How to brush your dog’s teeth

Start with comfort and suitable equipment

Brushing is the most effective home approach to limiting plaque. Aim for daily brushing once your dog tolerates it comfortably. Use dog-safe toothpaste and a soft brush sized for the mouth. Human toothpaste is unsuitable for dogs: formulations may contain unsafe ingredients and are intended to be spat out. If the mouth looks painful, arrange assessment before starting.

Build tolerance in small steps

1. Choose a quiet moment and let your dog move away. Reward calm attention.
2. Introduce gentle touching near the lips, then a brief lip lift. Do not force the mouth open.
3. Offer a small taste of dog toothpaste, following its instructions.
4. Introduce the soft brush to a few outer tooth surfaces, using gentle movements.
5. Gradually cover more outer surfaces and the gum line, keeping sessions comfortable.

What brushing cannot do

Brushing does not remove established hard calculus or treat a painful tooth. Do not scrape teeth with tools or pull loose teeth. Persistent bad breath or bleeding requires assessment. Brushing a sore mouth can worsen distress and make future handling harder.

If brushing is not tolerated

Stop before restraint, panic or a bite becomes likely. Ask your vet or nurse to demonstrate technique and check for pain. Discuss suitable evidence-supported alternatives while working on comfortable handling; chews and additives have limitations and do not replace veterinary dental care. Keep calories and swallowing risks in mind. Choosing dental products explains the evidence.

Continue your care plan

Dental & Oral Health · Keeping my dog healthy · New symptoms: find the right next step

Evidence and review

General information, not diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Sources include veterinary professional guidance, veterinary charities and relevant regional parasite organisations. Clinical recommendations need individual veterinary interpretation.

• WSAVA: introducing toothbrushing
• Cornell University: dental disease and home care
• PDSA: checking your dog’s teeth

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