Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Daily? Vet-Backed Advice

Having been in the dog mom saddle for over a decade now, I can say with absolute certainty that our pet’s dental health can easily become the most overlooked part of their overall care. The idea of brushing dog’s teeth daily hasn’t quite been mainstreamed yet, and most pet parents, and yes, that includes me with my first two dogs, let it slide.

Then, you begin to notice tartar on those canines and maybe even foul breath. These aren’t just unpleasant realities you have to learn to live with. These are early signs of poor oral hygiene. If you don’t invest in the right dog dental care, this plaque and tartar buildup can lead to painful gum disease, which can impact your pet’s overall health. Vets say serious periodontal disease has been linked to kidney, liver and heart issues. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to do to avoid these complications from arising, based on my own experiences and backed by vet advice on dog teeth cleaning. 

Why Dental Care is Important for Dogs

Believe it or not, neglecting dog dental health can spell trouble beyond bad breath. By age three, most pups show early signs of periodontal disease, and vets estimate over 80% of dogs over three already have it. It starts with sticky plaque that hardens into tartar, causing sore gums and eventually tooth loss. Left unchecked, gum infections send bacteria into the bloodstream, which can lead to other health complications, including heart and kidney-related issues. 

That’s why prevention is better than treatment. Regular brushing your dog’s teeth is the single most effective and simplest thing you can do for their oral health. Veterinarian Dr Malcolm Weir, notes, “Daily brushing may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning.” Building a brushing habit might feel tedious at first, but it truly protects your pup’s overall health.

Should You Really Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Every Day?

Honestly, I know brushing dog’s teeth daily sounds like a lot. However, if you ask a vet how often to brush dog’s teeth, the answer, generally, is “Every day if you can.” While daily brushing is ideal, I understand that life gets busy and keeping up with such schedules may not be possible. But even when you’re really hard pressed, make it a point to brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times. 

While daily brushing may be integral to vet recommended dog dental care, the right frequency can depend on a mix of factors. Such as, 

• Your dog’s size: Small breeds have crowded teeth, so plaque builds up quickly. These dogs benefit from daily brushing. While larger dogs often benefit from brushing to avoid wear and tear from heavy chewing, and can get by on a frequency of 2-3 times a week
• Your dog’s diet: Crunchy foods, be it kibble or treats like frozen carrots, scrape teeth a bit, slowing the plague and tartar build up whereas a soft diet may lead to a faster buildup
• Your dog’s dental health: If your vet sees early tartar or gum irritation during check-ups, they’ll likely recommend even more brushing

Benefits of Daily Dog Teeth Brushing

If you still need more convincing about a more proactive approach to your pet’s oral hygiene and health, consider the following benefits of brushing dog’s teeth:

1. Prevents Plaque and Tartar

One big advantage of brushing dog’s teeth daily is prevention of plaque and tartar buildup. Regular brushing physically scrapes away plaque before it can harden. If plaque isn’t removed, it quickly calcifies into tartar. By brushing every day, you stop plaque in its tracks and keep your dog’s gums healthy.

2. Freshens Breath

Another benefit of brushing is fresh breath in dogs. Plaque and food remnants harbor stinky bacteria. The result? That nasty smell you have to deal with every time your pet gives your slobbery kisses. When you get rid of the plaque and food remnants with brushing, the smell goes away too. To a large extent, anyway.

3. Long-Term Health Protection

One more advantage: brushing dog’s teeth daily is like dental insurance. It prevents oral health or other related issues, and expensive vet procedures. Dr Wier notes, “Regular at-home brushing may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning.” That means far fewer anesthetic cleanings down the road. 

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Properly

Figuring out how to brush dog’s teeth properly means arming yourself with the right tools and approach. Here is how to go about it: 

• Get a dog toothbrush that is small enough to reach the back teeth and pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste. Never use toothpaste intended for human use. It can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Either buy one that’s formulated for dogs or consider making a DIY dog toothpaste at home
• Once you have the supplies, you need to pick the right time and approach. Choose a quiet moment and start slowly by rubbing a clean finger or soft cloth along the outside surfaces of your dog’s teeth and gums to get them comfortable. Praise your dog throughout the process to create a positive association
• Once they’re relaxed, let your dog sniff and taste a bit of the toothpaste so it becomes a yummy treat. Then introduce the dog toothbrush. Gently lift the lip and use small, circular motions on the outer surfaces of the teeth, focusing on one section at a time. Give plenty of positive reinforcement after each step
• Keep sessions short at first and be very gentle. If your pup resists, end on a positive note and try again later. With patience, most dogs learn to tolerate, even enjoy, their daily toothbrushing routine

Alternatives to Daily Brushing

As I’ve said before, brushing dog’s teeth daily isn’t easy for everyone. However, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your pet’s dental health and hygiene. There are alternatives you can explore, such as: 

• Dog dental chews and toys: Crunchy treats and nylon chewies give pooches something to gnaw on that scrapes away plaque. Just pick VOHC-approved products clinically proven to reduce buildup
• Water additives and oral gels: These, especially ones with enzymatic rinses, are another option. They reduce mouth bacteria and freshen breath in dogs between brushes
• Homemade treats: Even homemade treats such as raw carrots or apple slices, especially when frozen, can provide a bit of abrasive action while your dog chews

Think of all these as helpful supplements not a replacement for real cleaning. If your vet spots tartar or gingivitis, your dog will need a professional fix. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Dog Dental Care

When you’re just getting started, mistakes in dog dental care can happen. However, there are some that can cost your dog dearly and must be avoided at all costs. Here are a few such to be mindful of:

• Using human toothpaste: It’s dangerous! Fluoride and xylitol in human paste can make dogs very sick. Always use a safe dog toothpaste, which is enzymatic and pet-flavored
  
• Brushing too hard or too rarely: Vigorous scrubbing can damage gums. Likewise, brushing very rarely does almost nothing for plaque. Aim for gentle, consistent strokes on a regular schedule.
  
• Skipping vet dental exams: Regular vet dental check-ups for dogs are crucial. A vet exam can catch hidden tartar, loose teeth or early disease that you might miss. Don’t wait until your dog is in pain!
• Relying only on chews or toys: Those supplements aren’t enough alone. Even if your dog loves dental chews, they don’t clean under the gumline. Use chews to complement a well-rounded dental care plan, not instead of it

Final Thoughts

Brushing dog’s teeth daily is ideal, but even a few times a week makes a difference for your pup’s smile. The important part is consistency. Stick to a vet-approved dog dental care routine with regular brushing, safe toothpaste, and annual check-ups, and you’ll set your pet up for healthy dog teeth for life. Trust your vet’s guidance and make oral hygiene a routine. Your dog will thank you with a bright, happy grin.