What Is the Best Way to Clean a Dog’s Teeth?
In this article:
How do you clean your dog’s teeth? Best way to clean dog’s teeth without brushing Signs of dental problems in dogs Preventing dental issues in dogs
Puppy breath is cute, but doggie breath can sometimes have a bit of a pong. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste is the best way to maintain their dental health at home. Additionally, providing appropriate dental chews and treats can help reduce plaque and calculus buildup.
How do you clean your dog’s teeth?
Periodontal disease is inflammation of the tissues that hold teeth in place. It’s one of the most common health issues in adult dogs, affecting over 12 percent of dogs in the UKopens in new tab. The best way to prevent dental disease for your dog is to be proactive in keeping their teeth clean, which means brushing their teeth every day. Here’s how to brush your dog’s teeth at home:
Have the right tools
You’ll need a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush. Never use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth because many products have ingredients, such as xylitol, that are toxic to dogs.
Get a dog-appropriate toothbrush. This can be one specifically made for dogs, a baby toothbrush or an over-the-finger toothbrush. You can also use a cloth to scrub your dog’s teeth, but bristles are more effective at removing plaque. Where possible, use dental products with the Veterinary Oral Health Councilopens in new tab (VOHC) seal of approval. Their website has a full list of the productsopens in new tab they've given the green light to.
How much do you spend on your pet per year?
Practice getting a good look at your dog’s teeth
Practice lifting your dog’s lips to get a good look at their teeth. It’s easiest to see the large canine teeth and the small incisors at the front of the mouth, but don’t stop there. Practice getting a good look at your dog’s premolar and molar teeth, too. Do this when your dog is calm and relaxed, and reward them for being compliant.
Let your dog get used to the toothpaste
Doggy toothpastes come in a variety of flavours like chicken, beef, fish and mint. Find a flavour that’s enticing and that your dog will willingly lick off your finger. Many formulas contain a safe, dilute concentration of chlorhexidine, which can help to fight bacteria.
Slowly introduce brushing
Gently brush the teeth that are easiest to access to introduce your dog to the sensation. Use a gentle, circular motion to get plaque and debris off the teeth. It’s OK to start with the easy teeth and build up to the premolar and molar teeth. You only need to brush the outside surfaces of your dog’s teeth (they’re unlikely to allow you to brush the inside surfaces).
Be patient and take breaks as needed
The goal is to get up to a full minute of brushing every day. That may seem like a lot to both you and your dog in the beginning, so start with a goal of 10 seconds and build from there. And take breaks as needed, especially if your dog seems stressed or restless. Use treats and praise to reward their patience.
Set a routine
Consistently brushing your dog’s teeth will help prevent periodontal disease. Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth every day, but even brushing three times a week can make a huge difference. Pick a time of day that works best for you and your pup – evening is normally the best time, as plaque can deposit onto your pup’s teeth when their mouth dries out whilst sleeping overnight.
Don’t skip veterinary dental care
Even with daily toothbrushing, regular vet check-ups are essential for maintaining your dog’s dental health. Your vet can perform a full oral exam and look for issues that may not be so apparent at home.
They can also take dental radiographs (X-rays) to ensure that the roots of your dog’s teeth are healthy and that there are no issues below the gum surface. A thorough scaling, performed under general anaesthetic, can remove the plaque and calculus buildup from the surfaces and along the gum lines of your dog’s teeth, leaving them clean.
Best way to clean a dog’s teeth without brushing
While brushing your dog’s teeth is the most effective way to maintain dental health at home, some dogs simply won’t have it. The most important thing is not to throw in the towel and ignore your dog’s teeth altogether. There are other ways you can help keep your dog’s teeth clean until you master the brushing. Remember, try to choose VOHC-approved products where possible.
Dental treats and chews: dental treats and chews can help manually remove plaque from teeth, as long as your dog spends enough time chewing on them. Be careful with chews that are extremely hard or ones that your dog will immediately try to swallow.
Water additives: water additives contain ingredients that help reduce oral bacteria. There are unscented, unflavoured options to help prevent your dog from being turned off by changes to their water. After starting an additive, make sure your dog continues to drink water normally and replace their water daily.
Dental sprays and gels: dental sprays and gels contain products that help reduce bacteria and plaque. They are applied directly to the teeth and gums, preferably after meal time.
Dental powders: dental powders might help to reduce plaque build up. They can be sprinkled on top of food.
Dental diets: dental diets have larger kibbles that are shaped specifically to help remove plaque during chewing. Your dog has to actually chew the food, though. Dental diets come in over-the-counter and prescription varieties.
Signs of dental problems in dogs
Dental pain is challenging. Anyone who’s ever had a toothache can attest to that. That’s why it’s important to monitor your dog’s dental health and take action if you notice any signs of dental disease. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to pain, infection, and increased risk for other health issues. Common signs of dental problems in dogs include:
bad breath (halitosis)
yellowed or discoloured teeth
inflamed gums
bleeding from the gums
difficulty eating or chewing
dropping food
decreased appetite
excessive drooling
facial swelling
teeth chattering
nasal discharge
Preventing dental issues in dogs
Don’t wait until your dog’s mouth is stinky to start caring about their teeth. Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy, pain-free mouth. Severely diseased teeth often need to be removed, which is a longer, more complex (and pricier) process than a simple routine scale and polish.
Whatever method you choose for at-home dental care, try to opt for products that have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Councilopens in new tab. This is an international group of veterinary professionals who evaluate pet dental products for efficacy against periodontal disease. They really care about your dog’s teeth. And you should, too.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best toothpaste for dogs?
The best toothpaste for your dog is one that is specially formulated for dogs and one that has a flavour that your dog enjoys. Those containing an active ingredient, such as a safe concentration of chlorhexidine, can be beneficial too. Never brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste because many products have ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
How much does it cost to clean a dog’s teeth?
Dental checks with your vet are usually recommended every six months. A dental scale and polish should be performed under general anaesthetic with your vet for safety and efficacy, the cost of this can be in the range of £300–600 depending on your pet, location, clinic and expertise, but if there is moderate-severe dental disease present, and/or X-rays and blood testing are included, then the cost is likely to be more.
What are common dental diseases in dogs?
Common dental diseases in dogs include gingivitis, periodontal disease, abscess formation, trauma/broken teeth, malocclusion (such as overbites or underbites), and eruptions disorders (adult teeth don’t come in, or puppy teeth don’t fall out).
How to clean a dog’s teeth naturally?
Manual removal of plaque and tartar is the best natural way to clean a dog’s teeth. This means regular brushing at home and regular dental procedures with your vet.
