Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs — and one of the most preventable. Brushing your dog's teeth regularly removes plaque before it hardens into tartar, protects the gums, freshens breath, and spares your dog painful (and costly) dental procedures down the line. Here's how to brush your dog's teeth calmly and effectively, even if they've never had it done before.
Why brushing matters
Plaque builds up on your dog's teeth every single day. Within about 48 hours it mineralises into hard tartar that brushing can't remove, and over time this leads to gum disease, tooth loss, and bacteria that can affect the heart, liver and kidneys. Bad breath isn't just unpleasant — it's often the first sign of a mouth that needs attention. Daily brushing is the gold standard for keeping all of this at bay.
What you'll need
- A dog toothbrush — either a long-handled brush or a finger brush that slips over your fingertip.
- Dog toothpaste in a flavour your dog likes (poultry and beef are popular). Never use human toothpaste.
- A calm setting and plenty of treats for rewarding cooperation.
You can find toothbrushes, enzymatic toothpaste and vet-approved dental chews together in our dental care range.
The 6-step brushing routine
1. Pick a calm moment
Choose a time when your dog is relaxed, such as after a walk. Sit somewhere quiet and get down to their level rather than looming over them.
2. Let them taste the toothpaste
For the first few days, just let your dog lick a little dog toothpaste off your finger so they associate it with something tasty.
3. Touch the teeth and gums
Next, gently lift the lip and rub a finger along the outer teeth and gums for a few seconds. Reward and stop while it's still a positive experience.
4. Introduce the brush
Add a small amount of toothpaste to the brush and let your dog lick it, then brush a few teeth. Focus on the outer surfaces — that's where plaque accumulates most.
5. Brush at a 45-degree angle
Angle the bristles toward the gum line and use gentle, small circular motions. Work along the top and bottom teeth, front to back. You don't need to brush the inner surfaces much — the tongue helps keep those cleaner.
6. Finish with praise
End every session with a treat and lots of praise so your dog looks forward to the next one. Keep early sessions short and build up gradually.
A finger brush, enzymatic dog toothpaste and a few dental chews make brushing easier and more effective. Explore our dental care products to get started.
Shop dental care →How often should you brush?
Daily brushing is best because plaque hardens so quickly. If that's not realistic, aim for at least three times a week — consistency beats perfection. Between brushings, vet-approved dental chews and dental diets can help reduce plaque, but they work best as a supplement to brushing, not a replacement for it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using human toothpaste, which may contain xylitol or fluoride that are toxic to dogs.
- Rushing the introduction — forcing a brush into an unprepared dog's mouth creates lasting resistance.
- Brushing too hard and irritating the gums.
- Relying only on chews and skipping brushing entirely.
- Starting late — begin early, ideally in puppyhood, so it becomes routine.
Signs of dental disease and when to see the vet
Book a vet check if you notice persistent bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to chew hard food, or loose teeth. These signal dental disease, which is painful and won't improve on its own. Your vet may recommend a professional cleaning under anaesthetic. If you spot something and aren't sure how urgent it is, MyFurtopia's AI Pet Health Scanner can help you decide.
Catch dental problems early
MyFurtopia's AI Pet Health Scanner lets you log symptoms like bad breath, gum changes or reluctance to eat and get an instant, vet-informed read on how urgent they are. It's free to try.
Download the MyFurtopia AppFrequently asked questions
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily is ideal, because plaque hardens into tartar within a couple of days. If daily isn't realistic, aim for at least three times a week. Consistency matters more than perfection — even a few sessions a week make a real difference.
Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?
No. Human toothpaste often contains fluoride and sometimes xylitol, both toxic to dogs, and it isn't meant to be swallowed. Always use a dog-specific toothpaste — these are safe to swallow and come in flavours like poultry or beef.
What are the signs of dental disease in dogs?
Watch for persistent bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat hard food, or loose teeth. Dental disease is common and painful, so any of these signs warrants a vet check.
This guide is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you're worried about your dog's teeth or gums, contact your vet.