How To Brush Your Puppy's Teeth

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, including taking care of your puppy’s health. One of the most important aspects of your puppy’s health is dental care. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs, with as many as 80% of dogs developing some degree of dental disease by the time they’re 3 years old. Fortunately, regular dental care, including brushing your puppy’s teeth, can help prevent dental disease and keep your puppy’s mouth healthy.

Brushing your puppy’s teeth may seem like a daunting task, but with patience and consistency, it can become a routine part of your puppy’s daily care. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about brushing your puppy’s teeth, including what you’ll need, how to brush your puppy’s teeth step-by-step, and tips for keeping your puppy’s teeth clean.

What You Need To Brush Your Puppy’s Teeth

To brush your puppy’s teeth, you’ll need a few basic supplies. The most important tool is a soft-bristle toothbrush. You can use a children’s soft-bristle toothbrush or a dog-specific toothbrush. While the bristles of a dog toothbrush are no different from a human toothbrush, the design can make brushing your puppy’s teeth a little easier. Dog toothbrushes are often designed to be more comfortable for your dog and easier for you to handle.

In addition to a toothbrush, you may want to use pet toothpaste. While the mechanical removal of plaque is the most important part of toothbrushing, toothpaste can add flavor and assist with plaque removal. However, it’s important to use toothpaste that is specifically formulated for dogs. Human toothpaste can be harmful to dogs if swallowed, as it often contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a group of board-certified veterinary dentists that reviews dental products on the market to determine their efficacy. Choosing a toothpaste that is accepted by the VOHC can help ensure that you’re using a product that is safe and effective for your dog.

Brushing Your Puppy’s Teeth Step-By-Step

As with most new experiences, it’s important to slowly acclimate your pup to teeth brushing. By allowing him plenty of time to adjust to the process, you are more likely to be successful. Be patient and provide your puppy plenty of positive reinforcement as he learns to have his teeth brushed.

1. Acclimate Your Puppy to the Idea of Brushing Their Teeth

Begin in a quiet area with few distractions. This will help your puppy stay focused on the training and reduce any stress. To start, acclimate your puppy to simply having his mouth touched. Slowly lift his lip and touch his gums and teeth with your finger. If your puppy sits calmly and does not try to chew your finger, praise him for cooperating.

Once your puppy is used to having his mouth touched, rub your finger along his gums and teeth as if you are brushing them. Use plenty of praise, treats, and positive reinforcement—even when training sessions do not go well—to help your pup form a positive association with the process. Teaching your puppy to accept having his teeth brushed can be a slow process, and it’s important to remain patient and provide plenty of positive reinforcement.

2. Introduce Toothpaste

Once your puppy is comfortable with having his mouth touched, it’s time to introduce toothpaste (if you plan to use it) and the toothbrush. Introduce the toothpaste before the toothbrush. Simply put some toothpaste on your finger and brush your puppy’s teeth with your finger. As always, praise him and use lots of positive reinforcement.

3. Introduce the Toothbrush

Introducing the toothbrush can be challenging because many dogs will want to play with it or chew on it. Be patient and expect that this part of the process may go slowly. It may also take time for your pup to get used to the toothbrush’s bristles, which can feel strange in his mouth.

When you first introduce the toothbrush, simply touch it to your puppy’s gums and teeth without using toothpaste or a brushing motion. Praise your pup when he remains calm. Next, brush a couple of your pup’s teeth for a few seconds. Over time, slowly increase the amount of time you spend brushing his teeth, but don’t push him too quickly.

If your puppy tolerates this well, slowly build up to brushing his entire mouth, and then using the toothpaste and toothbrush together.

4. Begin Brushing Your Puppy’s Teeth

Your puppy is now ready to have his teeth brushed regularly. At first, spend only five to 10 seconds brushing each side. As your puppy progressively becomes more tolerant of the process, slowly increase this time to about 30 seconds per side.

It’s OK to focus on your puppy’s front teeth while he gets used to the process, but try to eventually include his back teeth, since the greatest amount of tartar tends to accumulate on the molars and premolars. Be sure to reward your pup after each session.

It's important that you don’t push your dog to accept toothbrushing too quickly, as he may form a negative association with the process. This will make future attempts more difficult. If your puppy seems anxious or struggles, stop, praise him for trying, and give him a treat. The idea is to leave him with a positive impression so he’s more willing to try again next time.

How Often Should You Brush Your Puppy’s Teeth?

Teeth brushing is most effective when done at least once a day. Creating a routine or schedule, such as brushing your dog’s teeth after a meal or before a walk, can help you remain consistent. While it may seem tedious, brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to help prevent dental disease, which can cause significant pain and worsen underlying medical conditions. Brushing is a simple, one-minute-per-day activity that can lead to a happier, healthier life for your canine companion.

Tips for Keeping Your Puppy’s Teeth Clean

Dental disease is a lifelong battle for dogs, but there are several things you can do to help prevent the condition:

1. Brush Consistently

Once your puppy is used to having his teeth brushed, try to do it every day, or as often as you can. Brushing your pup’s teeth once a month or only when he goes to the groomer will do little for his oral health.

2. Use Approved Dental Products

VOHC-approved products, such as dental diets, treats, and water additives, can also help prevent dental disease. These products are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and promote overall oral health.

3. Keep Up With Regular Wellness Visits

Your veterinarian will evaluate your dog’s oral health during his annual wellness visit and let you know if they see signs of dental disease. Staying on top of your dog’s dental health throughout his life can help maintain his overall health, since dental disease can lead to or worsen other health problems.

4. Schedule Professional Dental Cleanings

Even with daily toothbrushing, tartar will accumulate on your dog’s teeth. The American Veterinary Dental College recommends annual veterinary teeth cleanings starting around 1 year of age for small-breed dogs and 3 years of age for larger dogs. Avoid non-anesthetic dental cleanings, which are primarily cosmetic procedures that can cause your pet pain and stress. These procedures are not recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the AVDC, or the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA).

5. Provide Dental Chews and Toys

In addition to brushing, providing dental chews and toys can help keep your puppy’s teeth clean. Dental chews are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, while dental toys can help massage your puppy’s gums and promote oral health. Look for products that are safe for your puppy to chew on and are specifically designed for dental health.

6. Monitor Your Puppy’s Diet

Your puppy’s diet plays a significant role in his overall health, including his dental health. Feeding your puppy a balanced diet that is high in quality protein and low in carbohydrates can help prevent dental disease. Avoid feeding your puppy table scraps and human food, as these can contribute to plaque and tartar buildup.

7. Use Water Additives

Water additives are another tool you can use to help keep your puppy’s teeth clean. These products are added to your puppy’s drinking water and help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Look for VOHC-approved water additives to ensure you’re using a product that is safe and effective.

Common Dental Issues in Puppies

While regular dental care can help prevent many dental issues, it’s important to be aware of common dental problems that can affect puppies. Knowing the signs of these issues can help you catch them early and seek treatment from your veterinarian.

1. Retained Baby Teeth

Puppies typically lose their baby teeth between 4 and 6 months of age. However, some puppies may retain their baby teeth, which can cause crowding and lead to dental issues. If you notice that your puppy’s baby teeth have not fallen out by the time he is 6 months old, consult your veterinarian.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental issue in dogs. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which leads to inflammation and infection of the gums. Signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, and difficulty eating. Regular toothbrushing and professional dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease.

3. Tooth Fractures

Puppies are curious and love to chew on things, but sometimes they can chew on objects that are too hard and cause tooth fractures. Signs of a tooth fracture include pain, swelling, and difficulty eating. If you suspect your puppy has a fractured tooth, consult your veterinarian for treatment options.

4. Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a condition where the teeth do not align properly when the mouth is closed. This can cause difficulty eating and lead to dental issues. If you notice that your puppy’s teeth do not align properly, consult your veterinarian for an evaluation.

The Importance of Dental Care for Puppies

Dental care is an essential part of your puppy’s overall health and well-being. Neglecting your puppy’s dental health can lead to dental disease, which can cause pain, discomfort, and other health issues. By starting a dental care routine early, you can help prevent dental problems and ensure your puppy grows up with a healthy mouth.

Regular toothbrushing, professional dental cleanings, and the use of dental products can help keep your puppy’s teeth clean and healthy. Remember to be patient and consistent with your puppy’s dental care routine, and always use positive reinforcement to make the experience as pleasant as possible for your puppy.

By taking the time to care for your puppy’s teeth, you are investing in his long-term health and happiness. A healthy mouth leads to a healthier, happier dog, and with the right care, your puppy can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.