Guide: dog dental care
Dog Dental Care: Brushing, Chews and Professional Cleanings
Dog dental care comes down to one habit: brushing every day with a toothpaste made for dogs. More than two-thirds of dogs over three years old have some degree of gum disease, and small breeds are hit hardest because their teeth are crowded. So start while your puppy is young, and brushing becomes just another part of the day.
Why dog dental care matters, especially for small breeds
VCA Animal Hospitals estimates that more than two-thirds of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease to some degree (VCA). Cornell University’s canine health center puts the figure even higher, and it notes that small breeds are more prone because their jaws are small and their teeth are crowded.
Gum disease is painful, and it leads to loose teeth and infection. However, a dog will keep eating through a great deal of discomfort, so owners often miss it.
How to brush a dog's teeth
- Use dog toothpaste only. It is made to be swallowed. Human toothpaste is not safe for dogs.
- Start with a finger. Let the puppy lick the paste, and then rub the gums for a few seconds.
- Move to a soft brush. Lift the lip and brush the outer surfaces, where tartar builds up.
- Keep it short. Aim for about 30 seconds a side.
- Reward afterward, every time.
VCA describes daily brushing as the mainstay of home dental care, because plaque re-forms every day.
A dog dental care routine by age
| Age | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8 to 16 weeks | Handle the mouth daily, and let the puppy taste dog toothpaste |
| 3 to 6 months | Brush gently while the baby teeth fall out. See our puppy teething timeline. |
| From 6 months | Brush the adult teeth every day |
| Every year | Ask your vet for a dental exam, and for a cleaning when it is needed |
Small dogs often need professional cleanings earlier and more often than large dogs, so raise the subject at each checkup.
Dog dental care products that are proven to work
Many chews and water additives promise clean teeth. Few have proved it. The Veterinary Oral Health Council awards a seal only to products shown in trials to reduce plaque or tartar (VOHC).
So look for the VOHC seal on dental chews, diets and additives. In addition, choose a chew sized for a small mouth, and remember that chews support brushing. They do not replace it.
Signs of dental trouble
- Bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown tartar
- Dropping food, or chewing on one side
- Pawing at the mouth
- A baby tooth still in place beside an adult tooth
Any of these deserves a vet visit.
Professional cleanings
A proper cleaning is done under anesthesia, because the damage that matters is below the gum line, where a wide-awake dog will not allow a vet to work. The American Animal Hospital Association explains what a cleaning involves and how clinics keep anesthesia safe (AAHA).
Budget for it as part of the cost of owning a puppy. Daily brushing is what keeps those cleanings few and far between.
Related guides
- Puppy Vaccine Schedule and Deworming: What Is Done Before Go-Home and What Comes Next
- Puppy Teething Timeline: When Baby Teeth Fall Out and How to Stop the Biting
- Dog Tear Stains: Causes, Safe Cleaning and When to Worry
- Dog Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Prevention
- First Vet Visit for a Puppy: What to Expect and What to Bring
See all our puppy guides, read about our health testing, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Dental Disease in Dogs. vcahospitals.com
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Periodontal disease. vet.cornell.edu
- Veterinary Oral Health Council. Accepted Products. vohc.org
- American Animal Hospital Association. Dog and cat dental disease: signs, professional cleanings, anesthesia, and home care. aaha.org
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Pet dental care. avma.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.
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