Dental care for dogs: how to brush your dog's teeth

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems vets see. It's painful, causes bad breath and tooth loss, and bacteria from infected gums can affect the rest of the body. Daily brushing is the single most effective thing you can do about it.

A few facts

• Adult dogs have 42 teeth; all of them are through by about six months of age.
• Plaque hardens into tartar within days. Brushing removes plaque, but it can't remove existing tartar — that needs a professional clean at the vet.

What you'll need

• Dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste — it isn't meant to be swallowed, and some contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• A soft dog toothbrush or finger brush.

Training your dog to accept brushing

Take it slowly over a week or two, with plenty of praise. Keep sessions short and always finish on a good note.

1. Days 1–2: gently stroke your dog's cheeks and lift its lips. Reward.
2. Days 3–4: let your dog lick a little toothpaste from your finger — most love the taste.
3. Days 5–6: run your finger along the gum line on the outer surface of the teeth.
4. Day 7 onwards: introduce the brush, using small circles along the gum line. Start with the big back teeth and canines, where tartar builds up most.

Aim for every day; even a few times a week helps.

Chews and diets

Dental chews, special diets and water additives can help a little, but they don't replace brushing. Choose chews that are the right size — small ones are a choking risk and very hard chews (antlers, bones) can fracture teeth. Remember chews contain calories.

When to see the vet

Check your dog's mouth weekly and see your vet if you notice:

• Bad breath
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Yellow-brown tartar
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, reluctance to eat
• Pawing at the mouth
• Loose or broken teeth

If your dog already has tartar or sore gums, get a vet check before you start brushing — brushing inflamed gums hurts. Ask for a dental check at every annual visit.