A healthy dog's teeth are more important than many owners think. Plaque and tartar can cause discomfort and make eating, chewing, and playing less enjoyable. With a simple routine and the right support, you can keep your dog's teeth cleaner and often notice problems sooner.
Why dental care is so important for dogs
Plaque forms in your dog's mouth every day. This is a soft layer of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. If left untreated, it can harden into tartar. It is this accumulated layer along the teeth and gums that often causes irritation, unpleasant breath, and eventually more serious dental problems.
Dental care, therefore, is not just about white teeth, but also about healthy gums and comfortable chewing. The sooner you establish a regular routine, the easier it usually remains.
How to recognize a healthy or unhealthy dog's teeth
Well-maintained teeth are clean with calm, pink gums. Your dog's breath doesn't have to be neutral, but a strong or foul odor is usually not a good sign.
Pay attention to these signs:
- Persistent bad breath
- Yellow or brown deposits on teeth or molars
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or eating
- More drooling than usual
- Rubbing their paw along their mouth
- Loose teeth or molars
If you see one or more of these symptoms, don't wait too long. Especially with pain, bleeding gums, or clear tartar buildup, a vet check is advisable.
How to clean a dog's teeth?
The basis is mechanical cleaning. In other words: brushing works most directly because it genuinely removes plaque from the tooth surface. Daily brushing is ideal. If that's not possible, regular brushing is still much more valuable than no brushing at all.
In addition to brushing, you can use chewing activities as support. Why chewing is so important for dogs also becomes clear when you look at the role chewing plays in keeping the tooth surface clean. Chews are therefore not a substitute for brushing teeth, but a practical addition to the routine of many dogs.
Brushing your dog's teeth: how to approach it calmly
Many dogs need to get used to dental care first. So start small and make it positive. The calmer you build it up, the greater the chance your dog will accept it.
Getting used to it step by step
- First, let your dog get used to being touched around the mouth and lips.
- Briefly lift the lip and reward calm behavior.
- Introduce your dog to dog toothpaste.
- Start with a few teeth on the outside.
- Gradually increase brushing time.
What to look for during brushing?
- Only use toothpaste intended for dogs
- Brush with small, gentle movements
- Focus mainly on the outside of the teeth and molars
- Stop in time if your dog becomes too restless
- Keep it short and make it a habit
Especially the back molars deserve attention, as plaque can accumulate there more quickly. You usually don't have to open the mouth wide. For many dogs, lifting the lip is enough.
What do veterinarians recommend for cleaning dogs' teeth?
In practice, regular teeth brushing is the method most often recommended as the basis for good dental care at home. This is the most direct way to tackle plaque. Supportive products can be useful but do not replace this basic care.
In addition, it is wise to have your dog's teeth checked regularly. If you notice a strong odor from the mouth, see blood, notice loose teeth, or your dog eats or chews less willingly, further assessment by a veterinarian is appropriate.
The role of chews in dental care
For dogs that love to chew, suitable chews can be a nice addition to daily care. Chewing creates friction along the teeth, which can help keep teeth and molars clean. Curious about what chews do and don't do against tartar? Do chews help against tartar?
Braaaf offers beef hide chews for dogs that can contribute to dental care. Within the range, for example, beef hide snacks and beef tendons are mentioned as products that support dental health and can help reduce plaque. See such snacks as support in addition to brushing, not as a complete solution in themselves.
Looking for specific options? Check out the overview of Dental care dog snacks. If you're unsure about hardness or size, read: Which chew is right for my dog?
Also read practical safety tips in Giving chews safely.
When is a vet needed?
Some dental problems cannot be solved at home. Have your dog's teeth checked if you notice a strong odor from the mouth, see blood, notice loose teeth, or if your dog seems to eat or chew less willingly. Also, visible tartar that is deep under or along the gums usually requires professional assessment.
Don't wait too long if your dog seems to be in obvious pain. The sooner a problem is noticed, the better you can often limit further complaints.
Frequently asked questions about caring for dog teeth
How often should you brush a dog's teeth?
Daily is ideal. If that's not possible, try to maintain a regular routine as often as possible. Consistent brushing is more important than occasionally very thorough brushing.
Can you use regular toothpaste for your dog?
No, only use toothpaste specifically designed for dogs.
How often should a dog's teeth be professionally cleaned?
This varies per dog and depends on predisposition, age, diet, chewing behavior, and the quality of home care. A veterinarian can best assess whether professional cleaning is necessary.
What does a dental treatment for a dog cost?
The costs vary per practice and per situation. This depends, among other things, on the severity of the problem and what treatment is needed. For a specific amount, it is best to contact your veterinarian directly.
