How to Keep a Dog's Teeth White

Cleaning your dog's teeth regularly has benefits beyond just keeping them white. You can keep the "dog breath" at bay as well as extend the dog's life by a few years. Learn to clean your dog's teeth properly to keep its teeth white and its body healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toothbrush
  • Dog toothpaste
  • Raw bones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the dog for teeth cleaning. Get the dog used to having his mouth touched. Gently open his mouth with your hands. Do this two to three times a week to begin with. Offer edible treats and praise as you open his mouth. Repeat the routine until the dog seems comfortable.

    • 2

      Brush the dog's teeth. Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste purchased from the local pet store. If it's a large dog, sit on the floor in front of the dog. If it's a small dog, hold it in your lap. Raise the dog's upper lift and brush, using circular strokes. Brush along the base of each tooth at the gum line. Brush each back molar thoroughly. Push the brush bristles around the base of each molar and the spaces in between. Do 10 back and forth strokes.

    • 3

      Give your dog bones. Bones help keep a dog's teeth clean between cleanings. Chewing on bones keeps tarter from building up on the dog's teeth. Use raw knuckle bones from a local meat market.

    • 4

      Schedule regular veterinary check-ups for the dog. Have her teeth examined annually. Your vet will determine whether or not she needs a deep teeth cleaning performed at the vet's office.