How to Brush a Dog’s Teeth: Step-by-Step, the Right Toothpaste and Alternatives
Dental disease is one of the most common problems vets see in dogs. A few minutes of brushing several times a week, introduced slowly, makes a real difference.
To brush a dog’s teeth, use a soft dog toothbrush or finger brush and a toothpaste made for dogs, never human toothpaste. Introduce it gradually over a couple of weeks, then brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in small circles along the gumline. Daily brushing is ideal; the ASPCA suggests at least two to three times a week, and any regular brushing is better than none. Home care does not replace professional dental exams and cleanings by your veterinarian.
If your dog has red or bleeding gums, very bad breath, loose or broken teeth, or pain when eating, see your vet before starting to brush. Brushing a sore mouth hurts and can make your dog resist future care.
Why dental care matters
Dental disease is among the most common health problems in dogs. The AVMA, citing the American Veterinary Dental College, notes that most dogs show some evidence of periodontal disease by around three years of age. Plaque builds up on the teeth, hardens into tartar, and can lead to gum inflammation, bone loss around the teeth, pain and tooth loss. Because dogs often hide mouth pain, problems can be well advanced before an owner notices.
What you need
- A dog toothbrush with soft bristles, a finger brush, or a soft child-size brush for small dogs.
- Dog toothpaste. These are designed to be swallowed and come in flavors dogs tend to like.
- Treats or praise to reward calm behavior.
Why not human toothpaste?
Human toothpaste is made to be spat out, which dogs cannot do. Some products contain xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs, and fluoride and foaming agents are not meant to be swallowed. Use only toothpaste made for pets. If your dog eats human toothpaste or any product containing xylitol, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. Our guide to foods toxic to dogs explains xylitol in more detail.
How to get your dog used to brushing
Go slowly. Each stage might take a few days. Keep sessions short and end on a good note.
- Handle the mouth. Gently lift the lips and touch the teeth and gums with a finger for a few seconds, then reward.
- Introduce the toothpaste. Let your dog lick a little from your finger so it gets used to the taste.
- Rub the teeth with your finger and a dab of toothpaste, focusing on the front teeth first.
- Introduce the brush. Let your dog sniff and lick it, then touch it briefly to a few teeth.
- Build up time and area until you can brush all the outer surfaces.
How to brush, step by step
- Choose a calm time, such as after a walk.
- Position yourself beside your dog, not looming over it. Small dogs can sit on your lap.
- Lift the lip on one side to see the teeth and gumline.
- Hold the brush at about a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
- Brush in small circles, a few teeth at a time, concentrating on the outer surfaces where plaque builds up most. The back teeth and the large upper cheek teeth often collect the most tartar.
- Work around the mouth, top and bottom, both sides. Aim for about a minute or two once your dog is comfortable.
- Skip the inner surfaces if your dog resists. The ASPCA notes that less tartar builds up there.
- Reward with praise or a small treat afterward.
How often to brush
| Frequency | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Daily | Ideal; plaque begins forming soon after cleaning |
| Several times a week | A good, realistic goal for many owners |
| Occasionally | Better than nothing, but plaque has time to harden into tartar |
Brushing removes soft plaque. It cannot remove hardened tartar, especially below the gumline, which requires professional cleaning by a vet.
Alternatives and extras
If your dog will not accept a brush, or as an add-on, consider:
- Products with the VOHC seal. The Veterinary Oral Health Council reviews dental products such as chews, diets, water additives and wipes, and awards its seal to those that meet its standards for reducing plaque or tartar. You can check its list of accepted products.
- Dental wipes or finger brushes, which some dogs accept more easily.
- Dental diets, on your vet’s advice.
Be careful with very hard chews such as antlers, bones and hard nylon, which can fracture teeth. A common rule of thumb is that a chew should have a little give when you press it with a fingernail. Always supervise chewing.
Professional dental care
Your vet will check your dog’s mouth at routine visits and may recommend a professional cleaning. A thorough cleaning, including below the gumline and dental X-rays, is done under general anesthesia. Veterinary dental organizations advise against so-called anesthesia-free cleanings, which cannot clean below the gumline properly and may give a false sense of security. Ask your vet about the process, costs and how they monitor anesthesia. Older dogs often need closer dental attention; see our senior dog care guide.
Signs of dental problems
Book a vet visit if you notice:
- persistent bad breath;
- red, swollen or bleeding gums;
- yellow or brown tartar buildup;
- loose, broken or discolored teeth;
- chewing on one side, dropping food or reluctance to eat hard food;
- pawing at the face, drooling or swelling below the eye.
Facial swelling, a dog that will not eat, or obvious mouth pain should be seen promptly.
Bottom line
Brush with a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste, ideally daily and at least several times a week, after introducing it slowly with rewards. Never use human toothpaste. Add VOHC-accepted products if helpful, avoid very hard chews, and keep up with your vet’s dental checks and cleanings.
FAQ
Is it too late to start brushing an older dog’s teeth?
No, but have your vet check the mouth first. If there is existing tartar or gum disease, a professional cleaning may be needed before brushing is comfortable and effective.
Do dental chews replace brushing?
No. Some chews can help reduce plaque or tartar, especially those with the VOHC seal, but brushing is the most effective home care.
Can I use baking soda or coconut oil instead of toothpaste?
Dog toothpaste is the simplest and safest choice. Ask your vet before using any home alternative.
My dog hates brushing. What now?
Go back a step and slow down, use better rewards and keep sessions very short. If your dog still refuses, ask your vet about wipes, dental diets or other VOHC-accepted products.