How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Why Dog Dental Care Matters More Than You Think

During my five years working as a vet tech at a mixed-practice clinic in Portland, periodontal disease was easily the most common issue I saw. The official stats say 80% of dogs have dental disease by age three. Based on my clinic days, I'd say that's a conservative estimate. The honest downside of ignoring bad dog breath is that the bacteria from infected gums doesn't just stay in the mouth. It enters the bloodstream. From there, it damages the heart, kidneys, and liver.

The fix is regular brushing. It's entirely worth it. Here's the thing, though—most owners never do it. I get it. Wrangling an uncooperative dog is exhausting. This guide breaks down exactly how to start, even if your dog actively hides when they see a toothbrush.

Supplies You'll Need

Before you start, grab these basics. (Don't buy the expensive dental kits yet.)

Dog-specific toothbrush — Human toothbrushes won't work. They're too stiff. I use a soft-bristled brush made specifically for dogs. Finger brushes work well for beginners. (I used a silicone finger brush on my Aussie, Maple, for the first six months before graduating. A standard handled brush holds up better to her chewing habits anyway.)
Dog-specific toothpaste — Never use human toothpaste. It contains fluoride and xylitol. They're highly toxic to dogs. Enzymatic dog toothpastes in poultry or peanut butter flavors are everywhere. Maple prefers poultry. Benny, my 9-year-old lab/pit mix, will tolerate anything if I pretend it's food.
Treats — High-value rewards. Save the really good stuff just for this.
A calm environment — Pick a quiet room when your dog's already relaxed. Don't try this right after a long hike when they're panting heavily.

Phase 1: Desensitization (Days 1-7)

Rushing this phase is the main reason dogs end up hating the toothbrush. Spend at least a week on desensitization. Don't even show them the brush yet.

Day 1-2: Touch the Muzzle

Gently lift your dog's lip with your finger for a second or two. Give a treat immediately. Repeat five to ten times per session, once or twice a day. The goal's simple. You want your dog to realize lip lifting pays well.

Day 3-4: Touch the Teeth and Gums

Squeeze a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste onto your finger. Let your dog lick it off. Next, gently rub your finger along the outside of their front teeth and gums for a few seconds. Reward immediately. Keep these sessions under 30 seconds.

Day 5-7: Longer Contact

Gradually increase how long you touch their gums. Work your way from the front teeth back toward the molars. Those back teeth collect the most tartar. They're the most critical to clean. Keep rewarding after every short attempt.

Phase 2: Introducing the Toothbrush (Days 8-14)

Day 8-9: Let Them Investigate

Now it's time to bring out the actual brush. Put some toothpaste on the bristles and let your dog lick it off. That's it. Don't try to scrub anything yet. Just let them get comfortable with this weird plastic stick near their face.

Day 10-12: Brush the Front Teeth

Gently brush the outer surfaces of the front teeth in small circles. Angle the bristles at about 45 degrees toward the gumline. Stop after 10 to 15 seconds. Give them a treat.

Day 13-14: Extend to All Teeth

Gradually work your way back to the premolars and molars. Focus only on the outer surfaces. Dogs rarely get heavy tartar on the inside of their teeth. (Getting a brush on the inside of a dog's mouth is nearly impossible anyway, so that's a relief.) Their tongue actually does a decent job keeping that side clean.

Phase 3: Establishing a Routine

The Ideal Brushing Technique

Once your dog tolerates the process, aim for two to three times per week at minimum. Daily's best. Here's my exact routine with Benny and Maple:

Apply a pea-sized amount of enzymatic dog toothpaste to the brush.
Lift the lip on one side and brush the outer surfaces in small circular motions.
Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gumline.
Spend about 30 seconds per side.
Focus extra attention on the upper back molars. They're the primary tartar magnets.
Pay up with a high-value treat when finished.

The whole process takes me two minutes flat.

Try our free tool: Dental Age Estimator -- check your dog's dental health stage and get age-appropriate care tips.

How Often Should You Brush?

Ideal: Daily
Minimum for real benefit: Three times per week. I'd skip this if you're only going to do it once a month—it won't do much.
Breeds that need extra attention: Small breeds (Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds) and brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) are highly prone to dental issues. Their crowded mouths are plaque traps. When I volunteer at the Multnomah County Animal Shelter, the small strays almost always need full dental sweeps.

What If Your Dog Absolutely Refuses?

Looking for breed-specific dental products? See our best dental care for French Bulldogs.

Some dogs just won't tolerate brushing. Older dogs who missed out on puppy desensitization can be especially stubborn. If that's your situation, don't panic. You've got alternatives:

Dental chews — VOHC-accepted products like Greenies or OraVet chews actually work to reduce plaque. They aren't as effective as brushing. They do help, though. (I tested both with Maple over a few months; after two weeks, it was clear OraVet holds up better for power chewers, while Greenies get destroyed instantly.)
Water additives — Enzymatic water additives limit bacterial growth in the mouth. Just look for the VOHC seal of acceptance.
Dental wipes — If you have a resistant dog, textured dental wipes make a great alternative to a brush. Maple tolerates these well when we travel.
Professional cleanings — Annual dental cleanings under anesthesia are essential. They allow your vet to remove tartar below the gumline. No at-home method can reach there.

Signs of Dental Problems to Watch For

Want a complete dental setup? Our Dog Dental Care Kit bundles toothbrushes, enzymatic paste, dental chews, and water additives.

Even with daily brushing, things can go wrong. Watch for these warning signs that mean it's time to call the vet:

Persistent bad breath (beyond normal dog breath)
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Loose or missing teeth
Difficulty eating or dropping food (Benny did this when he cracked a molar last year, which wasn't cheap to fix.)
Pawing at the mouth
Excessive drooling
Visible brown or yellow buildup on the teeth

The Bottom Line

Brushing your dog's teeth is the cheapest, most effective way to protect their long-term health. The secret's patience during that first week. What sealed it for me was seeing dogs add years to their lives just by avoiding systemic dental infections. Spend two weeks building positive associations. You'll have a cooperative dog for years to come.

If you haven't started yet, today's the day. Your dog's teeth—and your future vet bills—will thank you.