Why dental care matters
Dental health is an important part of your dog's overall wellbeing. Healthy teeth and gums don't just make eating more comfortable, they can also help support your dog's long-term health and quality of life.
Without regular dental care, a sticky film of bacteria known as plaque begins to form on the teeth. If plaque isn't removed, it can harden into tartar, which cannot usually be brushed away at home. As tartar builds up, it can irritate the gums and increase the risk of periodontal (gum) disease, one of the most common health conditions seen in adult dogs.
In more advanced cases, dental disease can lead to pain, loose or missing teeth, difficulty eating and persistent infections. Looking after your dog's teeth from an early age can help prevent many of these problems and reduce the need for professional dental treatment later in life.
Signs of dental problems
Dental disease often develops gradually, and many dogs continue to eat normally even when they're experiencing discomfort. Knowing the early signs can help you identify potential problems before they become more serious.
Common signs include:
- Bad breath that doesn't improve
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth, particularly near the gum line
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or favouring one side of the mouth
- Dropping food while eating
- Reduced appetite or reluctance to chew hard foods
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
- Loose, damaged or missing teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to arrange a dental check with your veterinarian.
Brushing your dog's teeth
Brushing is widely regarded as the most effective way to reduce plaque and help prevent dental disease.
Ideally, your dog's teeth should be brushed every day. If that's not realistic, brushing several times a week is still far more beneficial than not brushing at all. Consistency is more important than perfection.
Always use a toothbrush designed for dogs, along with dog-specific toothpaste. Human toothpaste should never be used, as it contains ingredients that are not safe for dogs to swallow.
If your dog is new to tooth brushing, introduce it gradually. Start by allowing them to taste the toothpaste, then gently touch their teeth and gums before progressing to short brushing sessions. Rewarding calm behaviour with praise or treats can help create a positive association.
Diet and chewing
Diet can also contribute to good dental health.
Some dental diets and Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved dental chews are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar when used as part of a regular routine. However, these products should support tooth brushing rather than replace it.
Providing safe, appropriate chew items can also encourage natural chewing behaviour, which may help keep teeth cleaner while providing mental enrichment.
Avoid giving dogs hard items such as cooked bones, antlers or very hard chews that may increase the risk of fractured teeth.
Professional dental care
Routine veterinary health checks include an assessment of your dog's teeth and gums, helping to identify problems that may not be obvious at home.
If significant tartar, gum disease or damaged teeth are present, your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental procedure, allowing the teeth to be thoroughly examined, cleaned above and below the gum line, polished and treated where necessary.
Professional dental cleaning is an important part of dental care for some dogs, but maintaining good oral hygiene at home remains the best way to slow plaque build-up between veterinary visits.
Building a simple dental care routine
Looking after your dog's teeth doesn't have to be complicated. A simple, consistent routine is often the most effective approach.
A good dental care routine may include:
- Daily tooth brushing, or as often as possible
- VOHC-approved dental chews where appropriate
- Safe chew toys and enrichment activities
- Regular checks of your dog's teeth and gums at home
- Routine veterinary health and dental examinations
The earlier you establish good dental habits, the easier they become. With consistent care, you can help keep your dog's mouth healthy, reduce the risk of dental disease and support their wellbeing for years to come.
