Let’s get straight to the facts. According to the study by Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health from the university of Lisbon, Portugal, periodontal diseases (PD) occur in “84% in dogs that are 3 or more years old, or 100% in poodles that are more than 4 years old” (read the study here). Those are big numbers. Periodontal disease is an oral inflammatory disease caused by bacteria that accumulate in the dental plaque (the leading cause of oral inflammatory diseases). These bacteria lead to halitosis (bad breath), periodontal diseases, and tooth decay. 

Just like in people, dental plaque is the main reason dental problems happen. That’s why we brush our teeth every day, twice a day. The key is to prevent dental plaque accumulation. The same thing applies to dogs. Brushing their teeth is how we keep their gums and teeth healthy. So, how to brush your dog’s teeth?

Steps To Follow

The first step is to understand that this has to be a fun thing for your dog. It shouldn’t be a task, but something they see as an opportunity to try something yummy. That’s why we choose toothpastes our dogs will love. There are different flavors, and if your dog doesn’t like one taste, try the other ones until you find the one he will love.

Also, it is best to start when your dog is just a puppy. That’s the easiest way to help your dog get comfortable with the action. Of course, you can start with an older dog too. It might take some more time, so be patient and don’t rush things. The goal is to make the dog enjoy brushing.

• You can choose a finger brush or a toothbrush. If your dog is small or a puppy, a finger brush is appropriate and it’s easier to use it.
• Place your puppy or a small dog in your lap, so that he faces away from you. If it’s a big dog, you can sit next to him.
• Before you brush, we need to help our dogs get used to the act of brushing. You can just use your finger or a finger brush with no toothpaste. Start rubbing the finger brush (or your finger) over the outer surface of the teeth. Use the back-and-forth motion.
• Even if you are certain your dog won’t bite you, don’t put your finger between the upper and lower teeth. Sometimes, they will instinctively bite what’s between their teeth.
• When your dog gets comfortable with the brushing motion, it’s time to try the toothpaste.
• First apply a small amount of toothpaste on your finger, and let your dog sniff and taste the toothpaste. If a dog doesn’t like the taste at all, try a different one. But, usually, there aren’t any problems with the taste. They all make them yummy for dogs. 
• Don’t worry whether your dog will swallow the toothpaste. Dog toothpaste is specially designed for dogs (and cats) and is non-toxic; they can swallow it.
• When your dog accepts the taste of the toothpaste, put some on your finger and rub it on the surface of the teeth.
• The next step is to repeat this until your dog is OK with the sensation of the toothpaste all over his teeth and gums. Take minor breaks often and let the dog use its tongue to remove the toothpaste. Actually, while doing so, they spread the toothpaste all around, making it very useful.
• When you are certain your dog is comfortable with the toothpaste on his teeth and gums, apply it on the toothbrush or a finger brush and use that to rub the toothpaste.
• Don’t forget to use a positive reward system at the exact moment they accept the toothbrush, the toothpaste, or the very motion used during teeth brushing. Use words, pats, or a yummy snack.

Tip number 1: lift the dog’s upper lip with your free hand (using an index finger, for example) to get to the outer surface of the teeth

Tip number 2: when you get to the lower jaw, you need to open your dog’s mouth using your free hand’s thumb and index finger. You can see how to do it in the YouTube video below. You don’t have to open the mouth as wide as in the video, but enough to reach the lower jaw teeth.

We are using treats and other forms of positive reward system because we want to make a dog feel good during this process. Dogs learn best when they feel happy emotions. The same goes for unpleasant emotions. If they get scared or feel very uncomfortable during the teeth brushing, they will memorize it as something bad and will try to avoid it. 

On the other hand, if they feel amazing and they get a treat, they will remember it as something good and will look forward to it, even if we don’t give them a treat. The yummy toothpaste is later enough. Even better, after brushing your dog’s teeth, play with your dog their favorite game or take them for a quick walk if that’s what they love. That way they will connect the process not only with a tasty snack, but with fun time that comes after it. 

Don’t yell or feel frustrated if your dog doesn’t accept the toothpaste or the whole teeth brushing process right away. Dogs respond to our emotions and will connect teeth brushing with something uncomfortable. They’ll run away and hide every time they see you take out the toothpaste. Use sweet talk, pats, snacks, and stay calm and patient.

Things To Know 

The veterinarians suggest we should brush dog’s teeth every day, just like we brush our teeth. However, that is not always possible to do. That’s why the second option is to do it three times a week. We should brush the dog’s teeth for at least 30 seconds each time. 

• Don’t use toothpaste made for people! They contain fluorides which are toxic for dogs (and cats) if ingested. 
• Brush dog’s teeth at least three times a week
• We should brush the dog’s teeth for at least 30 seconds each time
• Even though some toothpaste for dogs contains baking soda, they contain tiny adjusted amounts that are safe for ingesting. Baking soda we use can upset a dog’s digestive system, so don’t use it on your own and in a pure form!
• Focus on the surfaces of the back teeth – that’s where the tartar forms the quickest
• If you have more than one dog, use a different toothbrush for each dog
• It is recommended to replace the toothbrush every three months
• Just like you rinse your toothbrush, do the same with the dog’s toothbrush before putting it away
• Choose a safe and quiet place for brushing your dog’s teeth

Final Thoughts

Even though you can choose not to brush your dog’s teeth, the study mentioned in the introduction paragraph shows just how common periodontal diseases are in dogs. There are many benefits from brushing their teeth. If you’re still against it, then give them some dental chew treats. Vets also recommend lamb and pork ribs (not just one, but 3 or 4 connected and given together) as natural teeth cleaning. Still, the safest way to save your dog from a trip to the vet to get a tooth extracted or teeth cleaned (and save yourself from a very high bill) is to brush their teeth.

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Cover photo by Woof Woof