How To Brush Dog Teeth
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, and last updated by
What if I told you that the best way to prevent dental disease is by brushing your dog's teeth? You might think this is much easier said than done! But with the right approach, as well as some patience and persistence, you can train your dog to get used to having their teeth brushed and even turn it into a daily routine.
In this article, we will provide you with a helpful guide on how to brush your dog's teeth, offering practical tips and step-by-step instructions to make the process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your furry companion.
We'll also discuss why maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for your dog's overall health, and what else you can do for oral health at home.
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Why is toothbrushing important?
When should I start brushing my dog's teeth?
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Simple Steps For Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
Is tooth brushing the only way to promote good oral health?
Why is tooth brushing important?
Dental disease is an extremely common issue among Australian dogs, with 80% having some degree of it by the age of 3. A lack of proper dental care in dogs can lead to various oral health issues, such as plaque buildup, tartar, bad breath, and potential dental diseases.
When vets talk about dental disease, they are referring most commonly to gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, usually the result of a build up of bacteria containing plaque around the gumline of the teeth but it can also be caused by some viruses and other health conditions.
Periodontitis is what happens if gingivitis is left unchecked. The bacteria causing the gingivitis invade below the gumline, resulting in more inflammation and damage to the tissue that attaches the tooth to the gum, leading to loose teeth and ultimately loss of teeth. On the surface, as the plaque is left in situ, it begins to react with minerals in the saliva to form a hard, yellowish material known as tartar or calculus.
Gingivitis and periodontitis can cause bad breath, discomfort, and pain- and it's more than just your dog's teeth that can be affected. Over time, dental disease results in chronic inflammation that can have serious health consequences for your pet including damage to the heart, kidneys and liver.
Preventing dental disease is key to managing your dog's dental health, and the best way to do this is by brushing your dog's teeth. Other dental homecare methods can offer some benefit, but brushing is the gold standard of dental homecare.
By incorporating tooth brushing and other dental care into your dog's routine, you can help prevent oral health problems, promote fresher breath, and ensure your dog's teeth and gums remain healthy and strong.
When should I start brushing my dog's teeth?
Generally speaking, the sooner you start introducing your dog to the process of brushing, the better!
As soon as you bring your new pup home, you can start getting them used to their mouth being handled - practice opening their mouth and checking their teeth a couple of times a day. You can reward them with a tasty puppy treat when they're accepting of this. You can then progress to the steps we've outlined below.
Remember that your puppy will start teething from about 12 weeks of age as their adult teeth start to come through to replace their baby teeth or milk teeth. During this time their teeth and gums may be a little tender, so keep in mind that they may not be as receptive to brushing or having their mouth checked. Consider a soothing teething gel or soft finger brush during this period. By 6-7 months of age, teething will end for most pups.
Even if your dog is fully grown, tooth brushing can be started at any age! While it's generally true that the earlier you start the easier it will be for your dog to accept tooth brushing, it's never too late. Although it may seem daunting at first, with a little patience and encouragement most dogs can be trained to accept toothbrushing as part of their daily routine.
Before starting a homecare regime for an adult dog, it's important that their teeth and gums are currently healthy. Brushing or other home treatments may not be effective if there is existing dental disease and will likely be painful for your pet. Your local vet will be able to assess your dog's teeth and gums during an exam, and determine whether their oral health is suitable for brushing.
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
For best results, we recommend brushing your dog's teeth daily. However, for those who have a busy schedule, at least 3 times a week is a good place to start. Combining regular brushing with other dental homecare methods is also an excellent option- more on this below.
What products do I need?
To get started, you will need a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. There are two types of toothbrushes commonly available: handheld toothbrushes with a specially modified head and finger toothbrushes that slip over a finger for easy brushing. Ensure that the toothbrush you select is an appropriate size for your dog's mouth.
Using the right toothpaste is essential to ensure your dog's safety and well-being. Never use human toothpaste, as it often contains ingredients that can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Instead, opt for a toothpaste specifically formulated for pets.
These pet toothpastes come in various flavours, such as mint, vanilla, poultry, or even cheese. The appealing flavours help make the brushing experience more enjoyable for your dog, increasing their cooperation and acceptance.
Helpful Products:
The EZDog Finger Brush is an easy to use product for brushing your pets teeth. Simply slip bristled tip over your finger and hold the circular pad in your palm for extra grip. By moving your finger along the surface of your pets teeth, you wont have to manoeuvre awkward, pokey or sizeable toothbrushes!
Designed for small dog breeds, the EZDog Toothbrush is specifically designed to suit the contours of your pets mouth. This toothbrush has three angled heads with gentle nylon for a full three dimensional clean plus an ergonomically designed handle for user comfort.
Vets Best Advanced Dental Care Kit
Along with regular vet check-ups, toothbrushing is the most effective way of keeping your dogs teeth clean and healthy. This kit contains Vets Best Dental Gel and the triple-headed toothbrush.
The Petz Park Toothpaste is designed as an easy solution to supporting your dog's oral hygiene! Formulated with the properties of green tea extract and coconut oil, this dental toothpaste is crafted to appeal to your dog with the enticing flavour.
Simple Steps To Brushing Dog Teeth
It's important to take each of these steps slowly, and only progress to the next one when your pet is comfortable. It may take weeks or even months to get your dog used to the process before you can make tooth brushing a regular routine. If you rush, it's much less likely that your pet will be accepting and it will be easier to get discouraged.
1. Familiarise your dog with mouth handling
Before brushing their teeth, help your dog become comfortable with having their head and mouth handled. More specifically, you'll want to start getting them used to having their face touched, lips lifted and head held at a 45 degree angle. Gently rub your fingers around their muzzle and mouth, and practice opening their mouth and checking their teeth. You can do this several times a day and it should be done at a different time to when you intend to brush their teeth. Always make sure to provide positive reinforcement with pats and tasty dog treats.
2. Introduce the toothpaste
Find a quiet and peaceful area where you can focus on your dog without distractions. This will help create a relaxed atmosphere.
At the time when you hope to brush your dog's teeth, start introducing them to the toothpaste. Place a small amount of the toothpaste on your finger and offer it to your dog to taste. This is why using a flavoured pet toothpaste is so helpful. If your pup seems disinterested in the toothpaste, try dabbing some on to their nose for them to lick off. Once they have a taste of it, they will usually take it from your finger. This process may take a bit longer if you have a fussy eater.
3. Introduce the concept of brushing
Once your dog is used to having their face touched and their head held, you can start to introduce the concept of brushing. To avoid the confrontation of using a toothbrush you can start with a cotton tip, which is soft and small.
Gently lift your dog's upper lip, exposing their teeth. This allows you to have a clear view of their teeth and gums. Be gentle and reassuring throughout the process.
Using the cotton tip, gently touch their teeth and gums. Start with brief and light touches, moving in a circular motion and gradually increasing the duration and pressure as your dog becomes more comfortable.
At first, only rub a couple of teeth at a time.You can soak the cotton tip in some wet food or bone broth to make this a more pleasant experience for your dog and build a positive association with having their teeth rubbed. Once they are accepting of the action, you can combine the cotton tip and the toothpaste.
Throughout this process make sure to offer praise and rewards, such as verbal praise, gentle strokes, or small treats, to positively reinforce their cooperation.
4. Introduce the toothbrush
Now that your dog is comfortable having their face touched and teeth rubbed, you can introduce the toothbrush! Just like the cotton tip, start slowly, only brushing a couple of teeth at a time and increase the duration of brushing as your dog gets comfortable. You can also use the toothbrush with wet food or bone broth to start with, and upgrade to the toothpaste once they are comfortable with the process.
Some dogs may respond better to a finger brush initially, and then once they're comfortable with this you can try a handheld brush.
5. Put it all together
Time to start brushing! Now that your dog is familiar with the individual parts involved in tooth brushing, you can put it all together!
Try to make a routine and brush their teeth every day at around the same time. Choose a comfortable position for you and your dog and apply a small amount of toothpaste to the brush. If using a gel toothpaste, apply it to the bristles or directly onto the teeth.
Gently position your dog's head and lift the gums without opening the mouth. Start with the front teeth. If using a finger toothbrush, place it on your finger like a thimble. Use a circular motion or side-to-side movements to brush the outer surface and gumline of the teeth. Praise your dog during the process.
Once your dog is comfortable with the front teeth being brushed, move towards the back teeth, ensuring you brush both the top and bottom rows. Again, focus on side-to-side or circular movements to effectively clean the teeth.
Try to prioritise the cheek teeth and canines. These teeth usually accumulate the most plaque, so are the most important. Aim to brush each side of the mouth for approximately 30 seconds. You may need to gradually increase the brushing duration over time.
6. Skip brushing the inner surface
Unlike the outer surface, the inner surface of the teeth don't usually require brushing as the normal motion of chewing tends to keep these surfaces clean, especially if your dog is primarily fed kibble. As a result, tartar buildup is mostly found on the outer surface of the teeth. A good diet of dental dog food can help maintain the inner surfaces if needed.
7. Complete the brushing session
When you finish brushing, you can use a gel or mouth rinse if desired. These optional steps can provide additional dental care benefits. If you notice any concerning issues with your dog's teeth, seek advice from your veterinarian. At Pet Circle, we offer free vet advice online.
8. Follow up with regular dental check-ups
Regular dental checks with a veterinarian are essential to identify and address any dental issues early. For healthy adult dogs, an annual dental check-up is advised, while for senior dogs or those with a history of dental disease, 6 monthly checks are recommended.
Tips for Tricky Dogs
As all pet parents will know, every dog is different! This makes it difficult to have a 'one size fits all' approach when it comes to the tooth brushing process. While the steps above provide an excellent overview, here are some more specific tips to implement according to your pooch's personality.
Energetic and Playful Dogs
- Engage in a play session before brushing to release excess energy
- Use flavoured toothpaste to make the experience more appealing
- Keep the sessions short and incorporate play breaks in between
- Reward with their favourite game after brushing
- Have a second person present to distract them with pats or hold them gently in place
Anxious or Nervous Dogs
- Introduce each step of the process very gradually- these dogs will often take longer than average to adjust to each step
- Use your finger or a finger brush initially to let your dog get used to the sensation
- Associate tooth brushing with positive experiences, such as treats or praise
- Consider the use of anxiety supplements such as Adaptil or Zylkene
Resistant or Stubborn Dogs
- Start with a soft toothbrush or finger brush for increased gentleness
- Use positive reinforcement, rewarding your dog after each successful session with high value treats, pats or playtime
- Be patient and take breaks if needed, gradually increasing the brushing time
- Consider two shorter brushing sessions per day, each focusing on one side of the mouth, for dogs unwilling to tolerate one longer session
Senior Dogs
- Start with a soft toothbrush or a finger brush
- Be gentle and slow in your movements, paying attention to any signs of discomfort
- Make sure to organise regular dental checks with your vet as senior pets are more prone to developing dental disease
- Handle your pet's head gently to avoid exacerbating arthritis
Aggressive Dogs
We recommend seeking professional help if your dog shows signs of aggression during tooth brushing. You can read more about the signs of aggression in our article on How to Read Your Dog's Body Language. Aggression can have several causes including pain, so starting with a vet visit is a good step. Depending on the situation, your vet may discuss alternative dental care methods, training tips or referral to a behaviouralist.
Precautions and safety tips
Ensuring the safety of both your dog and yourself is crucial. Here are some precautions and safety tips to keep in mind while brushing your dog's teeth.
Watch for signs of discomfort
Monitor your dog's body language for signs of stress, discomfort, fear or anxiety during brushing. If your dog shows signs of distress, make sure not to push them too far - take a break and try again later, gradually building up tolerance.
Be mindful of sensitive areas
Avoid brushing too close to the throat or the back of the mouth to prevent triggering the gag reflex. Be gentle around sensitive areas, such as the gums, and stop if you notice bleeding or discomfort.
Avoid force
Never force a dog to have its teeth brushed, as this can create negative associations. Use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage cooperation.
Brush in a quiet area when your dog is calm
A stressed, distracted or excitable dog will be less amenable to tooth brushing and may accidentally cause injury to you or themselves. Always brush your dog's teeth in a quiet area with minimal distractions.
Use only gentle restraint if needed
Bouncy, playful dogs may benefit from a second person holding them gently in place. Make sure to only hold them lightly and stop if there are any signs of fear or distress. Dogs who feel trapped may lash out in fear.
Is tooth brushing the only way to promote good oral health?
Not at all! While vets consider tooth brushing to be the 'gold standard' dental homecare method, there are a range of other products you can use alongside brushing to promote pearly whites, such as dental chews, water additives, food additives and oral care diets.
Alternative methods of dental care are discussed in detail in our article Dental Care for Dogs.
Our top recommended alternative dental care products:
When to see a vet
While tooth brushing definitely has its place, it won't reverse moderate to severe dental disease that is already present. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, dental plaque and gingivitis can develop even with a good homecare regime.
The most common sign of early dental disease noticed by dog owners is foul-smelling or 'fishy' breath. Other common indicators of dental disease are discoloured or stained teeth and red, inflamed gums.
If your dog is showing any of these signs, or if you notice anything abnormal while brushing their teeth, a vet visit is recommended. Your vet will be able to assess your pup's teeth and gums during an exam, and discuss their findings with you.
If your dog has gingivitis or extensive disease, no home treatment can fix it; they will need a scale and polish at the vet. This involves using dental equipment - the same equipment that human dentists use - to scale off tartar and polish the tooth surface, while under anaesthesia.
Your vet will be able to get under the gumline if there is inflammation and really clean out any plaque and bacteria to ensure your pet's teeth are sparkling white and healthy.
Anaesthesia or heavy sedation is essential to allow thorough cleaning and examination of the teeth, particularly of areas under the gumline.
Pet dentistry should only be performed in a veterinary surgery to ensure all the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned and assessed. Be sure to steer clear of people offering anaesthesia free or 'gentle dentals'.
In conclusion
Tooth brushing is an important component in a solid dental homecare routine. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make the tooth brushing experience positive for you and your dog while maintaining their oral health. If you encounter difficulties or have concerns, make sure to consult with your veterinarian for additional guidance, or ask for advice from our Vet Squad.
Further Reading
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