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How do I brush my dog's teeth at home for good dental health?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 70 lbs

how do you brush a dog teeth

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on February 4th, 2019

I would try to find a dog finger brush or a small tooth brush and you will want to use dog tooth paste as it doesn't have fluoride, no foaming and not mint flavored so it makes it more favorable to the dog. You can slow start by just do a small section and work your way around the whole mouth over a matter of a few days. It is best to try and brush their teeth at least every other day to may a difference. Also remember that their large chewing teeth are further in the back past where their lips end. I would not try to open the mouth to get the inside of the teeth as most dogs don't appreciate that.

If he doesn't like it or resists you, then it may be best just to give him dental chews like C.E.T chews and start using a water additive for dental health. Also, if the teeth already have a lot of tartar build up, he will likely need a dental cleaning from your vet. I hope this helps!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 6th, 2016
Good on you for wanting to brush Jack's teeth! It's very important to do for his dental health. I would make it a fun experience for him. Pet him and praise him before doing it, letting him know he's a good boy. I would recommend brushing his teeth right before a meal, so he associates getting his teeth brushed with a positive experience. Dogs love getting fed, so feeding him right after brushing his teeth will make it more fun for him. After his teeth are brushed, praise him and pet him again, and then feed him. It will take time for him to get used to having his teeth brushed, but if you make it a fun experience, he will adapt better to it.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Juliana, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 21st, 2017
This is a great time to start working on home dental care routine as his permanent teeth are coming in. If you get him used to brushing now, you can continue brushing daily lifelong and his teeth and gums will benefit greatly. You can purchase enzymatic dog toothpaste from your veterinarian or from a pet store. They come in many different flavors (chicken, beef, peanut butter etc). If you are brushing his teeth regularly you don't have to worry about giving him the dental cleaning treats he doesn't like. I start by just introducing the toothpaste and letting them lick some off my finger. Then, apply toothpaste to my finger and rub teeth and gums. Then, slowly work up to using the toothbrush. Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

How can I properly brush my dog's teeth for good dental health?

Home dental care is one of the best ways to help keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy. I would wet the toothbrush (you can get it at a pet store). You can also use a children's toothbrush. I would then use Pet approved toothpaste. There are wide varieties of flavors. Never use human toothpaste, baking soda or salt. While safe for you, these cleaning agents can be harmful to your dog if swallowed. Lift your dog's lip and brush with a gentle motion to clean his teeth. Just like you would your own teeth. Most pets will not allow you to brush the inside surface of their teeth, so typically you can just brush the outside portion of their teeth. Make sure you reward your dog after! Ideally, this process should be done daily. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

How can I train my dog to accept teeth brushing for dental health?

I wouldn't recommend restraining her head in any way to brush her teeth - this is more likely to make her try to get away. The best thing to do is to slowly get her used to having her lips lifted/pulled back to expose the teeth. Pull her lips back for just a second, then give her a treat to make it a positive experience. Once she's used to this you can rub her teeth with your finger, then the toothbrush. It could take weeks or longer before you build up to the toothbrush. If you think she already has dental disease you should talk to your veterinarian- brushing is very helpful for preventing periodontal disease but will not reverse calculus (mineralized plaque) or address disease below the gum.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My older dog's teeth look bad after cleaning. What at-home care works?

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The gold standard for at home dental care is brushing teeth. However, we all know this is not easy for you or your pet!! If Lilly will let you do so, then yes, I recommend getting a silicone tooth brush (finger or long handle- whichever is easier) and brushing her teeth all the way from her back molars to her front incisors. I also recommend the dental chews called OraVet. They tend to work a little bit better reducing plaque and maintaining better smelling breath. You can likely find these dental chews at your local veterinary's office. With age and time, dog's teeth tend to build tartar more quickly. Therefore, I recommend brushing, dental chews and even particular dental food. Thanks for being so on top of Lilly's care! You are doing a great job!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What home remedies are safe and effective for brushing my dog's teeth?

The most important part of a home dental care program is actually just brushing the teeth at all and does not seem to make a difference which toothpaste is used unless you use a proven toothpaste. There are actually only 2 toothpastes on the market that have been proven to help improve dental health in dogs. I am attaching a list of approved dental products below. http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Dogs.pdf So, I would recommend purchasing PetSmile or Essential Healthy Mouth if you are going to use a toothpaste. I have found that homemade toothpastes are not very good tasting (so it makes it harder for you to brush the teeth) and would recommend using a good brush without any toothpaste instead of making a homemade toothpaste. I am attaching a link to a handout below which includes a detailed discussion on home dental care including products for cleaning the teeth. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=640 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

How to clean my dog's teeth: Are dental chews or water additives best?

Daily brushing with a pet approved tooth paste and toothbrush and dental chews are more effective than a water additive. When looking at dental products, search for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval. Use the chart at the link below to find acceptable dental chews. http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_dogs.html

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has tiny teeth. What's the best toothpaste and brush to use?

Try an enzymatic toothpaste such as Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste. Make sure whichever toothpaste/toothbrush you decide on has the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval on it. If the fingerbrush is not working as well as you'd like, try a brush with stiffer bristles or use a gauze pad.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When to start brushing my dog's teeth, how often, and with what?

You can start brushing your dogs teeth at any time. I recommend purchasing dog toothpaste from a pet store and you can also get a regular toothbrush for your dog or one that fits over your finger. There is no need to rinse their mouth when using dog toothpaste and it is safe if they swallow it. The best thing to do is to brush Bruno's teeth every day or as often as you are able to. Dental hygiene is just as important in animals as it is in humans.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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