Dog Dental Care

Dental disease is just as common in dogs as it is in cats – it's estimated that up to 80% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from some form of dental disease. Yet dental care remains one of the most commonly neglected areas of home pet care. The reason is simple – dogs are very good at hiding mouth pain and will carry on eating despite considerable discomfort. Dental disease isn't just a matter of oral hygiene, either – bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream and damage the kidneys, heart and liver. Regular dental care can literally add years to your dog's life.

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The good news is that dental disease can largely be prevented, or its progression significantly slowed, through regular home care. Brushing your dog's teeth every day, or at least three times a week, is the most effective form of prevention – and it's never too late to start, even once your dog is already fully grown.

The most common dental diseases in dogs

• Plaque and tartar – plaque is a soft bacterial film that forms on the tooth surface, and if not removed it mineralises into hard tartar. Tartar cannot be removed through home care – it requires professional ultrasonic descaling under general anaesthetic at the vet. Regular home care slows down plaque formation and delays the need for veterinary treatment.
• Gingivitis (inflamed gums) – the earliest stage of dental disease, and still fully reversible. It shows up as redness and swelling of the gums along the tooth line. Regular brushing can cure gingivitis completely – left untreated, it progresses into periodontal disease.
• Periodontal disease – an advanced condition affecting the tissues around the tooth, including the ligaments and bone. It causes teeth to loosen and fall out, chronic pain, and a risk of bacteria spreading through the body. At an advanced stage it is irreversible and requires extraction of the affected teeth.
• Broken teeth – very common in dogs, especially those who like chewing hard objects. A broken tooth with exposed pulp is extremely painful and prone to infection. Vets treat it either by extraction or with endodontic (root canal) treatment.
• Retained baby teeth – in small breeds, baby teeth sometimes fail to fall out on their own once the adult teeth come through. Retained baby teeth cause crowding, plaque build-up and an increased risk of dental disease. They require veterinary extraction.

Products for home dental care

• Dog toothbrushes – the most effective tool for mechanically removing plaque. Available in three basic types – a classic dog toothbrush with soft bristles, a finger brush that slips over your finger, ideal for beginners and dogs with small mouths, and a double-sided brush that cleans the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth at once. Bristles should always be soft – hard bristles irritate the gums and cause them to recede.
• Dog toothpaste – never use human toothpaste. It contains fluoride and xylitol, both toxic to dogs. Dog toothpaste is safe to swallow and comes in flavours dogs actually enjoy – beef, chicken, peanut butter or mint. Enzymatic toothpastes contain enzymes that break down plaque chemically, even without mechanical brushing.
• Dental gels and solutions – an alternative for dogs that won't tolerate a toothbrush. Applied directly to the teeth and gums with a finger or cotton swab. They're less effective than brushing, but far better than no care at all. A good stop-gap while getting your dog used to brushing.
• Dental sprays – the simplest way to apply care, with no need to handle your dog's mouth. Sprayed directly into the mouth, they work enzymatically on plaque. Suitable for dogs that refuse any kind of handling around the mouth.
• Dental chews – chewable treats specially shaped to mechanically clean the teeth as your dog chews. They're a great motivator and a useful addition to a dental care routine. Look for treats with VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) certification – proof of scientifically demonstrated effectiveness at reducing plaque and tartar. Dental chews can't replace brushing, but they're the best alternative for dogs where no other form of care is possible.
• Dental toys and chew items – specially designed rubber or nylon toys with a textured surface that mechanically cleans teeth during chewing. Never give dogs anything too hard – bones, antlers or hard nylon toys can break teeth. A simple rule of thumb: if the toy would hurt if you struck your knee with it, it's too hard for your dog's teeth.
• Water additives – liquid products added to your dog's drinking water containing antimicrobial and enzymatic ingredients that reduce plaque formation and freshen breath. Useful as an extra layer of care, or for dogs where no other form of dental hygiene is possible.

How to get your dog used to having its teeth brushed

Getting a dog used to tooth brushing takes a gradual approach, patience and positive associations. Starting straight away with a brush is the most common mistake, and it leads to refusal and a negative association.

• Weeks 1–2: Every day, put a small amount of dog toothpaste on your finger and let your dog lick it off like a treat. The goal here is purely to build a positive association with the paste and with touch around the mouth.
• Weeks 3–4: Start gently massaging the gums and front teeth with a paste-covered finger. Your dog should tolerate this contact without resistance.
• Weeks 5–6: Introduce a finger brush or classic toothbrush – start with just the front teeth, then gradually add more. Move the brush in small circular motions at a 45° angle to the gum line.
• Always reward every successful brushing session with a treat or play – positive association is the key to long-term cooperation.
• The ideal brushing time is 2 minutes – just as with people. Focus especially on the outer surfaces of the teeth, where plaque builds up the most.

Signs of dental disease in dogs

• Bad breath – persistent unpleasant odour isn't normal and is the most common sign of dental disease.
• Changes in eating – your dog chews only on one side, prefers soft food, or eats more slowly than usual.
• Red or bleeding gums – visible when checking the mouth, or as blood traces on the bowl or toys.
• Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth – your dog is trying to ease pain or discomfort in the mouth.
• Refusing toys or treats they previously enjoyed chewing – can signal pain when chewing.
• Visibly damaged or discoloured teeth – a change in tooth colour can indicate dead pulp requiring veterinary treatment.

Practical tips for dog dental care:

• Always brush your dog's teeth at the same time of day – dogs are creatures of habit, and a consistent routine reduces resistance.
• Have your dog's teeth checked by a vet at least once a year as a preventive measure – a vet will spot problems that aren't visible to the naked eye.
• Start getting your dog used to dental care as early as possible – ideally from 8–12 weeks of age, when puppies adapt to new things most easily.
• After a professional dental clean at the vet, resume home care straight away – without it, tartar will start forming again within a few weeks.
• The toy hardness rule: a toy should never be harder than a dog's tooth – hard bones, antlers or stones are the most common cause of broken teeth in dogs.

Five minutes of brushing a day is the cheapest veterinary care you can give your dog. Healthy teeth mean less pain, fewer procedures under general anaesthetic, and a longer, better life for your four-legged friend.