Dental care for dogs: preventing tartar and teaching your dog to accept brushing

Tartar and bad breath creep up slowly. Here is how to brush your dog's teeth step by step, what chews can and cannot do, and when to see the vet.

Bad breath, a yellowish edge on the back teeth, a dog that suddenly chews less on a bone: dental problems usually develop slowly. A few minutes a day can keep many of them under control.

The short answer: brush, chew and get checked

Good dental care has three parts. You brush the teeth as often as you can (ideally daily) with a toothpaste made for dogs. You add suitable chews or chew toys. And you have the vet check the teeth regularly. Brushing is the only home method that really removes plaque. Chewing helps mechanically, but it does not replace brushing.

From plaque to tartar

Plaque is a soft, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth after every meal. If it stays, minerals in the saliva harden it into tartar. You cannot remove tartar at home, and it gives a rough surface where new plaque sticks more easily. Under the gum line this can lead to inflamed gums and, later, to periodontitis: a condition in which the tissue around the tooth is damaged. This is painful and can cost a dog its teeth.

Signs that the teeth need attention

• A strong, unpleasant smell from the mouth
• Yellow or brown deposits, especially on the back teeth
• Red, swollen or easily bleeding gums
• Heavy drooling, or chewing on one side of the mouth
• Dropping food, eating carefully or leaving a chew untouched
• Rubbing the mouth with a paw

Do you see several signs, or does your dog seem to be in pain? Book an appointment with the vet. Do not wait for the next brushing session.

How to teach your dog to accept brushing: step by step

1. Choose dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste. It contains substances a dog should not swallow, such as fluoride, and sometimes xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
2. Let your dog taste it. A bit of paste on your finger is often a treat in itself, because dog toothpaste tastes of meat or malt.
3. Get used to touch. Gently lift the lip and run your finger along the teeth. Reward after a few seconds.
4. Move on to a brush. A finger brush is the easiest start for many dogs. Later you can use a soft dog toothbrush.
5. Brush the outside. Make small circles along the gum line, especially at the back teeth and the canines. The tongue already cleans most of the inside.
6. Keep it short. Start with 10 to 20 seconds and build up slowly. Always end on a positive note.

With a puppy you can get used to the routine early. The baby teeth are replaced at around four to six months of age, so in that phase it is mostly about getting used to it rather than brushing firmly. You will find dog toothpaste, finger brushes and other aids at the bottom of this article.

Chews and chew toys: what they can and cannot do

Chewing scrapes away part of the plaque, mainly on the back teeth at the sides. The front teeth are reached less. How hard and how large a chew should be depends on your dog. Keep these points in mind:

• Choose the right size. A chew should be larger than the mouth, so that your dog cannot swallow it in one go.
• Watch the hardness. Very hard products, such as deer antler or hard bones, can break a tooth. A commonly used rule of thumb is that you should be able to press a small dent into it with your fingernail.
• Count the calories. Chews are food. If needed, reduce the daily portion.
• Stay close. Give chews under supervision and take away a small leftover piece that could be swallowed whole.

Some products carry the VOHC seal: an American seal for which an effect on plaque or tartar has been assessed. Which choice suits your dog is best discussed with your vet.

Gels, sprays and water additives can be a useful extra. The evidence varies per product, and they do not replace brushing.

Common mistakes

• Using human toothpaste
• Relying on chews alone and not brushing
• Giving chews or antlers that are too hard, which can damage teeth
• Trying to scrape off tartar yourself; this can damage the enamel
• Waiting for a dental check until the breath already smells or the dog is in pain

When to see the vet

See the vet for bleeding or badly swollen gums, a loose or broken tooth, a swollen cheek, refusing to eat or a noticeably strong smell. A professional dental clean is usually done under anaesthetic. Only then can the vet also clean under the gum line and, if needed, take X-rays. Ask how often a check is sensible for your dog.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my dog's teeth?

Daily is best, because plaque can harden within a few days. Brushing a few times a week is better than not brushing.

Can I remove tartar at home?

Not safely. Tartar is firmly attached and can also sit under the gum. Have the vet remove it.

Are chew bones enough for healthy teeth?

No. Chewing can help, but most dogs also need brushing and check-ups.

Is bad breath always a dental problem?

Often, but not always. Stomach and gut problems or other conditions can also play a role. If the smell persists, have your vet take a look.

Summary

• Brush as often as you can with dog toothpaste, never with human toothpaste.
• Chews and chew toys are an addition, not a replacement.
• Choose chews of the right size and hardness and count the calories.
• Have the teeth checked regularly and see the vet straight away for pain or bleeding.

Sources and further reading: Utrecht University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, KNMvD, WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines, Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

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