We all know the rules for brushing our own teeth - three minutes, twice a day. But what about our dogs? Their oral hygiene is just as important (and can cause serious issues if it’s neglected), but how often should you brush dog’s teeth?
In this guide, we’ll explain how often to brush dog teeth, as well as why it’s important and how to do it properly. If you haven’t tried to brush your dog’s teeth before, be warned - it can be a real challenge! Most dogs hate having their teeth brushed, and will fight and squirm and possibly even nip.
For a much simpler (and equally effective) solution for at-home dental care, why not try Mighty Munch dental sticks for dogs? They’re a great addition to any at-home canine oral care routine, and contain natural, safe ingredients that freshen your dog’s breath and fight plaque and tartar.
Why Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth is an important part of protecting their overall health. Proper dental care helps prevent common issues that can lead to more serious health concerns down the line. Here’s why regular brushing is essential for your dog’s well-being.
Preventing Plaque, Tartar, and Gum Disease
One of the main reasons to brush your dog’s teeth is to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth after eating, and if it’s not removed, it hardens into tartar.
Over time, tartar can lead to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which can cause pain, tooth loss, and even infections that spread to other parts of the body. Regular brushing helps remove plaque before it turns into tartar and keeps your dog’s gums healthy.
Connection Between Oral Health and General Well-Being
It might sound strange at first, but your dog’s oral health is directly connected to their overall well-being. Poor dental hygiene can lead to more than just bad breath - it can contribute to serious health problems that can even potentially be fatal.
Bacteria from untreated dental issues can enter your dog’s bloodstream, affecting vital organs like their heart, liver, and kidneys. By brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, you’re not just preventing oral diseases, you’re keeping a happy, healthy pup by your side for long years to come..
Factors Influencing How Often to Brush Dog Teeth
Wondering how often you should brush dogs teeth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because it depends on a few different factors. Here’s what you need to know about how often to brush your dog’s teeth.
Dog’s Age
The first thing to consider is your dog’s age. Puppies generally have cleaner teeth and are less prone to developing a buildup of plaque on dog’s teeth, but establishing a brushing routine early is important to get them accustomed to dental care.
As dogs age, brushing becomes more important for dental disease prevention for dogs. Your dog’s risk for dental issues like tartar buildup and gum disease increases as they grow older, making more frequent brushing necessary to maintain good oral health.
Diet and Chewing Habits
Your dog’s diet and chewing habits can also influence their dental hygiene needs. Dogs that eat mostly wet food tend to accumulate plaque more quickly than those who eat dry kibble, which can have a mild scraping effect on their teeth, removing plaque as your dog chews.
Also, dogs that chew on the best dental chews for dogs, bones, or rawhide may naturally reduce plaque and tartar buildup. However, if your dog isn’t much of a chewer, more frequent brushing may be needed to make up for the lack of natural cleaning.
Breed-Specific Dental Health
Certain breeds are more prone to dental problems than others. Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire Terriers often have crowded teeth, which can make plaque and tartar buildup more likely. On the other hand, larger breeds tend to have fewer dental issues.
If you own a breed known for dental health challenges, brushing their teeth more frequently can help prevent the more serious stages of dental disease in dogs and protect your dog against more painful or expensive dental issues.
Existing Oral Health Issues
If your dog already has existing oral health issues, such as plaque, tartar, gum disease, or even bad breath, you’ll need to brush their teeth more often. Regular brushing can help slow the progression of dental disease and may improve their overall oral health.
In cases where a dog has been diagnosed with severe periodontal disease, your vet might recommend professional cleanings (generally considered the best way to keep dogs teeth clean) in addition to frequent at-home brushing.
How Often Should You Brush Dogs Teeth?
So, how often should you brush dogs teeth? Ideally, vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth every day to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. However, that’s not always realistic - it’s quite a time commitment and it’s usually a saga, with most dogs putting up a fight.
If daily brushing isn’t possible, several times a week can still provide substantial benefits. And don’t forget, you can always supplement tooth brushing with other oral hygiene techniques, like DIY dog dental chews, or even dental chews vs floss.
Tips on Effectively Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth is probably never going to be the most fun activity you two share, but there are a few things you can do to make it more tolerable for both of you. Here are some tips to get you on the right track.
Choosing the Right Tools
Using the proper tools is essential for a successful toothbrushing routine. Always use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs. Dog toothbrushes are often smaller and softer than human versions, with angled bristles to make it easier to reach all areas of the mouth.
Dog toothpaste comes in pet-friendly flavours like chicken or peanut butter, making it more appealing to your pup. Never use human toothpaste, as it can contain ingredients harmful to dogs, like xylitol.
Making Brushing a Positive Experience
Brushing your dog’s teeth should be a positive experience to help them feel comfortable and relaxed. Start by introducing the toothbrush and toothpaste slowly, letting your dog sniff and taste the paste.
Praise and reward your dog with treats, pets, or play after each brushing session. Consistency and patience are key - over time, your dog will hopefully associate toothbrushing with positive reinforcement, making the process easier for both of you.
Proper Brushing Technique
For effective cleaning, focus on using the right brushing technique. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and use gentle circular motions to clean each tooth. Pay special attention to the back teeth, where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate.
Try to brush for at least 30 seconds on each side of your dog’s mouth. If your dog resists, start with short sessions and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable.
Starting Early With Puppies
The earlier you introduce toothbrushing to your dog, the better. Starting with puppies helps establish a lifelong habit and makes them more accepting of dental care as they grow. How often should you brush dogs teeth when they’re a puppy? Weekly brushings are usually frequent enough.
Begin by gently rubbing your puppy’s gums and teeth with your finger before transitioning to a toothbrush. Be sure to choose a toothbrush and toothpaste appropriate for puppies, and take it slow to avoid overwhelming them.
Are Professional Cleanings Worth it?
Even with regular brushing, professional cleanings are an important part of your dog’s dental care. Vets can thoroughly clean areas that are difficult to reach with at-home brushing and address any existing oral health issues.
In terms of how often to get dogs teeth cleaned professionally, it depends on your dog’s breed and oral condition. A professional cleaning once or twice a year can usually prevent serious dental problems.
The cost of dog dental cleaning is usually pretty high, but you can save money by scheduling less frequent cleanings. Just make sure you’re taking preventative oral care steps at home, with regular brushings and the other tips we’ll discuss next.
More Tips on Preserving and Enhancing Your Pet’s Oral Hygiene
As well as regular brushings, there are a few other things you can do to protect your dog’s oral health. Here are more tips for looking after your dog’s precious pearly whites.
Spoil Your Pet With Mighty Munch Dental Sticks for Dogs
Are dental chews good for dogs teeth, or are dental sticks bad for dogs? Dental chews are one of the easiest, most effective ways of protecting your dog’s oral health. And, in terms of brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews, you’ll find a daily dental chew much, much easier!
But how do dog dental sticks work, and what do dental chews do for dogs? These specially formulated chews freshen your dog’s breath, fight bad bacteria, and scrape plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth as they chew.
What are dog dental chews made of? At Mighty Munch, our dental sticks are made with the most powerful, natural ingredients, including a potent dog probiotic that fights bad bacteria. Formulated and recommended by vets, there’s no easier way of taking care of your dog’s oral health at home!
While you’re checking out our best-selling dental chews, don’t forget that we also have premium Australian dog supplements for healthy, happy pups, like our best dog probiotics Australia. We also have top rated orthopedic dog beds Australia and the best pet odour eliminator Australia for those nasty pet smells.
Dental Water Additives
Dental water additives are another convenient option for enhancing your dog’s oral hygiene, especially for pups that aren’t fond of toothbrushing. These additives are mixed into your dog’s drinking water and contain enzymes or other active ingredients that help reduce plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
While they’re not as effective as dental sticks and don’t replace brushing, water additives can act as a supplement to your dog’s dental care routine. How often should you brush dogs teeth if you’re using water additives? It’s still recommended to brush your pup’s teeth a few times a week to fight plaque and tartar buildup.
Balanced Diet for Dental Health
As well as daily dental chews, a well-balanced diet plays a key role in maintaining your dog’s overall health, including their teeth and gums. Dry kibble can help scrape away plaque as your dog chews, while wet food may contribute to quicker plaque buildup.
Adding high-quality, nutrient-rich foods to your dog’s diet supports their immune system and oral health. And, feeding them foods that promote chewing, like raw vegetables or specialised dental treats, can help keep their teeth cleaner.
Are bones good for dogs teeth? Yes - sometimes. Large, raw bones can be beneficial for your dog’s teeth, but smaller or cooked bones can actually be quite dangerous, so make sure you do your research before giving your dog a bone to chew on.
Regular Veterinary Dental Check-Ups
Just like us, dogs benefit from regular dental check-ups with a vet. These visits allow the vet to assess your dog’s oral health and identify any early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental issues. Regular check-ups ensure that your dog’s teeth and gums stay in the best possible shape.
Parting Thoughts on How Often to Brush Dog Teeth
So, how often should you brush dogs teeth? Brushing their teeth regularly—ideally every day—helps prevent plaque, tartar, and gum disease, while also supporting their general health. If that’s not realistic, a few brushings a week can still be beneficial.
You can also support your dog’s oral health with premium dental sticks from Mighty Munch. They won’t completely replace brushings, but they will freshen your dog’s breath, scrape away plaque and tartar, and protect your dog from serious (and costly) dental problems.
Care for your dog’s teeth the easy way, with top-quality dental chews from Mighty Munch. And make sure you check out our other guides to learn when can you give puppies dental chews, how many dental chews can a dog have a day, and how to soften dog dental chews.
