How to Brush a Dog's Teeth

Book a dental check before you begin a new brushing routine, especially if your dog has bad breath, red gums, loose teeth, or pain when eating. A vet can check for tartar, gum disease, broken teeth, and growths, and can tell you whether brushing is safe or whether a professional cleaning is needed first.

Ask the vet to show you how to lift the lip and where the gumline sits. If your dog has a painful mouth, brushing at home can make the problem worse. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis; your vet knows your dog’s mouth.

Use toothpaste made for dogs, in a flavour your dog likes, such as poultry or vanilla. Never use human toothpaste: it may contain fluoride, which dogs should not swallow, or xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Choose a soft-bristled dog toothbrush, a finger brush, or a piece of clean gauze wrapped around your finger.

A brush with a small head is easier to reach the back teeth. If your dog has a small mouth, a finger brush may be less intimidating. Replace the brush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or the dog has been ill.

Choose a time when your dog is relaxed, such as after a walk or before a meal, and a quiet room with a non-slip surface. Sit on the floor beside your dog rather than standing over them. Keep the first sessions short and stop before your dog pulls away.

Use the same place and the same phrase each time, such as “tooth time”, so the dog knows what is coming. Keep treats nearby and remove distractions like other pets or a ringing doorbell. If your dog is anxious, ask your vet or a qualified trainer for help.

Before you introduce the brush, spend a few days touching your dog’s muzzle, lifting the lip for a second, and looking at the front teeth. Pair each touch with a treat and stop while the dog is still comfortable. Work at the dog’s pace; a puppy may accept this quickly, while an older dog may need several short sessions.

Teach a chin rest or a gentle head hold, and reward your dog for staying still. Never force the mouth open or hold the muzzle shut. If your dog growls, freezes, or tries to leave, end the session and try again later with less handling.

With your dog calm, gently lift the lip on one side and look at the teeth and gums. Check for yellow-brown tartar, red or swollen gums, bleeding, broken teeth, and anything stuck between the teeth. The gumline is where plaque collects, so note whether the gums look irritated.

If you see a painful area, stop and call your vet. Do not try to scrape tartar off with a fingernail or a metal tool; you can damage the enamel or push bacteria into the gums. A quick look before brushing helps you notice changes early.

Put a small amount of dog toothpaste on the brush and gently brush the outside of the teeth, starting at the back and moving forward. Hold the brush at about a 45-degree angle to the gumline and use small circular motions. The outside surfaces are where plaque is most visible, and they are the easiest place to start.

You do not need to brush the inside surfaces as thoroughly; the dog’s tongue helps clean them. Work in short sections and praise calmly. If your dog licks the toothpaste, that is fine; the goal is a positive first experience, not a perfect clean.

Lift the lip a little further to reach the large back teeth, where tartar often builds up. Use the tip of the brush or a finger brush and make a few small circles along the gumline. If your dog pulls away, go back to an easier tooth and finish on a positive note.

Do not push the brush into the back of the mouth or force the jaw open. If your dog has a small mouth, a finger brush may reach further back with less pressure. Over several sessions, you can gradually increase the number of teeth you brush.

Start with 30–60 seconds and build up to about two minutes over several weeks. Stop before your dog becomes restless, even if you have not reached every tooth. A short session that ends with a treat is better than a long battle that makes the next session harder.

Use a calm voice and a predictable ending: praise, a treat, and a favourite toy. If your dog struggles, go back to touching the muzzle and lifting the lip for a few days. Consistency matters more than speed.

Plaque starts to harden into tartar within a day or two, so daily brushing is the ideal. If daily is not realistic, aim for several times a week and keep the routine consistent. A quick brush on the outer surfaces is still useful on busy days.

Attach brushing to an existing habit, such as after the evening walk or before your own bedtime. A written reminder on the fridge can help for the first month. If you miss a day, simply start again; missing one session is not a reason to give up.

Finish every session with praise and a small treat, even if you only brushed a few teeth. The reward should come immediately after the brush is put away, so the dog connects the treat with the handling. Use a treat your dog really values, and keep it small enough that it does not upset their diet.

Do not chase your dog with the brush or restart the session after they have walked away. A calm ending protects the routine. If your dog seems worried, shorten the next session and ask your vet or a fear-free trainer for advice.

Rinse the toothbrush after each use and stand it upright to dry. Do not store it in a closed bathroom cabinet while it is wet, and do not share a brush between dogs. Replace the brush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are flattened or the dog has been ill.

Keep toothpaste closed and out of reach, and check the expiry date. If you use gauze, use a fresh piece each time. A clean, dry brush is more effective and less likely to carry bacteria.

Call your vet if you notice bad breath that does not improve, red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating, loose teeth, swelling, or a sudden change in chewing. These can be signs of dental disease or another problem. Professional cleaning under anaesthesia may be needed; home brushing cannot remove hardened tartar below the gumline.

Keep up regular vet checks even if the mouth looks healthy. Small dogs and flat-faced breeds may need more frequent checks, and some dogs develop dental problems despite good home care. Brushing is prevention, not a substitute for veterinary treatment.