- For small dogs, hold them securely in your lap; for larger pets, sit beside them so you can easily reach their mouth.
- Begin by rubbing your finger or a soft cloth over the outside surfaces of their teeth in a gentle back-and-forth motion—don’t worry about the inside surfaces yet; their tongue helps keep those clean.
- Let them lick a small amount of pet toothpaste from your finger. Never use human toothpaste—it contains ingredients that are unsafe for pets.
- Add toothpaste to the cloth and rub again. Once they’re comfortable, introduce a toothbrush.
Desensitization and counterconditioning work wonders: break brushing into small steps, pair each with treats and praise, and never force their mouth open. Let them set the pace—short sessions are fine at first.
The Right Tools
- Toothbrush: Choose one designed for dogs—angled handles, multiple heads, or finger brushes all work depending on your comfort and your dog’s size. Soft baby toothbrushes are okay for some pets.
- Toothpaste: Only use toothpaste made for pets (flavors like poultry or beef help!). These are safe to swallow and encourage acceptance.
Baking soda isn’t safe—it disrupts stomach acid balance if swallowed and tastes bad to most dogs. Human toothpaste contains xylitol (toxic), fluoride, detergents, or high sodium—all harmful if ingested by pets.
The Brushing Process: Step by Step
- Squeeze a pea-sized amount of pet toothpaste onto the brush.
- Gently lift your dog’s lips on one side to expose their teeth.
- If brushing lower teeth, gently tilt their head back while holding the upper jaw steady.
- Start with large cheek teeth and canine teeth, where plaque builds up fastest. Gradually include all teeth over several days or weeks as they get used to it.
- Brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, using light pressure in short back-and-forth strokes—about thirty seconds per side is plenty.
You don’t need to brush inner surfaces; focus on what you can easily reach without stressing your pet out. Always reward cooperation with treats or extra affection!
Troubleshooting & Tips
- If possible, wear gloves—pet mouths harbor bacteria. If not, wash hands thoroughly after brushing.
- Rinse brushes after each use, replacing every three months or sooner if bristles fray. Use separate brushes for each pet in multi-dog households.
- If progress stalls after weeks of patient training, consult a behaviorist or trainer for help making tooth care less stressful.
Treats & Alternatives
If your dog simply won’t tolerate brushing despite best efforts, ask your vet about dental chews or other products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Feeding dry food may also help reduce plaque buildup—but nothing replaces regular brushing for oral health!
Signs of Dental Trouble
- Persistent bad breath (not just “doggy breath”)
- Sensitivity around the mouth or face
- Losing interest in food or losing weight unexpectedly
- Yellow/brown deposits near gumline; red or bleeding gums; loose/missing teeth; pawing at mouth; difficulty chewing hard foods
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a veterinary dental checkup promptly—your pet may need professional cleaning or treatment before resuming home care routines.
