Dog dental care: how to clean your dog's teeth at home

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs: the American Veterinary Medical Association notes that most dogs show some signs of it by age three. Plaque hardens into tartar, gums get inflamed, and over time teeth loosen and hurt. Most of it can be slowed with home care.

Signs of dental problems

• Bad breath
• Yellow or brown tartar along the gum line
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Drooling, pawing at the mouth, dropping food or chewing on one side

Any of these is a reason for a dental check at your vet.

How to brush your dog's teeth

Brushing is the most effective home care. Daily is best; a few times a week still helps a lot.

1. Use a toothpaste made for dogs. Never use human toothpaste: some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and dogs swallow it.
2. Start slowly. Let your dog lick the toothpaste off your finger, then rub a finger along the teeth and gums for a few days.
3. Move to a finger brush or a soft dog toothbrush. Lift the lip and brush in small circles along the gum line.
4. Focus on the outside surfaces of the back teeth, where tartar builds up fastest. Most dogs don't need the inside surfaces brushed.
5. Keep it to a minute or two, and finish with praise or a walk.

Dental chews, powders and water additives

These help, but they don't replace brushing:

• Dental chews scrape plaque as your dog chews. Pick the right size for your dog, count them in the day's food, and look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which means the maker has shown it reduces plaque or tartar.
• Powders such as ProDen PlaqueOff are sprinkled on food.
• Water additives and sprays, such as TropiClean Fresh Breath and Bluestem, are easy for dogs that won't tolerate brushing.
• Chew toys keep dogs chewing; avoid very hard chews that can break teeth. Our chews guide explains the fingernail test.

Professional cleaning

Once tartar forms, brushing can't remove it. Your vet cleans above and below the gum line under anesthesia and checks for loose or broken teeth, often with X-rays. "Anesthesia-free" cleanings only scrape the visible tartar and can't treat disease below the gums, so veterinary groups don't recommend them.

Small dogs and puppies

Small breeds tend to have crowded teeth and more dental disease, so start home care early. Puppies who get used to having their mouth handled are much easier to brush as adults. Our puppy and senior guide covers teething and older dogs' teeth.

Dental care at our store

• Arm & Hammer Advanced Care Enzymatic Toothpaste For Dogs
• Bluestem Toothpaste Vanilla Mint Flavor For Dogs
• Animora Double Headed Toothbrush
• Finger Toothbrushes
• Greenies Original Dog Dental Treats Large 27oz
• Greenies Dog Dental Treats Original Petite 3oz
• ProDen Plaque Off Powder 60g
• Tropiclean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution For Dogs

• Oral care
• Dog treats and chews

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