Dog toothbrushes

Why brushing matters

Plaque forms on a dog's teeth every day and, left alone, hardens into tartar that sits along the gumline. Dental disease is one of the most common problems vets see in adult dogs, and it can cause bad breath, painful gums and tooth loss.

Regular brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque at home. Daily brushing is ideal, and even several times a week helps. The point is to remove plaque before it hardens, which is why short, frequent sessions beat an occasional long scrub.

Toothbrush, finger brush or wipe?

Soft-bristled dog toothbrushes reach the back teeth well, and 360-degree heads clean several surfaces in one pass. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that many owners find a finger brush easier when they are just starting, because it gives more control and helps you avoid pressing too hard.

Dental finger wipes and finger cots are a gentle first step for dogs who resist a brush, and for small mouths. Oral sprays and tooth powders are easy add-ons, but they do not replace the mechanical action of brushing. Use them alongside a brush or wipe, not instead of one.

Never use human toothpaste

Human toothpaste is not safe for dogs. Many contain xylitol, a sweetener that VCA warns can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs even in small amounts. Human toothpaste also contains fluoride and foaming agents that are meant to be spat out, which dogs cannot do.

Use a toothpaste made for pets, which is safe to swallow and usually flavored to appeal to dogs. If your dog eats anything containing xylitol, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 straight away; a fee may apply.

How to start brushing

Go slowly. Let your dog lick a little pet toothpaste from your finger for a few days. Next, rub a finger or finger brush along the outside of the front teeth, then gradually work back toward the molars. Reward your dog after every session so it becomes a treat, not a chore.

Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth, where most tartar builds, and angle the bristles toward the gumline. Thirty seconds per side is plenty once your dog accepts it. Puppies can start with a finger brush so brushing is normal long before adult teeth arrive.

Signs your dog needs a dental check

Brushing cannot remove hardened tartar, and it does not fix existing disease. See your vet if you notice persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, brown tartar along the teeth, loose or broken teeth, drooling, chewing on one side or dropping food.

Many dogs need a professional cleaning under anesthesia from time to time, and home care helps keep the results longer. Ask your vet to check your dog's teeth at every routine visit.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.