How to Brush a Dog’s Teeth

Brush your dog’s teeth daily if you can, and at least three times a week, using a dog toothpaste and a soft brush on the outer surfaces of the teeth for about 30 seconds per side. Get your dog used to it in small steps: a finger along the teeth first, then a taste of the toothpaste, then a cloth with paste, then the brush. Daily brushing is the gold standard according to the American Veterinary Dental College, and VCA Animal Hospitals sets three times a week as the minimum.

It matters more than most people realize. VCA reports that more than 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease.

Why brushing matters

Plaque forms on teeth constantly. VCA explains that it starts hardening into tartar within about a day, and once tartar forms, brushing can’t remove it; it takes a professional cleaning. That’s why frequency matters so much more than technique.

VCA also notes that small breeds and flat-faced breeds are more prone to dental disease, so those dogs benefit most from a brushing habit started early.

What you need

• Dog toothpaste. Never human toothpaste. VCA warns it can contain xylitol, fluoride that shouldn’t be swallowed, and a lot of sodium; the FDA lists toothpaste among products that can contain xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs. VCA also advises against baking soda, which is alkaline and tastes bad to dogs.
• A soft dog toothbrush or finger brush. One brush per dog, replaced about every three months (VCA).
• Treats and patience. The first week is about making the routine pleasant, not about clean teeth.

Getting your dog used to it, step by step

VCA describes a gradual approach. Spend a few days on each step, and move on only when your dog is relaxed:

1. Finger first. Lift the lip and rub a finger or soft cloth along the outer surfaces of a few teeth. Praise and treat.
2. A taste of toothpaste. Let your dog lick a little dog toothpaste off your finger.
3. Cloth with paste. Wrap a cloth around your finger, add toothpaste and rub the outer surfaces.
4. The brush. Introduce the toothbrush, starting with a few teeth and building up.

How to brush

VCA suggests about 30 seconds per side, focusing on the outer surfaces. Start with the cheek teeth and canines. The inner surfaces are usually skippable if your dog won’t allow them. Keep sessions short and upbeat, and end with praise.

A simple log helps more than you’d think: the free teeth-brushing log makes it obvious when a few days have slipped by.

Dental chews and other helpers

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal means a council of veterinary dentists reviewed data showing a product reduces plaque, tartar or both. Daily VOHC-accepted chews can help alongside brushing. VCA advises choosing chews that bend or give a little, because hard objects can fracture teeth.

Brushing doesn’t replace the vet

The American Veterinary Dental College recommends yearly veterinary dental care on top of daily brushing, and points out that white teeth aren’t proof of healthy teeth, because disease spreads below the gumline. VCA notes that AAHA recommends a first professional cleaning by about age one for small and medium dogs and by age two for large and giant breeds, then yearly. A proper professional cleaning needs anesthesia; anesthesia-free cleaning is cosmetic only, according to VCA and the AVDC.

Signs of dental pain

The AVDC lists signs worth a vet visit: pawing at the mouth, head shaking, jaw chattering, dropping food or chewing carefully on one side, heavy drooling or blood in the saliva, bad breath and loose teeth.

If your dog ever swallows human toothpaste or sugar-free gum, call your vet or a poison line straight away. The FDA notes xylitol can drop blood sugar within 10–60 minutes. The xylitol guide explains why it’s so urgent.