How to Brush a Dog’s Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Most dog owners know they should brush their dog’s teeth. Most don’t, usually because the first attempt ended with a clamped jaw and a dog hiding under the sofa.

The good news is that nearly every dog can learn to tolerate brushing, and some end up enjoying it. The trick is to go slowly and make it rewarding. This guide shows how, from choosing supplies to a gradual training plan, and what to do if brushing isn’t working.

Why it matters

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. Plaque builds up on the teeth, hardens into tartar, and irritates the gums. Over time this can lead to painful gum disease, loose or lost teeth, and infections, and bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream. Small breeds are especially prone because their teeth sit close together in a small jaw. If you have a small dog, our guide to the best food for small dogs covers dental care too.

Brushing is the most effective thing you can do at home. Food, chews and water additives can help, but none replaces it.

What you need

• A dog toothbrush. A soft-bristled brush made for dogs, a finger brush, or a child’s soft brush. Choose a size that fits your dog’s mouth. Many dogs find a finger brush easiest to start with.
• Dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste. It often contains fluoride, which isn’t meant to be swallowed, and some brands contain xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs. Dog toothpastes come in flavours such as poultry or peanut butter, which dogs usually like. Check the ingredients, and ask your vet for a recommendation.
• Treats or a favourite toy for rewards.
• Patience. Training takes days to weeks, not minutes.

Before you start

• Check with your vet first, particularly if your dog has bad breath, red or bleeding gums, a broken tooth or signs of mouth pain. Brushing an already painful mouth can cause your dog to resist, and it’s better to treat existing problems first.
• Pick a calm time, such as after exercise, when your dog is relaxed.
• Choose a comfortable spot and a consistent routine.
• Keep sessions short and positive. Stop before your dog gets stressed.

Step-by-step: training your dog to accept brushing

Go at your dog’s pace. If your dog backs away, tenses or tries to bite, slow down and go back a step. If your dog shows aggression, stop and ask your vet or a qualified trainer or behaviourist for help.

Step 1: Introduce the toothpaste.
Put a small amount on your finger and let your dog lick it. Repeat for a few days until your dog looks forward to it. Reward with a treat or praise.

Step 2: Touch the mouth.
Gently stroke your dog’s muzzle, then lift the lip at the side. Use your finger to touch the gums and teeth briefly, then reward. Build up over a few days.

Step 3: Rub the teeth with your finger.
With toothpaste on your finger, rub the outside surfaces of a few teeth for a few seconds. Reward. Gradually add more teeth and time.

Step 4: Introduce the brush.
Let your dog sniff and lick the brush with toothpaste on it. Then touch it to the front teeth, then reward. Repeat over several sessions.

Step 5: Brush properly.
Hold the brush at about a 45-degree angle to the gumline, and use small circular or back-and-forth motions. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth, especially the back ones (the upper molars and premolars), where tartar builds up most. Your dog’s tongue cleans the inner surfaces somewhat, so you don’t need to open the mouth wide.

Step 6: Build up.
Work towards about 30 seconds per side, then reward. The whole process may take a few weeks to settle.

How often to brush

Daily brushing is ideal, because plaque begins to harden into tartar within a few days. If daily isn’t realistic, several times a week is better than none. Even occasional brushing is better than nothing, and any amount of consistent brushing helps.

Tips that make it easier

• Start with puppies if you can. Puppies often accept brushing readily, and it builds a routine. Be gentle around the time they’re losing baby teeth, and ask your vet.
• Use positive reinforcement only. Never force your dog or restrain them firmly. A dog that’s frightened will resist more next time.
• Be consistent. Same time, same place, same reward.
• Don’t expect the whole mouth in week one. Even a few teeth a day is progress.
• Try different flavours and brushes if your dog resists.
• Be careful with small or short-nosed breeds, which may need a smaller brush and gentler handling.

When brushing doesn’t work

Some dogs just won’t tolerate it. There are other options, though none match brushing:

• Dental wipes or gauze wrapped around a finger can remove some plaque.
• Dental chews, treats and toys. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which means the product has met standards for reducing plaque or tartar. Avoid very hard chews such as bones, antlers and hard nylon, which can crack teeth. Ask your vet which are suitable. Chews also add calories, so count them in your dog’s daily food. Our guide to the real cost of feeding a dog shows how.
• Water additives and dental gels, which may help some dogs, though evidence varies. Check the ingredients and ask your vet.
• Dental diets. Some foods are designed to reduce plaque and tartar, and a few carry the VOHC seal. Our guide to reading a pet food label explains how to check claims, and you can browse our pages on dry food and fresh food.

Does kibble clean teeth? Not reliably. Most dogs swallow it with little chewing, so don’t rely on it alone.

Professional dental care

Even with good home care, many dogs need a professional dental cleaning at some point. A veterinary dental procedure is done under general anaesthesia, so the vet can clean below the gumline, examine every tooth, take X-rays and treat problems.

You may see “anaesthesia-free” dental cleaning offered. Many veterinary dental organisations advise against it, because it can’t clean properly under the gumline or check for hidden problems, and it can give a false sense of security. Ask your vet what they recommend for your dog.

Regular vet checkups should include a look at your dog’s mouth. Ask how often your dog needs a dental check.

Signs of dental problems

See your vet if you notice:

• Persistent bad breath (a strong or sour smell isn’t normal)
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
• Loose, broken or missing teeth
• Difficulty eating, dropping food, chewing on one side, or refusing hard food
• Drooling more than usual, or pawing at the mouth
• Facial swelling, particularly under the eye
• Behaviour changes, such as irritability or reluctance to be touched around the face

Dogs often hide mouth pain, so don’t wait for obvious signs.

Common mistakes

• Using human toothpaste.
• Giving hard chews that can break teeth.
• Skipping the training steps and going straight to a full brushing.
• Forcing a reluctant dog.
• Ignoring bad breath. It’s a sign of a problem, not just a smell.
• Relying on dental treats alone.
• Brushing a mouth that’s already sore without a vet check.

Final thoughts

Brushing your dog’s teeth takes patience at first, but a few minutes a day can prevent painful and expensive dental problems later. Start slowly, use dog-safe toothpaste, reward generously, and ask your vet for help if your dog resists or you notice signs of trouble. For more on feeding and choosing food, see how our reviews work.

Frequently asked questions