Dog dental care: teeth, bad breath and brushing

Short answer: daily brushing helps keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy. Use dog toothpaste and a soft brush, and introduce it slowly. Bad breath, sore gums or trouble eating need a vet check, not a harder brushing session. If you notice those signs, call your vet before starting.

When bad breath needs a check

Bad breath can be a sign of tooth or gum disease. Other signs include red or bleeding gums, brown build-up on teeth, a broken or loose tooth, extra drooling, dropping food or struggling to chew. Swelling around the mouth also needs a check.

Do not force a sore mouth open to look inside. A dog in pain may bite. Stay calm and call your vet, describing what you have noticed; your vet will tell you how soon your dog needs to be seen.

Before you start brushing

Ask your vet to check your dog's mouth and show you how to brush. Brushing a sore or inflamed mouth can hurt. Hardened build-up on the teeth cannot be brushed away at home and may need professional cleaning.

Choose a soft toothbrush suited to your dog's mouth and toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste is not suitable for dogs. Your vet can help you choose without needing a particular brand.

Your next step: ask your vet whether your dog's mouth is ready for a brushing routine.

Make brushing a small, calm habit

Start at a quiet time when your dog is relaxed. Keep each session short and move on only when they are comfortable with the step before it.

First, let your dog get used to a gentle touch near their cheek and lip. Then let them taste dog toothpaste. Let them lick a little from the brush before you try brushing. Offer praise and rewards along the way.

When they are comfortable, gently lift the lip and brush a few outer tooth surfaces, where the teeth meet the gums. Build up gradually rather than trying to clean the whole mouth in the first session. You do not need to force their jaws apart.

If your dog pulls away, stiffens or growls, stop. Do not hold them still to finish. Take a smaller step next time; if touching their mouth seems painful or they keep resisting, ask your vet for help.

Your next step: practise one comfortable step today, then work towards daily brushing.

What chews can and cannot do

Some dental chews can help reduce build-up, but they are not a replacement for brushing or a vet check. Very hard chews and bones can break teeth.

Your next step: ask your vet which dental products, if any, suit your dog before adding them to the routine.

Keep the vet check in the routine

Have your vet check your dog's teeth and gums at least once a year, and sooner if you notice a problem. A proper dental cleaning is done under a general anaesthetic so the vet can examine and clean below the gums. They may also need dental X-rays or to remove damaged teeth.

Your next step: ask your vet what your dog needs, what the procedure involves and when home brushing can begin or restart.

Sources: AVMA: Pet dental care. Blue Cross: Dog dental care. VCA: Brushing your dog's teeth. VCA: Successful toothbrushing training. PDSA: Dental disease in dogs. RSPCA: Caring for your dog's teeth.

General education only, not veterinary advice or a plan for your individual dog. If your dog's mouth seems sore or you notice a change, please contact a vet. See our legal page.