How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Why It's Important to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene is vital for several reasons:

1. Preventing Periodontal Disease:

• Plaque and Tartar: Brushing your dog’s teeth helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar, which starts to happen within hours of plaque formation. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
• Inflammation and Infection: Periodontal disease causes painful inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This can result in chronic pain, difficulty eating, and severe oral infections.

2. Keeping Their Breath Fresh:

• Halitosis (bad breath): One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of poor oral health in dogs is bad breath. Regular brushing helps eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath, helping keep your dog’s mouth neutral, rather than smelly.

3. Preventing Systemic Health Issues:

• Bacterial Spread: Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to your dog’s organs, potentially causing serious health issues such as heart, liver, and kidney disease.
• Overall Health: Good oral hygiene contributes to your dog’s overall health and well-being, reducing the risk of systemic infections and other health complications.

4. Ensuring Comfortable Eating:

• Pain-Free Eating: Dental issues can make eating painful for your dog. Regular brushing helps prevent dental problems, so your dog can eat comfortably and maintain a healthy appetite.
• Nutritional Health: A dog with healthy teeth is more likely to chew their food properly, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.

5. Prolonging Their Life:

• Longevity: Just as in humans, maintaining good dental hygiene can extend your dog’s life by preventing oral and systemic diseases. Healthy teeth and gums contribute to a longer, happier life for your canine friend.
• Start young: It’s never too early to start brushing your puppy’s teeth. Establishing a good tooth brushing routine now will help maintain a lifetime of healthy teeth! 

6. Cost-Effective Preventive Care:

• Routine Prophylactic Dental Cleanings: The better your home tooth brushing routine is, the better and less complicated your dog’s regular prophylactic dental cleanings will be.
• Avoiding Extractions: Preventive dental care through regular brushing can help you save your pet’s teeth. Many pets are prone to early periodontal disease and subsequent early tooth loss, and the best deterrent to this is regular tooth brushing.
• Avoiding Dental Surgery: Some dental related surgical complications such as oronasal fistulas can be avoided if extractions can be prevented.

Supplies You'll Need

Before you start brushing your dog’s teeth, gather the following supplies:

• Dog-specific toothbrush: Choose an appropriately-sized brush with soft bristles. Double-ended brushes with different sizes can be useful for reaching various areas in your dog’s mouth.
• Dog-friendly toothpaste: Use toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs. These are usually flavored to appeal to dogs, such as poultry or beef flavor, and are meant to be swallowed. Do not use human toothpaste as it can be harmful to dogs; toothpastes with xylitol are very toxic.

• Gauze, finger socks, or finger brushes: These are helpful in the initial stages of training your dog to accept dental care, and can be useful for when traveling or when you’re tired and need a “lazy day”.

• High-value treats: Tiny treats your dog loves will be essential for rewarding and encouraging good behavior throughout the process. Treats must be tiny, or broken into tiny bits, because they will be used often and sometimes in quick succession, and you want your dog to chew and swallow them quickly for training purposes.

• Dental wipes: These can be used to supplement brushing, but they’re not a substitute. Dental wipes can have good enzymatic activity and breath freshening effect, but they cannot scrub well between the teeth.

Preparation

Choosing the Right Environment

• Find a Quiet Spot: Select a calm, quiet area where your dog feels secure. A small bathroom or a corner where your dog cannot easily escape works well. Make this the special “spot” that will be your tooth brushing area from now on.
• Sit Together: Position yourself and your dog with both of your backs against a corner to prevent your dog from backing away. This also makes your dog feel more secure.
  • Position your large dog beside you on the floor, hugging your arms around them with them next to a wall, preferably in a corner.
  • Position your small dog in your lap with their back to you, or beside you, with your arms around them.
  • Alternatively, position your small dog on a table facing away from you, with your arms around them, to hug them safely and prevent them from jumping off or falling as you work with them. If you are new to working with your small dog on a table, a short leash may be helpful to prevent them jumping off the table while you’re working with them.
• Gently Restrain Your Dog: For a very anxious dog, consider wrapping them in a snuggly wrap–a good option is the Calm and Cozy Cat Wrap–or a comforting blanket or towel. Have someone calm help you the first few times you work with your dog’s mouth.

Step-by-Step Approach to Tooth Brushing

Initial Training

1. Positive Reinforcement:

• Use treats and praise to reward your dog for allowing you to handle their head, face, mouth, and teeth. This helps create a positive association with the process.
• If you are doing clicker training, have your dog touch the item you will be using, then treat them. If you are not doing clicker training, simply show your dog the item, then give a treat.
• The more positive associations you make with tooth brushing, the better it will go. You can give a treat when:
  • you prepare your supplies with your dog watching
  • you carry your supplies to the brushing spot
  • you call your dog to the brushing spot
  • you sit down with your dog in the brushing spot
  • you show your dog the oral care items
  • you touch your dog’s teeth with your gauze, finger brushes, or tooth brush
  • you get up from the brushing spot 
  • you leave the brushing spot
  • you put your brushing supplies away
• All this reinforcement and you haven’t even brushed a single tooth yet! This is what we mean by helping make positive associations with the process of tooth brushing.
• As you begin tooth brushing, you will reinforce each tooth brushing accomplishment (even if it’s only one brushed tooth) with a treat, until your dog becomes used to the process.

2. Begin with Gauze or Finger Socks

• Gauze: Wrap a piece of gauze (we suggest 3” x 3” gauze squares) around your index finger. On day one, touch one tooth with the gauze-covered finger, then reward with praise and a treat. Gradually increase the number of teeth you touch each day. If this is too difficult for your dog, just touch their face, nose, or lips, then give a treat and praise them.
• Finger Socks: These are tiny dental cleaning socks that fit over your finger. They are great if you find wrapping gauze around your finger too cumbersome or difficult. Use them in the same way as gauze. They are similarly effective at scrubbing teeth.
• Finger Brushes are useful for initial training but generally don’t scrub well, as the bristles bend too much for good scrubbing and don’t reach well into tooth crevices or along the gumline. If neither the gauze nor the finger socks work for you, or your dog is doing great with either or both, and you want to try another form of brushing, try the finger brush.

3. Reward Your Dog:

• Immediately after first touching a tooth, or a little tooth scrubbing as you advance, give your dog a treat and praise. This reinforces positive behavior and makes future brushing easier.
• Give your dog a “party” when you’re all done. Dance around and clap, sing a song, throw their ball, or do their favorite thing. Let them know how great they are!

4. Take Breaks If Needed:

• If your dog becomes anxious or restless, take a break and try again later. It’s better to brush a few teeth at a time than to stress your dog. 
• Do short, 2-3 minute sessions with lots of treats and praise, especially at first.

5. Introducing Toothpaste:

• Initially, try not using toothpaste, as it can cause your dog to focus on licking rather than allowing you to touch their teeth.
• If your dog resists having their teeth touched, apply a small, pea-sized amount of dog-friendly toothpaste to the gauze or finger brush. Let your dog lick it off to get accustomed to the taste. Be careful they don’t chew on your finger.
• As you practice more, you may find your dog enjoys tooth brushing because they like the taste of the toothpaste!

6. Introducing the Tooth Brush:

• Once your dog is comfortable with having their teeth touched with gauze or a finger brush, introduce the toothbrush. Touch one tooth with the brush, then reward with praise and a treat.
• Gradually increase the number of teeth you touch with the toothbrush each day. This process may take 1-2 weeks.

7. Brushing Technique:

• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth.
• Use gentle, circular motions to brush the teeth and gum line.
• Focus on the outer (buccal) surfaces of the teeth. It is easier to reach these areas of the back teeth, when your dog’s mouth is closed. Hold the mouth closed with one hand while you brush with the other.
• Listen for the sound of the toothbrush on the teeth as you brush them with their mouth closed.
• If possible, brush the inside (lingual) surfaces of the teeth, but only if you can do so safely without risking being bitten.
• Teach your dog to open their mouth for tooth brushing. Gently hold their mouth open, carefully keeping your fingers out of the biting surfaces of the teeth.
• Try different sizes or shapes of tooth brushes if you think it will help you to be more effective, or your dog to be more comfortable.

Daily Brushing

1. Start Slowly:

• Use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger, or a finger sock, to gently touch their teeth at first. 
• Do this for several days, gradually increasing the number of teeth you touch, then scrub.

2. Establish a Routine:

• Aim to brush your dog’s teeth daily. Consistency is key to maintaining good oral health.
• Use a treat jar that rattles to signal the start of tooth brushing time.
• Always start and finish each session with a high-value treat. 
• Sing a song or talk to your dog to keep the process enjoyable and to ensure you spend enough time with your routine.
• Five minutes should be enough time to thoroughly brush your dog’s teeth, then do a happy dance with praise and treats when you finish!
• Don’t forget to rinse their toothbrush well and hang or stand it up to dry daily, and wash finger socks with soap and water following each use.

3. Using Dental Wipes:

• If brushing is not possible, use veterinary-approved dental wipes. These can be effective at preventing plaque and tartar on reachable surfaces, but they do not clean well between the teeth.
• Dental wipes are good for lazy days when you don’t feel like brushing, or when you are traveling. 
• Some wipes come in travel packs which adds convenience.
• Really scrub the outer surfaces of the teeth with the wipe, reaching as far back as possible, and as much of the lingual surfaces as your dog will safely allow.

Aftercare

1. Post-Brushing Treats and Praise:

• Always end each brushing session with a treat and plenty of praise. This reinforces positive behavior and makes future sessions easier.

2. Monitoring Oral Health:

• Regularly check your dog’s mouth, teeth, and gums, for signs of dental issues, such as redness, swelling, or bad breath. If you notice any problems, consult your veterinarian.

3. Dental Chews:

• Veterinary-recommended dental chews can help prevent plaque and tartar when used regularly. These can be a good addition to your home dental care program, but are NOT a substitute for teeth brushing.

4. Professional Dental Care:

• Schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian. Professional cleanings are typically necessary to maintain your dog’s oral health, usually 1-2 times a year depending greatly upon your pet’s breed and age.
• The better and more thoroughly you brush your dog’s teeth, the better the results will be at their check-ups!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Resistance to Brushing:

• If your dog resists brushing, take a step back and spend more time getting them comfortable with having their mouth touched. Use treats and praise liberally.
• If you have not yet learned clicker-training, it can be a valuable tool for all kinds of dogs of all ages. Check out Karen Pryor’s books and videos and some of the many excellent YouTube videos available.

2. Difficulty Using a Toothbrush:

• If you and your dog struggle with using a toothbrush, continue using gauze, finger socks, or dental wipes. Try your best to actually scrub with these products. Use dental toothpaste if not using an enzymatic dental wipe. These methods are much better than not brushing the teeth at all.

3. Behavioral Challenges:

• Some dogs may be more stubborn or cautious. Be patient and persistent. Progress might be slow, but consistency will yield results.
• If your dog is too anxious, go back to the beginning. Make sure you are staying calm yourself. Take it slow and go one step at a time.
• Try brushing one tooth per day and gradually increase the number of teeth as your dog becomes more comfortable. Use plenty of treats and positive reinforcement.
• Ask a friend or family member to help hold and comfort your dog.
• If Your Dog Is Aggressive:
  • If your dog becomes aggressive, stop, and do not run the risk of getting bitten. 
  • Consult with your veterinarian for tips to help.
  • They might suggest a mild sedative for home use such as gabapentin, a pheromone such as Sentry Calming Ointment to put on their nose, and a pheromone diffuser such as Adaptil® for the room where you’ll brush your dog’s teeth, or where your dog spends much of their time. (Both are available in our online store.)

Maintaining a Long-Term Routine

1. Consistency is Key:

• Make tooth brushing a daily habit. The more consistent you are, the more your dog will get used to the routine.

2. Reordering Supplies:

• Ensure you always have dental care supplies on hand. Reorder toothpaste, gauze, dental wipes, or other supplies before you run out.

Conclusion

Brushing your dog’s teeth is an essential part of their overall health care routine. While it may take time and patience to get your dog accustomed to the process, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can help ensure your dog maintains healthy teeth and gums, help prevent dental disease and promote a happier, healthier life for them. Remember to start slowly, use positive reinforcement, and be consistent with your efforts. Your dog’s dental health is worth the investment of time and care.