For most dogs, coat care has long been part of the routine, but the teeth are easily forgotten. Yet many problems in the mouth start quietly: first a film on the teeth, then bad breath, and at some point chewing hurts. The good news: with a simple routine you can prevent a lot, and with a little patience most dogs can get used to having their teeth brushed. Our Vico was sceptical at first too; today the short brushing session is simply part of the day.
Why dental care for dogs is not a luxury
Every day, a soft film of food residue and bacteria builds up on the teeth, known as plaque. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar over time. The rough tartar gives further bacteria something to cling to, and the gums can become inflamed and recede. Vets point out that untreated dental problems do not just cause pain but can put a strain on the whole body.
Good to know: soft plaque can be brushed away at home, hardened tartar cannot. Removing it is a job for the veterinary practice. Prevention is therefore much easier, cheaper and more pleasant for your dog than treatment.
Signs you should take seriously
Take a quick look inside the mouth regularly while cuddling or grooming. Pay attention to:
- noticeably strong or suddenly changed bad breath
- yellowish-brown deposits, especially on the molars
- red, swollen or bleeding gums
- chewing on one side, dropping food or increased drooling
- sensitivity to touch around the mouth
If your dog shows any of these signs, have the teeth checked at the veterinary practice before you start a brushing routine. Brushing inflamed gums is unpleasant and links the toothbrush with pain from the very beginning.
Brushing is the most effective prevention
As unspectacular as it sounds: regular brushing is the most effective measure against plaque. Daily would be ideal; for many families two to three sessions a week is realistic. What counts is the mechanical cleaning, that is, the movement of the bristles on the tooth, especially on the outside of the molars, where most plaque collects.
An important note on toothpaste: never use toothpaste made for humans. It contains foaming agents and fluoride, and some varieties also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Use special dog toothpaste from the veterinary practice or a specialist retailer, or simply brush without paste. Even that makes a real difference.
How to get your dog used to tooth brushing
Allow several weeks for getting used to it and work in small steps, always with praise and a calm voice:
- Practise handling the mouth: gently lift the lips, give brief praise, done. Only move on once this works calmly.
- Start with the finger toothbrush: a soft silicone finger toothbrush like the Pet Soft finger toothbrush sits directly on your finger. You can feel exactly where you are, and the touch feels more familiar to your dog than a brush head. For our Vico, the finger toothbrush was the breakthrough.
- Switch to a proper toothbrush: once the finger version works well, a dog toothbrush like the PawPerfect toothbrush lets you comfortably reach the back molars too. The long handle with two different-sized brush heads adapts to large and small tooth surfaces.
- Keep it short and positive: better 30 focused seconds than a minute of wrestling. Always end the session with something pleasant.
What usefully complements dental care
Plenty of chewing supports cleaning in a natural way, because it stimulates saliva flow and rubs off deposits mechanically. Chews and sturdy chew toys are therefore a good addition, but they do not replace brushing. You will find more helpers for daily care in our Pet care collection.
If you are building a care routine anyway: in autumn the coat deserves special attention too, more on that in our article on shedding season in dogs. And schedule a dental check at the vet once a year, more often for older dogs.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily is ideal, because plaque keeps forming. If that does not work out, two to three short sessions a week are far better than nothing. A fixed time, for example after the evening walk, helps you stick with it.
Can I remove tartar myself?
No. Tartar is firmly attached to the tooth, and scraping it off quickly damages enamel and gums. Removal is a job for the veterinary practice and is usually done under anaesthesia. Afterwards, regular brushing pays off twice over, so that new deposits do not settle in so quickly.
At what age should I start with dental care?
The earlier, the better. Puppies can be playfully accustomed to having their mouth handled and to the finger toothbrush, even though their milk teeth will be replaced later. With adult dogs you can start at any time; it just takes a little more patience.
