Dog Teeth Cleaning and Dental Hygiene

We humans learn from an early age that brushing our teeth twice a day is non-negotiable. But when it comes to dog teeth cleaning – with with dog toothpaste, of course – many pet parents are clueless. In fact, we’d guess many (most?) dog owners never brush their dog’s teeth.

If you’re guilty of neglecting the doggy toothbrush, you’re not alone. But dogs do need to have a proper dental hygiene routine in place. And yes, that means regular dog teeth cleaning and check ups.

Teeth cleaning should be part of your dog’s routine pet care, alongside the usual culprits like tick, flea, and worm treatments.

Why does dog teeth cleaning matter?

Your dog isn’t likely to come and kiss you with minty fresh breath every time, even if you do brush regularly, unfortunately. But brushing their teeth with dog toothpaste will help to improve their breath.

In addition, good dental hygiene is important for a multitude of other reasons.

Just like in humans, poor dental hygiene in dogs can lead to plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. This can cause dental problems like rotting teeth and tooth loss, gingivitis, and gum disease. Dental disease is very common in dogs, second only to ear infections according to this article.

On top of this though, dog teeth cleaning can prevent other illnesses. This is because bacteria found in the mouth and teeth can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. Poor dental care can lead to issues with the kidneys, heart, and liver, amongst others.

An abscess in your dog’s tooth or abscess in its mouth can cause serious pain. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications. Read this ‘What to Do if Your Dog has a Tooth Abscess‘ article for more information.

How often should dog teeth cleaning happen?

Now you know about the risk of dental disease and other associated problems, you’re probably eager to start brushing immediately.

Adult dogs should see the vet for a dental check up once yearly (for their health, and for vet mental health too). They can check your dog’s teeth are healthy, do a deep clean if needed, and generally monitor your dog for any signs of gum or tooth problems.

In between these visits, you should be brushing your dog’s teeth with dog toothpaste a few times a week at least. Honestly though, if you can do it daily then that’s even more ideal. It might sound like a lot of effort but once you’ve got your routine going, it’ll only take a couple of minutes a day.

Now let’s tackle the actual dog teeth cleaning process.

How to clean a dog’s teeth

Actually getting the toothbrush on those cute little teeth can be a bit more challenging than it might seem. Especially if your dog isn’t used to it. But you can teach old dogs new tricks. You’ll just require a bit of patience and perseverance.

Here’s the process broken down step by step:

1. Buy an appropriately-sized dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste
2. Choose a time when your dog is calm
3. Depending on the size of your dog, either put them on your lap or sit down with them on the floor
4. Give them a little taste of the dog toothpaste first
5. Open their mouth properly
6. Brush his teeth in either a circular or up and down motion, starting by holding the upper lip and brushing the canines. Try to focus on the teeth and gum line rather than gums themselves.
7. Only brush the outside of the teeth – you don’t need to do the inner parts.
8. When you do brush the gums, make sure to be very gentle so that they don’t bleed
9. You can then move sideways or downwards to the other teeth, remembering to praise your dog
10. Finished! There’s no need to rinse or floss, luckily

Check out the video for detailed instructions, if you’re more of a visual learner.

What to do if your dog doesn’t like having his teeth cleaned

If your dog objects to the toothbrush, you can start by using a finger. Remember, it’s unfamiliar, especially for adult dogs. So expect a bit of a learning curve initially.

First make sure that your dog is comfortable with you touching his mouth, teeth, and gums just with your finger. Progress to a finger wrapped in gauze to get them used to new textures before trying the toothbrush again.

Let them smell the toothbrush for a couple of days before using it. Then start by letting them lick the dog toothpaste off the toothbrush without putting the brush into their mouth. After a while, try to brush a couple of teeth.

And remember, positive reinforcement is key. Make your dog look forward to teeth brushing time by using treats, playing a game, giving them lots of praise, and generally helping them make a positive association with having their teeth brushed.

Did you know that dog braces are a real thing? Read about how they help maintain good dog dental health.

Extra care for clean dog teeth

Alongside regular brushing and check ups, you can also try one or all of the below to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy:

• Dental chews
• Bones (uncooked and appropriately sized)
• Chew toys
• Water additives to fight plaque and tartar (like mouthwash for humans)

With these tips, your dog should have healthy teeth and gums for years to come. Also learn about choosing the best pet dental insurance according to your dog or cat’s individual needs.

Pet insurance can help to protect your wallet in the event that your dog needs medical attention for accidents, illnesses and more. And if you opt for our PD Insurance Deluxe plan, dental cover is included. Compare dog insurance plans to see what would work best for you and your dog.