How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Most dogs over three years old have some degree of dental disease. Brushing is the single most effective thing owners can do to prevent it, and it is easier than most people expect once you break it into small steps.

Why brushing matters

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth within hours. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums, leads to gum disease and eventually causes tooth loss, pain and infection. Bacteria from the mouth can also affect other organs. See dental disease in dogs.

What you need

• A dog toothbrush, finger brush or soft child's brush. See best dog toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Dog toothpaste in a flavor your dog likes, such as poultry
• Treats and patience

Never use human toothpaste. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, and swallowed fluoride and foaming agents can cause problems. See also xylitol and dogs.

Step-by-step training

1. Introduce the toothpaste. Let your dog lick a small amount from your finger. Do this for a few days.
2. Touch the lips. Lift the lip gently and rub the gums with your finger and toothpaste.
3. Add the brush. Let your dog lick paste from the brush, then touch the teeth for a second.
4. Brush a few teeth. Start with the large canines and cheek teeth at the back, where tartar builds first.
5. Build up to the whole mouth. Over a couple of weeks, extend to all outer surfaces.
6. Reward. Give praise, a game or a treat after each session.

The technique

• Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
• Use small circular or back-and-forth motions.
• Spend about thirty seconds per side.
• Focus on the outer surfaces, since the tongue cleans the inside to some extent.
• Do not force the mouth wide open.

How often

Daily brushing is ideal, because plaque hardens within a couple of days. If daily is not realistic, aim for at least three times a week. See dog bad breath daily routine.

Puppies and adults who have never been brushed

Start with gentle handling and flavored paste on a finger. Puppies have sharp baby teeth, so be careful. See how to start grooming a puppy. Adult dogs can learn too, and the process is the same, just slower.

Support with other products

Dental chews, water additives and special diets may help but do not replace brushing. See do dental chews really work. Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

Signs of a problem

Contact your vet if you notice:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Loose, broken or discolored teeth
• Drooling, pawing at the mouth or dropping food
• Reluctance to eat hard food

Existing tartar cannot be brushed off. See how to remove tartar from dog teeth for options.

Troubleshooting

If your dog resists, go back a step, use a tastier paste and keep sessions short. Try a finger brush. Never punish.

Brushing a small dog versus a large dog

Small dogs have crowded teeth where plaque hides, so use a finger brush or a very small head and pay attention to the gumline between the tightly packed premolars. Large dogs have bigger teeth that are easier to see but a mouth that needs more time, so choose a long-handled brush. Whichever size you have, brush the upper cheek teeth first, because they are the most exposed to plaque.

Common mistakes

• Using too much pressure, which can hurt the gums
• Skipping the back teeth, where tartar forms first
• Trying a full-mouth brush on day one
• Switching products too often, which makes dogs wary
• Giving up after a few days instead of keeping a routine

Keeping it up

Link brushing to something you already do each day, such as the evening walk or your own tooth brushing. Keep the brush where you will see it. A chart on the fridge helps if several people share care. Even on a busy day, thirty seconds on the back teeth is worth doing.

The takeaway

Brush often, use dog toothpaste and train slowly with rewards. A few minutes a day protects your dog's health and breath.