What Is an Alternative to Brushing a Dog's Teeth Daily?

Veterinarians and pet health literature continuously state that your dogs' teeth need daily brushing. Many dogs are unable to tolerate a toothbrush in their mouths, however, particularly older dogs for whom the activity is unknown and frightening. In addition, older dogs may already have sensitive gums from tooth decay and plaque buildup, and a toothbrush could hurt their mouths. Although not as effective as daily brushing, a number of alternatives can help keep your pet̵7;s mouth moderately clean.

  1. Fingers

    • Cover your index finger with clinical gauze and apply specially formulated canine toothpaste to the surface. Lift the dog̵7;s lip on first one side and then the other, then insert your finger inside the lip, and rub back and forth on the outer surface of the teeth. This will remove some of the tartar buildup on the teeth. For tiny dogs such as Chihuahuas, use your small finger or a cotton swab instead.

    Liquids and Gels

    • Oral antiseptic sprays available from most pet stores help to disinfect a dog̵7;s gums and reduce the number of bacteria that exist. Try a therapeutic mouthwash that cleans and refreshes the mouth without burning; these are ideal for dogs with periodontal disease and gingivitis. Use a flavorless additive in the dog̵7;s drinking water that reduces plaque and limits bacteria. Wipe the gums and teeth afterwards with a trace of digestible dental gel that soothes painful gums and prevents dryness and irritation.

    Dental Wipes

    • A wide variety of dental wipes are available in-store and online from pet supply retailers. The wipes are impregnated with substances such as acetic acid and sodium hexameaphosphate, both of which bind minerals to prevent plaque from forming into tartar. Wipe the dog̵7;s teeth inside and out, and rub from side to side to remove the maximum amount of plaque possible. Such wipes are commonly infused with a flavoring agent such as peppermint, cinnamon or clove. Some brands contain botanicals such as aloe and pomegranate, which makes the teeth smooth to prevent plaque from adhering to them.

    Chews and Toys

    • Dog dental treats come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Rawhide chews are the most common. Synthetic dental treats such as Greenies, for example, are also popular. Bones and specially formulated dental biscuits also help to reduce plaque buildup. The disadvantage of these products, however, is that your dog should consume limited quantities of these items. Dog chew toys such as Kongs and Gumabones are useful, particularly if your dog tends to swallow edible treats without chewing them long enough to make a difference.

    Vet Clean

    • Nothing beats an annual professional cleaning for your dog̵7;s teeth as an alternative for daily brushing. Not all dogs are good candidates for this, however, as a professional teeth cleaning requires a mild anesthetic or sedation, and the cost is substantial. While the dog is under sedation, the veterinary technician cleans each tooth using an ultrasonic scaler, polishes the teeth, irrigates the mouth with a clinical antiseptic wash, and coats the teeth with fluoride and allowed to dry, which helps to harden the enamel.