Your dog’s teeth have a lot of work to do. Dogs use their mouths for more than just eating; they use them to play, explore and taste a lot of their surroundings too. So if your dog’s teeth aren’t properly cared for, it can start to cause problems.

If dog’s teeth are not regularly cleaned, the plaque will build up and turn into tartar. This has a solid, brown, gritty look and feel and can lead to inflammation and tenderness which is no fun for your dog to contend with while trying to eat. It can also go on to cause gingivitis and gum disease.

The Importance of Dog Dental Hygiene

How to brush your dog’s teeth

It's a good idea to ask your vet first before you start cleaning your dog's teeth as they will show you the best way to do this. Different breeds show varying jaw alignments and how the teeth meet. Flat faced dogs like Pugs and Chihuahuas, have poorly aligned jaws, with crowded or absent teeth, and are therefore more likely to suffer from dental disease.

1. Buy a dog toothbrush.

Compared to human toothbrushes, toothbrushes for dogs are smaller and have softer bristles. Depending on the size of your dog, you may be able to use a kid’s toothbrush, or if your dog is on the smaller side, finger toothbrushes may be a better option for you.

2. Select a dog toothpaste.

Available in flavours like chicken and beef, dog toothpastes are designed to fight plaque and tartar but still be tasty and appealing for your pet. Do not use human toothpaste on your dog as it contains ingredients that are designed to be spit out, which your dog won’t know to do.

3. Allow your dog to become comfortable with you touching their mouth.

Start by giving their muzzle a light rub with your finger. Progress to gently touching their teeth and gums so they become used to you interacting with the inside and outside of their mouth. You may want to build on this step over a few days before you actually begin brushing their teeth.

4. Give your dog a taste of the toothpaste and show them the toothbrush.

Familiarising your dog with these items will encourage them to not be afraid of this new activity. You can try putting some toothpaste onto the brush and letting your dog eat off it as the appetising flavours should make them eager to begin this process.

5. Choose the right moment.

Brush your dog’s teeth when you’re both relaxed. Try your best to make this an enjoyable process for your pet for example by getting down onto their level and not standing over them when you brush their teeth.

6. Begin brushing your dog’s teeth in small circles.

Start with the easiest to reach teeth until you both become more confident with the process, and then move on to the rest of their teeth. Remember to brush all the inside and outside surfaces as well as across the entire gum line to remove the daily plaque build-up on their teeth. Praise your dog’s good behaviour throughout the session.

7. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth for two minutes every day.

Integrate this activity into your daily routine together so they become accustomed to having their teeth cleaned, which will help fight off dental disease.

8. After each session, reward your dog.

Give them a small dental treat or their favourite toy to play with to help your dog to associate tooth brushing with a positive memory, making them more agreeable to the activity each time.

Signs of dental health issues

If you follow a good oral care routine for your dog, chances are they will never experience any serious dental health issues. However, it pays to be vigilant to signs there is a problem.

For example, contrary to popular belief, it’s not normal for dogs to have persistent bad breath. Check out Why does my dog have bad breath?

Here are some of the signs that indicate there could be a problem. If you notice any of them, it’s a good idea to get your vet or vet’s nurse to give your dog a check-up.

• Bad breath

• Inflamed or bleeding gums

• Excessive drooling

• Discoloured teeth (brown or yellow)

• Blood on chew toys or in water bowl

• Favouring one side of the mouth when chewing

• Irritability

Fractured Teeth

When your dog chews a large piece of solid material such as a large bone or stone, they could fracture their teeth. If they whimper when chewing it, paw at the mouth, ooze blood in their saliva or refuse food, please see your vet immediately.

5 Top Brushing Tips

• Keep sessions short and sweet

It’s best to keep each tooth cleaning session short, especially at the beginning. This stops it being overwhelming for your dog and allows them to get used to things gradually.

• Get into a routine

If you can get into the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth at the same time every day, this will help you stick to it. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, so just choose one that suits you.

• Build up slowly

Below is a step-by-step guide to get your dog used to having their teeth brushed. Repeat each step until your dog is comfortable with it and, if you need to, don’t be afraid to go back a step.

• Remember every dog is different

All dogs are unique individuals who will learn at their own pace. Don’t rush them if they take a while to get used to the idea of having their teeth cleaned.

• Give lots of praise and encouragement

Studies have shown that positive reinforcement is very effective when it comes to dog training and teaching them to have their teeth cleaned is no exception to this.

Dental Disease Treatment

If you find your dog has dental disease, only carry out treatment under the direction of your vet. Your dog will most likely need sedation or a general anaesthetic to properly examine their mouth. X-rays might also be taken to reveal any abnormalities of the tooth or bone.

If the affected teeth aren't too bad, they would be scaled and polished to remove mineral deposits. With more severe cases, such as fractured or loose teeth, they may need to be removed.

Your dog will likely need anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics after surgery. You'll then need ongoing commitment to regular dental care to prevent the disease from coming back.