Last updated on March 9th, 2026 at 09:51 pm

It isn’t always easy to stay on top of your dog’s oral hygiene. With everyone being so busy nowadays, it’s hard enough to make sure you are brushing and flossing your own teeth. But dental hygiene is extremely important for your dog’s health.

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Heavy dental tartar and periodontal disease can cause oral pain and discomfort and also affect your pup’s ability to chew food.

According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease is the most common disease affecting companion animals today. Long-term consequences of poor dental hygiene include damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Plus…who wants to be around a dog with stank breath??

Fortunately, there are several ways for you to improve or maintain your dog’s dental health that are not difficult or time-consuming.

Spending just a few minutes a day to keep your dog’s teeth clean will lead to fresher breath and a longer, healthier life. Below are six ways to help your pup keep their pearly whites tartar-free:

Book A Professional Veterinary Dental Cleaning

Just like you and I need regular professional cleanings, most dogs require a yearly dental cleaning at a veterinary clinic. During their annual exam, a Veterinarian will check your dog’s teeth and gums, and identify any areas that could be causing problems that may have gone unnoticed.

A full dental cleaning usually involves:

Dental x-rays to assess tooth roots and bones of the jaw

Scaling to remove tartar

Polishing to remove staining and prevent tooth decay

Teeth extractions – usually necessary when a tooth is found to be heavily infected or loose.

This procedure is typically done while your pet is under general anesthesia. Depending on their temperament, an anesthesia-free dental may be an option. This procedure would require injectable drugs for sedation, in the place of gas anesthesia, which can be better for dogs that have underlying health issues.

Some breeds are more prone to periodontal disease than others. Dachshunds, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers may require dental cleaning every six months instead of every year.  Once your dog’s teeth are cleaned, you’ll appreciate the fresh breath and they’ll appreciate healthy gums and teeth.

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth Daily

Just like with humans, dogs require daily teeth brushing. I know what you’re thinking:

Will my dog even tolerate my fingers in his mouth?

Well, probably. 

What you will have to do is slowly get him used to you brushing his teeth. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush and some tasty dog toothpaste. Be gentle when making contact with his teeth, and gingerly make circular motions along the gumline. Stop if your pet seems uncomfortable. Give him a treat and try again the next day. After a few tries, your pet may be able to tolerate brushing, especially if he associates it with a treat afterward. 

Daily teeth brushing would be ideal, but if you can do it every other day or a few times a week, that is better than not brushing at all. Only use toothpaste made specifically for dogs, as human toothpaste can contain toxic ingredients like xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can cause liver damage if ingested. They come in fun flavors like peanut butter and beef. 

Incorporating a daily or even weekly oral hygiene routine will certainly benefit your dog’s overall health.

Try Dental Chews And Treats

Giving your dog dental chews and treats can help reduce plaque and tartar, in combination with frequent teeth brushing. Many chews and treats come in different sizes and shapes (and flavors!), so your pet is sure to enjoy them, as many are nutritious and highly palatable. 

It can be hard to tell which products are the best for your furry friend, so if you see the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance, that means it meets high standards for canine oral health.

Offer Chew Toys

Chew toys are a great way to give your dog something to gnaw on, and they can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If your dog isn’t a fan of regular tooth brushing, dental chew toys can help remove food particles while providing entertainment and a healthy outlet for chewing.

Better it be a chew toy than your favorite leather shoes.

How do you know what type of dental chew toy to get? If you’re looking at nonedible chew toys, make sure the toy is durable and able to withstand aggressive chewing. It can be dangerous if a dog breaks off a piece, since they could choke or swallow it, which might cause a stomach blockage.

Dogs naturally chew with a lot of force, so it’s best to choose toys made from sturdy materials like rubber or nylon. Some owners also use rawhide chews, but it’s important to watch for signs of stomach upset.

Some dental chew toys are designed specifically to help clean teeth while dogs chew. For example, the Bite n’ Brush has a V-shaped design with bristles that help scrub plaque and tartar from multiple sides of the teeth. The refill inserts contain ingredients like peppermint, parsley, and kelp that support oral health while your dog chews for about 5–10 minutes. As with any chew toy, it’s important to supervise your dog while they use it.

 

The Bite n’ Brush

Chew toys can be a nice way to eliminate boredom and also contribute to great oral hygiene.

 

Use a Water Additive

I get asked all the time: “Is there a mouthwash for dogs?”

Well, in a sense, yes there is. 

A water additive is a solution that can be added to your dog’s water bowl and will help support healthy teeth and gums by controlling plaque and tartar. They contain enzymes that break down tartar and eliminate bad breath. 

Some dogs may not love the taste so keep a watchful eye on your dog’s water bowl. If your pup has a sensitive stomach, a water additive may cause an upset tummy. 

Implementing water additives as a part of your regular home dental care routine can help strengthen the overall impact of additional healthy dental care habits you already have in place for your pet.

Be sure to consult your Veterinarian before introducing a water additive to your pup’s dental care routine.

Dental Wipes

Dental Wipes provide a safe easy way to clean your dog’s teeth. Think of it as a baby wipe that can be used to remove food particles from their teeth and gum line. Using dental wipes is a reliable option for dogs that will not tolerate brushing. They contain chlorhexidine gluconate, a compound that reduces bacteria in the mouth.

 Other wipes contain an ingredient that aids in breaking down calcium, one of the minerals that is found in dental tartar. Once used, the compound mixes with saliva to help wash away some of the film found on the top layer of the teeth. Using dental wipes is not a replacement for daily brushing or a dental cleaning by a veterinary professional.

Water additives should be used as a complement to a regular at-home dental care routine of brushing, proper diet, and the use of toys to help scrape away plaque and reduce bacteria buildup in the mouth.

Final Thoughts

Establishing an oral health routine is essential to maintaining your dog’s good health. Many of the tips above should be used in combination to keep your dog’s mouth fresh and tartar-free. As always, check in with a Veterinarian if you notice anything abnormal with your puppy’s teeth or gums. 

They will certainly appreciate it.

For the love of pets,

Dr. Gina