Brushing your dog’s teeth - what you need to know

If this is your first time brushing your dog’s teeth, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry—you’ve got this! Follow these four easy steps to get started:

1. Take your time:  Don’t jump straight into brushing. Start by desensitising your dog to having their face and mouth handled.
2. Select a toothbrush: A human brush is more ergonomic and works just fine—just ensure it has soft bristles and is the right size for your dog’s mouth.
3. Establish a routine: Find a quiet, stress-free time in your dog’s day to incorporate this ritual and make it a daily habit. Consistency is key.
4. Tips from our veterinary dentists: Start slowly by rubbing doggy toothpaste gently on the teeth and gums, gradually working up to a finger brush then proper brushing with a bristle toothbrush. Never force your dog’s mouth open.

Step one is selecting a toothbrush, which doesn’t need to be overly complex. Although there are dog-specific options available, we often find them somewhat awkward to handle, and their bristles can sometimes be too firm. A human brush is more ergonomic and will do the job just fine. The key is to choose a brush with extra-soft bristles, preferably short and with a flat top rather than a curved one. While people often seek out fancier products, in this case, simplicity is best. A basic, no-frills brush is all that’s needed.

When it comes to choosing the right brush size, it should fit comfortably in your dog’s mouth. For smaller dogs, a baby brush is usually best. Medium-sized dogs generally do well with a toddler-sized brush, and for larger dogs, an adult brush might be more suitable. The goal is to find a brush that’s easy for you to handle and gentle on your pet’s mouth.

Use toothpaste designed specifically for dogs, such as pet or dog toothpaste, instead of human varieties. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and foaming agents, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested, as they don’t rinse or spit it out. Additionally, dogs typically dislike human toothpaste flavours. Thankfully, dog toothpaste comes in flavours like meat or cheese that dogs find appealing. The toothpaste aids in dental health, but it’s the brushing action that truly cleans their teeth. So, the taste is mainly about making the experience enjoyable for your dog.

Studies suggest that once daily is the optimal frequency for brushing your dog’s teeth. Unlike humans, dogs don’t seem to benefit from twice-daily brushing. Brushing every other day is also acceptable, but anything less frequent offers minimal long-term benefits. Research shows that even weekly brushing doesn’t prevent dental issues.

To fit this into your daily routine, find a calm, consistent time that works for both you and your dog. Unlike humans, dogs don’t face the same issues with cavities, so timing isn’t as critical. Dogs thrive on routine, so aligning toothbrushing with an existing daily activity is effective. Focus on making brushing a regular, positive part of their day rather than a stressful or infrequent event.

“For my dogs, I’ve incorporated tooth brushing into their going-to-bed routine,” says Dr Bec Tucker. “At this point of the day, they’re calm and relaxed. I would never recommend interrupting dogs in a playful or energetic state. My girls know the routine now, and they actually love having their teeth brushed.”

Many dogs find it confrontational when hands approach their face, which is a natural reaction. This can make initiating brushing challenging, and dogs definitely don’t like having their mouths forcibly opened. Brushing the outside of their teeth with their mouths gently closed might be a more comfortable starting approach.

Another common challenge is managing owner expectations. As mentioned earlier, it can take weeks or even months to desensitise a dog to the brushing process. The calm, slow approach detailed in the tips section above should help address these challenges.

Lastly, if your dog already has periodontal disease or other painful conditions, now is not the time to start a brushing routine. Brushing an uncomfortable mouth can cause your dog to associate brushing with pain, which can lead them to avoid it altogether and make it more difficult to establish the habit later on.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the gold standard for preventative dental care and is irreplaceable in its importance. However, supplementary products can assist in keeping your pet’s teeth clean. Safe chewing toys and dental chews can scrape some plaque off the teeth, though they don’t reach all surfaces. Bones, while sometimes used for natural chewing, can pose risks such as broken teeth or splintering. Generally, we advise against using bones, but if you do, ensure they are raw and uncut.

Signs that a dog’s teeth need attention can be subtle until periodontal disease is quite advanced, as dogs often mask pain. Look for consistent gingivitis, or redness around the gums, as an early warning sign. Persistent gingivitis or tartar indicates the need for professional dental care. Dogs should ideally have professional check-ups and cleanings every 1-2 years, with smaller or brachycephalic breeds often needing more frequent visits.

Regarding diet, dental kibble can help reduce plaque, but it only benefits the teeth that come into contact with it. Many believe that all dry food aids dental health, but this isn’t true unless the food is specifically formulated for that purpose. For the best results, dental kibble should be used as part of a comprehensive dental care routine that considers other dietary and health needs.