Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth and How Often?

As a pet parent, you might be wondering if you should brush your dog’s teeth and how to do it.

There’s a lot of conflicting information online, but the short answer to this question is:

Yes, you should brush your dog’s teeth.

Whilst it might not be the easiest of tasks (if your dog is uncomfortable about it), by starting the process early, and doing it regularly, you can help maintain their oral hygiene.

Not only is bad or fishy breath unpleasant, but it can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. This includes gum disease, infections, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

The best way of managing this is to make brushing part of your dog’s routine so that it feels normal to them. In this guide, we’ll be exploring everything there is for any pet parent to know about brushing your dog’s teeth along with how often you should do it and the best products to use.

As a vet-run and vet-owned online dispensary, our founder has seen lots of dogs with bad breath and damaged teeth. This means the guidance offered in this blog is backed by genuine insight and first-hand experience so you can be sure you’re giving your dog the right care.

Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?

Yes, you absolutely need to brush your dog’s teeth. Whilst it’s not always the most glamorous of tasks and can take some time to get right, brushing your dogs teeth ensures their teeth and gums stay healthy by preventing plaque and tartar from building up.

Think about how many things your dog has in its mouth every day. From food, to dog treats, to bones and chews, it’s easy for their teeth to get dirty and for their breath to smell.

There are lots of reasons why pet parents don’t brush their dogs teeth such as finding it too difficult or not having enough time in their day. However it’s important this becomes a regular habit as this increases the likelihood that your dog will get used to it.

How Often Should You Brush Your Dogs Teeth?

The recommended frequency is daily but as a minimum, if that’s not possible, is 3 times a week (or every other day). This helps reduce the likelihood of plaque turning to tartar, and helps reduce the severity of any pre-existing gum disease.

Furthermore, giving your dog a dental stick daily can help reduce plaque and support their oral health between brushes.

How to Brush Your Dogs Teeth

Knowing how to brush your dog’s teeth requires patience and consistency. By building this up slowly from them being a puppy, they become more familiar with having their teeth cleaned so it feels less anxiety-inducing.

Follow the steps below to ensure your four-legged friend feels more comfortable and at ease.

Start when they’re a puppy

The best way to get your dog used to having their teeth brushed is to start early. By getting them used to the sensation of a tooth brush in their mouth from being a puppy, they are less likely to be anxious or uncomfortable. Instead it becomes a normal part of their routine and they do not associate it with something that only happens every so often.

You can safely start brushing your dogs teeth from 12 weeks old, helping them to build trust with you whilst their mouth is being handled.

Get them used to having something in/ around their mouth

If your dog’s mouth is rarely touched, they will likely pull away when you approach them with a toothbrush. That’s why it’s important to get them used to having something in and around their mouth, starting with your finger.

Before introducing a toothbrush, simply run your hand along their mouth and use your finger to gently rub their teeth and gums. This allows them to get used to the sensation of their mouth being handled so you can transition to using a toothbrush much easier.

Let them taste some of the toothpaste

Never use human toothpaste when brushing your dog’s teeth as this can contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs. Instead, use a toothpaste specifically designed for dogs, which is safe for them to swallow. Any new smell or taste can be confusing for your dog, especially since they have a heightened sense of smell. This can make them feel anxious as they don’t know whether the toothpaste is safe or familiar.

To help put them at ease, let them taste some of the toothpaste before you brush their teeth. Pop a small amount on your finger and let them taste it in their own time. Don’t force them to taste any or try and rush the process as this can lead to them forming a negative association with it.

Reward them for doing well

Always reward your dog for taking the next step towards allowing you to brush their teeth. Whether that’s allowing you to rub your fingers along their gum, or tasting the toothpaste on your finger, let them know they’ve done a good thing.

Treats are the easiest form of positive reinforcement by helping your dog associate what they have done with a reward. This might seem like a lot of treats at first, but it helps them build small steps towards feeling comfortable allowing you to brush their teeth properly. Also remember to use other forms of positive reinforcement, such as saying ‘good boy/girl’, giving them plenty of praise, and rubbing their head.

Use the toothbrush

Now that your dog is more comfortable with the sensation of their mouth being touched and the taste of the toothpaste, you can progress to using a tooth brush. Start gently and slowly to avoid them feeling overwhelmed and brush a couple of teeth at first.

Brush in a circular motion ensuring you’re also cleaning the gumline as this is where a lot of plaque can build. Short, frequent sessions allow your dog to become more familiar with the process without feeling forced into it.

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush

Using the right toothbrush for your dog is key to ensuring they’re happy and comfortable. You shouldn’t just use any toothbrush as the bristles might be too hard causing your dog to dread the process even more.

Follow these steps below to find the right product for brushing your dog’s teeth.

• Choose the right shape and size – not every dog’s mouth is the same shape or size as this differs depending on the breed. Consider the type of toothbrush that would fit most comfortably without making it difficult to reach their teeth.
• Consider a multi-head toothbrush – having multiple heads on the toothbrush allows you to brush the teeth fully, providing coverage to the front, back, and top of the tooth for a thorough clean.
• Always use soft bristles – using soft bristles is key as you don’t want to damage or irritate your dog’s gums. Therefore, use a toothbrush designed for dogs with soft, gentle bristles.
• Make sure it’s comfortable for you to use – it’s important the toothbrush feels comfortable in your hand so that you have good control and can reach all areas of your dog’s mouth.

There are different toothbrushes to choose from depending on the age and breed of your dog. We have linked some toothbrushes below allowing you to choose the one that best suits your four-legged friend.

What Is Periodontal Disease In Dogs?

Periodontal disease is a more advanced form of dental disease that can develop when gingivitis (gum disease) is left untreated. It starts with a build-up of plaque and bacteria, which causes the gums to become inflamed. Over time, this can get worse and damage the bone supporting the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss in more severe cases.

Unfortunately, periodontal disease is very common, affecting around 80% of dogs over the age of three. While any dog can develop it, smaller breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Dachshunds can be particularly prone as their teeth are often more crowded, making it easier for plaque to build up.

One of the earliest signs of gum disease is bleeding gums. You might notice this when brushing your dog’s teeth or when they are chewing a toy or treat. Other signs of dental disease can include:

• Bad breath (sometimes fishy)
• Inflamed gums
• Difficulty eating
• Excessive drooling
• Missing teeth
• Yellow teeth

The aim is to prevent gum disease before it progresses to periodontal disease. The best way to do this is by regularly brushing your dogs teeth as it removes plaque and plaque forming bacteria from the tooth and gingival margin.

Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth and How Often?

Knowing how often you should brush your dog’s teeth is key to keeping them happy and healthy. Whilst this can be a difficult task initially, brushing your dog’s teeth is an important part of their overall wellbeing.

Many health issues can start with their mouth, as a build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease and painful dental problems if left untreated.

By following the steps in this guide, such as starting brushing from an early age and choosing the right type of toothbrush, you can make the experience less daunting and more mundane.

At Cura, we’re a vet-run and vet-owned online dispensary, so we know first-hand the issues that poor dental hygiene can cause for dogs. Tooth brushing is an easy fix when it becomes a normal habit for your four-legged friend, ensuring they maintain healthy teeth and gums.

If you have any questions about your dog’s oral health or general wellbeing, get in touch with our expert team.