Dental health is essential for your dog’s overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to painful infections, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Regular cleaning, monitoring, and preventive measures keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and confident while reducing veterinary costs.
Why check out this article?
Our Top 10 tips for dog dental care
Brush regularly – Use a toothbrush designed for dogs and canine toothpaste. Gently brush in circular motions along the gumline 2–3 times per week, gradually increasing frequency.
Choose canine toothpaste – Never use human toothpaste; fluoride can be toxic to dogs. Dog-safe pastes come in flavours like poultry or peanut butter, making brushing more appealing and encouraging cooperation.
Use dental chews – Provide veterinary-approved dental chews to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Chews complement brushing by promoting chewing action that naturally scrapes teeth surfaces.
Inspect gums and teeth – Regularly check for redness, swelling, bad breath, broken teeth, or tartar. Early detection allows prompt action, reducing risk of infection and costly veterinary treatments.
Routine veterinary checks – Schedule annual or biannual dental examinations. Professional cleaning under anaesthetic may be required for stubborn plaque or tartar, ensuring teeth and gums remain healthy.
Water additives – Some vet-recommended additives in drinking water help reduce bacteria and tartar. Follow usage instructions carefully, and combine with brushing for best results.
Offer safe chew toys – Provide durable rubber, nylon, or specialized dental toys for daily chewing. Avoid bones, antlers, or soft items that can splinter or break teeth. Supervise play to ensure chewing is productive and prevents accidental damage to oral structures.
Diet management – Certain diets and kibble textures are designed to help reduce tartar and plaque. Consult your vet to choose dental-specific food suited to your dog’s size and chewing habits, complementing other oral care measures and supporting long-term dental health.
Avoid human products – Do not use human toothpaste, mouthwash, or oral care products. These may contain fluoride, xylitol, or other chemicals toxic to dogs. Using safe canine alternatives prevents poisoning, irritation, or gastrointestinal upset while maintaining oral hygiene.
Seek expert guidance – Persistent bad breath, gum bleeding, difficulty eating, or visible tooth damage require prompt veterinary attention. Early professional intervention prevents progression to severe periodontal disease and maintains your dog’s overall health and comfort.
Fetch More Articles
Summary of this article
Maintaining your dog’s dental health involves regular brushing, using the right toothpaste and brushes, offering dental chews, monitoring gums and teeth for abnormalities, and scheduling routine veterinary dental check.
From the experts – Brush consistently with dog-safe toothpaste, supervise chewing, monitor gums and teeth closely, maintain routine vet dental visits, and combine chews, diet, and water additives. Max can provide guidance on early warning signs of dental disease, suggest step-by-step brushing routines, and advise on breed-specific risks to keep your dog’s mouth healthy for life.
Got questions? Max is hanging out on the right of your display - give him a shout!
"dogAdvisor has reimagined how pet owners access essential care information, turning complex veterinary knowledge into accessible, immediately actionable guidance"
