Brushing a dog’s teeth—isn’t that going a bit too far? On the contrary, say veterinarians. Their experience shows that dental health in dogs is often underestimated. What starts as harmless deposits can develop into a serious problem over time, affecting the entire body.

Our dogs are full-fledged family members, always by our side whenever possible. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we sometimes perceive our four-legged friends more like humans—and treat them accordingly. Do you find yourself doing the same? However, when it comes to dental care for dogs, accusations of anthropomorphism are entirely misplaced.

Brushing a dog’s teeth is sensible and important

The good news is that due to larger gaps between their teeth, dogs’ self-cleaning with saliva works much better than in humans. Food residues are more easily flushed away with saliva.

Nevertheless, dog teeth are exposed to the same “attackers” as human teeth. Accumulations and bacteria in a dog’s mouth can lead to the same problems as they do in the mouths of pet owners.

Leaving everything to nature and taking a hands-off approach to oral health is, therefore, detrimental. The natural abrasion from chewing is often not sufficient to maintain oral hygiene balance. After all, the diet of our dogs is no longer entirely natural. Things can’t regulate themselves automatically.

By the way, dental problems are unfortunately the rule rather than the exception in our pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 80% of dogs and cats suffer from oral cavity diseases.

Dental Care for Dogs: What Do I Use to Brush?

Manufacturers now offer many products to make brushing your dog’s teeth easier. Stick to specially designed items for this purpose. Human toothpaste is taboo. Conventional dental care products are unsuitable for your furry friend because:

Dog Toothbrush:

The classic dog toothbrush is equipped with a slightly curved brush at both ends. One large brush for the front teeth and one small brush for the hard-to-reach molars. Dog toothbrushes come in various sizes, so the two brush heads fit both a Chihuahua’s mouth and that of a Great Dane.

Ultrasound Brush for Dogs:

An electric toothbrush for dogs? That is now possible too. Thanks to ultrasound technology, this brush is noiseless and emits no vibrations. By the way, an ultrasound brush is not a sonic brush; these are two completely different mechanisms.

Unlike all other electric toothbrushes (including sonic toothbrushes), ultrasound technology does not clean by the mechanical abrasion of bristles but solely through a bubble-forming toothpaste.

However, the ultrasound toothbrush for dogs is a more substantial investment. Another downside: if you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, the brushing procedure takes quite a long time. Few four-legged friends tolerate this.

Finger Brush:

The alternative to a brush is the finger brush. It is made of either silicone or microfibers with an antibacterial silver component. Such finger brushes are also available for babies and toddlers and work just as well as products specifically developed for dogs.

The finger brush offers you many advantages, especially easing you into teeth brushing. Compared to a toothbrush, handling the finger brush is more straightforward because you have direct contact with your dog’s teeth with your finger. This provides more sensitivity. You can assess and control your movements much better.

Since a finger brush consists solely of soft material, the risk of injury is lower. This is also ideal for getting accustomed.

Does your dog have a very petite mouth? If even the smallest toothbrush model is still too large, the finger brush is a superb alternative. Before the first attempt, ensure that the finger brush fits well. This ensures a comfortable cleaning experience for your four-legged friend.

Dog Toothpaste:

Dog toothpaste is characterized primarily by its enticing flavors. It is especially delicious for dogs and is available in flavors like chicken or beef. However, using toothpaste is not a must. You’re already doing a lot for your pet’s dental health by brushing their teeth, even if you skip the toothpaste.

The fact that your furry friend loves the taste of toothpaste can be a problem. Some dogs are immediately prompted to chew and lick the tasty cream, making it difficult to brush their teeth, and the expensive toothpaste quickly disappears without fully delivering its effects.

DIY Dog Toothpaste:

Some dog owners swear by homemade toothpaste for their furry friends. Certainly, there are compelling reasons for using a natural toothpaste without additives. There’s no shortage of simple DIY recipes on the internet, with coconut oil and chalk being among the most popular bases.

Our recommendation: Consult with your veterinarian. The choice of what to use for your dog’s teeth should depend on the condition of its mouth.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth: Here’s How You Do It

The motto is: Get your dog used to touches in the muzzle first, then start brushing. Don’t rush; take it step by step. Introduce the next step only when the previous one has worked without any issues. Toothpaste is suitable for acclimatization, even if you don’t use it later during brushing (especially if there’s a pronounced chewing reflex).

Step 1: Make it tasty

Put a small amount of toothpaste on your clean finger and let your furry friend lick it off. You’ll quickly see if you made the right choice.

Step 2: Touches in the muzzle

Apply a little toothpaste to your clean finger. Gently hold the mouth closed with your free hand. Now, go with the toothpaste finger under the upper lip. Then run your fingertip over the outer surfaces of the upper molars and work your way back. Be careful with your finger!

Step 3: Brush the canine teeth

Moisten the bristles of the toothbrush and, if necessary, apply a little dog toothpaste. Lift the upper lip on both sides one by one and brush the canine tooth (longest tooth). Be careful that your furry friend doesn’t chew on the brush.

Step 4: Brush the molars

Take the brush and, if desired, put some dog toothpaste on the dampened bristles. Lift the lip and brush the upper molars. Now, proceed to the lower molars. For this, your dog needs to slightly open its mouth.

Step 5: Brush all teeth

Get the toothbrush ready. Start with the canines and then move on to the molars.

Now, close your dog’s mouth. Gently lift the upper lip over the incisors. Dogs are very sensitive in this area, so brush the incisors very gently—top and bottom. It’s possible that your furry friend may sneeze during this process. After the incisors, tackle all other outer surfaces and then all inner surfaces.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth: Tips for Acclimatization

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth once a day. However, you achieve a lot even if you manage to do it every two or three days.

Avoid bad experiences: Only brush healthy teeth

Just buy a toothbrush and start brushing immediately? Better not! Before you begin brushing your dog’s teeth, you need to know the condition of their teeth. If there are already issues like inflamed gums, well-intentioned brushing could cause pain.

This negative experience would make cleaning your dog’s teeth very challenging in the future. So, play it safe and have your veterinarian check your dog’s dental health first.

Bad breath is a bad sign in dogs too

Does your dog have an unpleasant smell from its mouth? Bad breath is a warning sign that something is wrong in your dog’s mouth. Additionally, there are other signs indicating dental problems in your dog:

Visual abnormalities in the mouth:

Behavioral abnormalities:

Why dental problems in dogs are so dangerous

The big problem with diseased teeth is that, in the long run, they not only burden your dog’s mouth but their entire body. If harmful bacteria travel through the blood to other organs, they can trigger serious illnesses there. It becomes dangerous, for example, when damaging bacteria become a constant strain on the kidneys or the heart.

Alternatives to brushing your dog’s teeth

If your dog absolutely refuses tooth brushing, there’s no need to despair. Dental care can also happen incidentally. The market is full of special products designed to replace or complement brushing your dog’s teeth.

Tooth Gel / Tooth Spray:

The antibacterial gel is applied to the teeth using the fingertip. It can be used after brushing, in between, or as a substitute for cleaning with a brush or fingerling. The same active ingredients are often available as a spray, which is even more convenient but may not be accepted by every dog due to the sound.

Mouthwash:

It is added as a water supplement to the dog’s bowl and contributes to a healthy oral flora through its disinfectant effect.

Chew Sticks / Dental Chews:

Through abrasion during chewing, plaque is removed. Additionally, the stimulated saliva production contributes to natural cleaning.

An alternative is so-called chew roots. They are made of hardwood that does not splinter. This natural product comes in various sizes. The advantage over bones or sticks: The dog does not consume calories while chewing.

Dental Toys:

Play and teeth cleaning in one: These dog toys are shaped to automatically clean the teeth. When choosing a dental toy, look closely and preferably consult with your veterinarian.

Not everything that looks good is good for your dog’s teeth. This is a general aspect to consider when buying toys for your pet. Objects that repeatedly grind against your dog’s teeth over an extended period can significantly shorten them. Example: Tennis balls. They are entirely unsuitable as dog toys.

Special Dog Food and Supplements:

The debate on the most tooth-friendly way to feed dogs varies. Regardless, there is special food designed to contribute to dental health through its shape and/or special ingredients. Additionally, there is powder available that can be mixed into regular dog food.

Professional Dental Cleaning Requires Anesthesia in Dogs

Some realism is unfortunately necessary: The likelihood of not needing professional dental cleaning throughout a dog’s entire life is rather low. Once tartar is firmly attached, you can’t remove it with a toothbrush. Not to mention advanced problems.

However, you can still do a lot. If you take care of your dog’s dental care from the beginning, you can at least extend the intervals between professional dental cleanings at the vet.

These cleanings are not just a matter of cost but also a physical strain. Because: Professional dental cleaning in dogs can only be done under anesthesia. Some vets also offer inhalation anesthesia, which is generally better tolerated. Of course, anesthesia should always be performed by a trained veterinarian.

If someone offers cleaning by an amateur or without anesthesia, never agree to it. Such cleanings are unprofessional and not justifiable from an animal welfare perspective.

In addition, for comprehensive diagnostics, X-rays may be necessary. Useful X-rays of a dog’s dental structure are also only possible with anesthesia since hardly any dog would stay still long enough without it.

Which Dogs Are Particularly Prone to Dental Problems?

Surely, in your circle of friends and acquaintances, you’ve encountered two extremes when it comes to dental health. While some breeze through life almost trouble-free, others expect a new revelation with almost every dental visit. Of course, daily tooth brushing is assumed.

Similar to us, the susceptibility of dog teeth is highly individual. Tooth alignment, saliva composition, and tooth enamel – much of it is hereditary. Due to their anatomy, some dog types are considered particularly prone to dental problems, including:

Due to a relatively small jaw, crowded teeth, and possible misalignments, food residues tend to get stuck in their teeth more easily than in other breeds. This favors the development of tartar and inflammation.

Small Lexicon of Dental Problems in Dogs

What is …

Plaque?

Plaque is the scientific term for dental plaque. It mainly consists of food residues, saliva, and bacteria. The formation of plaque is entirely normal – for humans and dogs alike. The crucial factor is that it is regularly removed from the teeth.

Tartar?

Tartar develops from dental plaque. If plaque is not (timely) removed from the teeth, minerals and bacteria join the mix. These deposits become “petrified” or mineralized. The result is yellowish-brown discoloration.

Caries?

Caries is tooth decay. It is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Fortunately, dogs experience cavities less frequently than humans. To maintain this, sugary foods and treats are off-limits for our furry friends.

Gingivitis?

Dentists refer to gingivitis as gum inflammation. The affected gums are reddened, swollen, and bleed – usually during brushing – in some areas. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. It’s essential to prevent this. Therefore, preventing gingivitis in your canine companion or recognizing and treating the disease early is crucial. Learn how to achieve this here: Gum Inflammation in Dogs.

Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums that damages the entire tooth-supporting apparatus. It arises from bacterially contaminated dental plaque and can have far-reaching consequences. As a result of periodontitis, the gums recede, exposing the tooth roots. These teeth become more sensitive to cold and heat.

Over time, periodontitis also causes the jawbone to recede. In the worst case, the affected teeth become loose and fall out.

Due to the loosening of the gums from the tooth, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the tissue. The spread of infection can trigger severe illnesses. Periodontitis is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment.

Periodontosis?

Periodontosis is often equated with periodontitis. Strictly speaking, this is not entirely correct. Periodontosis and periodontitis are two different conditions that share the same consequences but have different causes and symptoms.

Periodontosis occurs much less frequently than periodontitis. In contrast to periodontitis, periodontosis does not involve a bacterially induced inflammation.

Early Training – Even When Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Is your furry friend very young, or are you planning to welcome a puppy into your home? Then take advantage of the opportunity. In the first few months of a dog’s life, it’s less about keeping things clean and more about building acceptance of touches on and inside the mouth. The earlier you familiarize your dog with this, the better.

This training pays off, especially during veterinary visits, as you increase tolerance for examinations. Regular dental check-ups by the vet become a breeze.

A Bit of Dental Care for Your Dog is Better Than None

Toothbrush, finger brush, with or without toothpaste? There’s no right or wrong here. Just try out what works best. Find your own method.

Don’t get discouraged. If it’s not going smoothly, remember: a little cleaning is always better than not cleaning at all. And, if needed, there are good alternatives.

Regular check-ups are crucial. Have your dog’s teeth checked by your veterinarian at least once a year. Dogs with dental problems often suffer in silence.

You know firsthand how nasty toothaches can be. Only a healthy dog is a happy dog.