Canine Dental Health: Is Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Necessary?
I can hardly get my kids to brush their teeth twice a day, so I’m wondering: do most dog owners brush their dog’s teeth?
Follow along to learn why paying attention to your dog’s dental hygiene is important, with absolutely no judgement on this dog owner's end!
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Table of contents
1. Yes, We’re Actually Supposed to Brush Their Teeth
Daily brushing is considered the best way to reduce plaque buildup. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that brushing several times a week is effective.
Human toothpaste contains ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs. Use a dog-specific toothpaste and a soft pet toothbrush instead.
If daily brushing sounds wildly optimistic, I hear you! Start slowly and reward your dog afterward. Even getting into a more regular routine is better than ignoring their teeth completely.
Here’s a high rated dog toothbrush and toothpaste that’s recommended by vets to prevent buildup of plaque and tartar. It also comes with a finger brush.
C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs, Poultry flavor Toothpaste with Toothbrush
2. Can Treats Do Some of the Work for Me?
This is where things get more appealing. Dental chews can mechanically scrape plaque from teeth while dogs chew.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) maintains a list of products that have met its standards for controlling plaque or tartar.
Chews are a useful addition to dental care, not a complete replacement for brushing and veterinary dental exams.
Here’s a few high-rated dental dog chews from Amazon:
- Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats: VOHC-accepted dental chews with a 4.8 star rating.
- Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care: Dental chews designed to fight tartar and freshen breath, with about 4.7 star rating.
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews: VOHC-accepted chews with nubs and ridges for cleaning teeth, rated 4.7 star rating.
- Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Chews: Plant-based dental chews that help reduce plaque and tartar, with a 4.6 star rating.
3. What About Foods That Clean Their Teeth?
If you’re interested in this route, look for dental diets with the VOHC Seal. These products are specifically designed to help control plaque or tartar.
Crunchy snacks like raw carrots and apple slices can also help scrape food from your dog’s teeth while doubling as healthy treats.
Avoid hard items like bones, antlers and hooves as natural toothbrushes since they can fracture teeth and cause dental injury.
Just don’t expect these options to replace brushing or professional dental care.
And remember that dental chews are still treats. Choose the correct size for your dog and factor those calories into their daily diet.
4. Watch for Signs Something Is Wrong
Persistent bad breath, trouble eating, facial swelling, or signs of discomfort in your pet’s mouth can signal a dental problem and warrant a call to your vet.
Also, just like with our own teeth, brushing can’t remove established hard tartar, so professional dental care may still be necessary.
Final Thoughts
If, like me, you haven’t been brushing your dog’s teeth,start with one of these dental health habits and build the routine gradually.
Regular brushing is the most effective at-home option, but dental chews, specially formulated foods, and crunchy healthy treats can also support good oral health.
Combined with regular veterinary checkups, these habits can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthier for years to come.
Next, check out 5 weird dog behaviors that are actually totally normal.
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