How to Properly Brush Your Pets Teeth

Brush your dog’s teeth daily using a soft pet toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Start slowly, focus on the outer surfaces where the teeth meet the gums, and reward your dog after each session. Never use human toothpaste because some ingredients, including xylitol, can be dangerous to dogs.

Regular tooth brushing is the most effective home-care method for reducing plaque between veterinary dental visits. It can help protect your dog from painful gum inflammation, infection, and tooth loss.

Brushing does not remove hardened tartar or replace professional veterinary dental care. A veterinarian should examine persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, oral pain, or difficulty eating.

Dog having its teeth brushed with a pet toothbrush — Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs.

Why should you brush your dog’s teeth?

Brushing removes soft plaque before it can contribute to gum inflammation, tartar buildup, periodontal disease, pain, and tooth loss.

Periodontal disease affects the tissues that support a dog’s teeth. It begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate on and beneath the gumline. As the condition progresses, it can damage the gums, supporting tissues, and bone surrounding the teeth.

By three years of age, most dogs and cats have some level of periodontal disease. The condition often develops gradually, which means owners may not recognize it until it is advanced.

The American Animal Hospital Association identifies daily brushing, professional veterinary dental care, and regular oral examinations as important parts of maintaining a pet’s dental health. ^[1]

How often should you brush your dog’s teeth?

Daily tooth brushing provides the best plaque control. When daily brushing is not possible, brushing several times each week may still be beneficial.

Choose a consistent time when your dog is calm. A short, positive session performed regularly is more useful than a long session that makes your dog fearful or resistant.

The American Veterinary Medical Association describes regular brushing as the most effective home-care method between professional dental cleanings. Its guidance states that daily brushing is best, although brushing several times per week can also be effective. ^[2]

What do you need to brush your dog’s teeth?

You need a soft toothbrush, toothpaste formulated for dogs, and a small reward.

A soft-bristled pet toothbrush
A finger brush if it fits your dog comfortably
A small, soft children’s toothbrush if recommended by your veterinarian
Toothpaste made specifically for dogs
A clean cloth or gauze for early training sessions
Small treats, praise, or playtime as a reward
A quiet area with enough light to see your dog’s mouth

The brush should fit comfortably inside your dog’s cheek without scraping or poking the gums. Small dogs may need a compact brush head, while larger dogs may be easier to brush with a longer angled handle.

How do you prepare a dog for tooth brushing?

Teach your dog to accept face handling, lip lifting, toothpaste, and the toothbrush before attempting a complete brushing session.

Choose a calm location

Use the same quiet, well-lit area whenever possible. Choose a time when your dog is relaxed rather than excited, hungry, or ready to play.
Touch the face briefly

Gently touch your dog’s muzzle and cheeks for a few seconds. Reward calm behavior. Repeat this until your dog remains comfortable.
Practice lifting the lips

Lift one side of the upper lip briefly so you can see the teeth. Do not force the mouth open. Reward your dog and end the session if they become uncomfortable.
Introduce the toothpaste

Allow your dog to smell and taste a small amount of dog toothpaste from your finger. Trying another pet-safe flavor may help if your dog dislikes the first one.
Use a cloth or gauze

Place a small amount of dog toothpaste on a clean cloth or gauze and gently rub it across a few outer tooth surfaces. Begin with only a few teeth.
Introduce the toothbrush

Allow your dog to inspect the brush. Touch it briefly to one tooth, reward your dog, and gradually add more brushing strokes over several sessions.

The preparation process may take several days or several weeks. Move at your dog’s pace rather than forcing progress.

How do you brush your dog’s teeth?

Lift the lip and gently brush the outer tooth surfaces along the gumline using small circular or back-and-forth movements.

Apply dog toothpaste

Place a small amount of pet toothpaste on the toothbrush. The toothpaste should be made specifically for dogs and safe to swallow.
Position your dog comfortably

Small dogs may sit beside you or securely on your lap with their head facing away from you. Larger dogs may sit or stand beside you.
Lift the upper lip

Use one hand to lift the lip gently. You usually do not need to hold the mouth wide open.
Place the brush near the gumline

Position the bristles where the tooth meets the gum. Use gentle pressure so the brush does not irritate the gums.
Brush the outer surfaces

Use small circular or short back-and-forth strokes. Concentrate on the outer surfaces facing the cheeks and lips.
Start with the cheek teeth

Focus first on the larger teeth toward the back of the mouth and the canine teeth. Gradually work toward brushing all accessible outer surfaces.
Brush the other side

Move to the opposite side of the mouth and repeat the same gentle process.
Finish with a reward

Praise your dog and offer a small reward. Ending positively helps your dog build a better association with future brushing sessions.

What type of toothbrush should you use?

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your dog’s mouth comfortably.

Common toothbrush options for dogs
Brush type	Best use	Considerations
Pet toothbrush	Regular brushing for most dogs	Available in several sizes and may have an angled handle for easier access.
Finger brush	Dogs comfortable with close mouth handling	Easy to control but may not fit comfortably in very small mouths.
Small soft children’s brush	An alternative for some dogs	Use only a very soft brush with a head that fits safely inside the cheek.
Clean gauze or soft cloth	Early training sessions	Useful for introducing tooth and gum handling before a toothbrush.

Replace the toothbrush when the bristles become worn or damaged. Use a separate toothbrush for each pet.

Can you use human toothpaste on a dog?

No. Never use human toothpaste to brush a dog’s teeth.

Human toothpaste is designed to be rinsed out and spat into a sink. Dogs swallow toothpaste during brushing. Human products may contain ingredients that can cause illness when swallowed, and some contain xylitol.

Xylitol is a sweetener found in some toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, candy, medication, and other human products. It can cause a dangerous drop in a dog’s blood sugar and may lead to seizures, liver failure, or death.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises pet owners to use only pet toothpaste and to seek immediate veterinary help if a dog consumes a product containing xylitol. ^[3]

Can you use baking soda?

Do not use baking soda as a substitute for dog toothpaste unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so. It is not formulated as a complete pet dental product, may be swallowed, and its taste may make brushing more difficult.

Use toothpaste designed specifically for pets and ask your veterinarian which product is appropriate for your dog.

How long should you brush your dog’s teeth?

Work toward approximately 30 seconds on each side of the mouth. Shorter sessions are appropriate while your dog is learning.

The outer surfaces deserve the most attention because they are accessible without forcing the mouth open. Your dog’s tongue provides some natural cleaning on the inner surfaces.

Do not sacrifice comfort or safety to reach a specific time. Brushing a few teeth calmly is better than forcing a complete session that makes future brushing harder.

What else supports a dog’s dental health?

Dental chews, diets, wipes, gels, water additives, and other products may support oral health, but they work best as additions to brushing rather than replacements.

Look for products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance. The seal indicates that submitted evidence met the council’s standards for helping control plaque, tartar, or both when the product is used as directed.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council maintains current lists of accepted products for dogs and cats. ^[4]

Veterinary dental diets
Dental chews and treats with the VOHC seal
Pet dental wipes
Veterinary-recommended oral gels
Pet-safe water additives
Regular veterinary oral examinations
Professional veterinary dental cleaning when recommended

When does a dog need veterinary dental care?

Contact a veterinarian when your dog has persistent bad breath, inflamed gums, loose teeth, oral pain, abnormal drooling, facial swelling, or difficulty eating.

Persistent or unusually strong bad breath
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Yellow or brown tartar buildup
Loose, broken, or discolored teeth
Dropping food while eating
Chewing on only one side
Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Excessive drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Swelling around the face or jaw
Bleeding or discharge from the mouth

Home brushing cannot remove hardened tartar, examine tooth roots, take dental X-rays, or clean beneath the gumline.

A complete professional veterinary dental procedure may include anesthesia, full-mouth examination, dental X-rays, scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, periodontal probing, and treatment of damaged or infected teeth.

AAHA explains that anesthesia allows the veterinary team to take dental X-rays and clean beneath the gumline, where significant disease may be hidden. ^[1]

The American Veterinary Dental College recommends daily home care combined with periodic veterinary examination and professional dental scaling under anesthesia when indicated. ^[5]

Frequently asked questions about brushing a dog’s teeth

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Daily brushing provides the best plaque control. When daily brushing is not possible, brushing several times each week may still help. Consistency is more important than attempting an occasional long session.

Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?

No. Human toothpaste is not designed to be swallowed, and some products contain xylitol, which can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Use only toothpaste formulated specifically for pets.

Can I use a human toothbrush?

A very soft, small-headed children’s toothbrush may work for some dogs, but a properly sized pet toothbrush is usually easier and safer. The brush must fit comfortably without poking the gums or cheeks.

Do I need to brush the inside of my dog’s teeth?

Focus first on the outer surfaces facing the lips and cheeks, especially along the gumline. These areas are easier to reach without forcing the mouth open. Brush additional surfaces only when your dog accepts the process comfortably.

How long should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Work toward approximately 30 seconds per side. Begin with only a few seconds or a few teeth and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes comfortable.

Do dental chews replace tooth brushing?

No. Dental chews and other accepted oral-care products may support dental health, but daily brushing remains the most effective home-care method for controlling plaque.

What if my dog will not allow tooth brushing?

Stop before the dog becomes distressed and return to gradual handling exercises. Ask your veterinarian about alternative home-care products and whether pain or existing dental disease may be causing the resistance.

Does grooming tooth brushing replace a veterinary cleaning?

No. Basic tooth brushing during a grooming appointment may support surface cleanliness, but it cannot remove tartar below the gumline, diagnose dental disease, take X-rays, or treat damaged teeth.

What is the correct way to brush a dog’s teeth?

Use a soft pet toothbrush and dog toothpaste, lift the lip gently, and brush the outer tooth surfaces along the gumline.

Introduce each part of the process slowly, keep sessions positive, and work toward daily brushing for approximately 30 seconds on each side.

Never use human toothpaste, and contact your veterinarian if you notice pain, bleeding, loose teeth, facial swelling, difficulty eating, or other signs of dental disease.