Dental Care for Dogs: Brushing Dog's Teeth to Stop Bad Dog Breath

Even a healthy dog with clean teeth isn̵7;t going to have breath that always smells like roses. But good oral hygiene certainly helps. You can have the vet or the groomer brush your dog̵7;s teeth, but it̵7;s usually a simple process that you can accomplish at home. Some dogs won̵7;t enjoy the sensation of having your hands in their mouth, so it̵7;s a good idea to get them used to this process while they̵7;re still puppies.

  1. Tools

    • Dogs can̵7;t use the human toothpaste you have in your medicine cabinet; it irritates the stomach. Also, you shouldn̵7;t use a toothpaste with fluoride unless the dog is over six months old. Toothpaste made especially for dogs can be found at the pet store; when in doubt, ask your vet for a recommendation. Purchase a toothbrush specifically for canines at the pet store. These brushes will be smaller than a human̵7;s toothbrush and with softer bristles. They also make rubber toothbrushes that fit over your finger for you to rub against the dog̵7;s teeth. Finally, for a low-tech brushing kit you can make from materials found around the house, use gauze wrapped around your finger for a brush and a mixture of baking soda and water for paste.

    Preparation

    • Dogs have varying temperaments and will have different ways of responding to the brushing process. For this reason, it̵7;s good to gradually get your dog used to the tools and sensations involved in a tooth-cleaning. Start by spending a little bit of time each day touching the outside of your dog̵7;s mouth. If the dog lets you do this with no resistance, move on to putting your finger inside the dog̵7;s mouth, and gently rubbing along the teeth and gums. If your dog is fine with this activity, you̵7;re ready to move on to brushing; if not, spend a bit of time each day ̶0;practicing̶1; until your dog grows comfortable.

    Technique

    • When your dog is ready to face the brush for real, there is a specific technique that assures a clean mouth. First, give him a little taste of the paste you̵7;re using to get him used to the flavor. Then gently lift up the dog̵7;s lips with your finger. If you̵7;re using a brush, angle it at 45 degrees and brush one section at a time, giving your dog frequent breaks. Focus on the parts of the mouth where plaque is more likely to accumulate ̵1; the outside of the teeth and the teeth in the back. Try to assume a relaxed demeanor when brushing the dog̵7;s teeth, and offer him plenty of reassurance. When it̵7;s all over, naturally the dog deserves a ̶0;good boy̶1; (or girl) and a tasty treat.

    Health Factors

    • Brushing your dog̵7;s teeth will improve his breath, but be aware that a dog who has excessively bad breath all the time may be suffering from a health condition. Sweet or fruity breath can indicate diabetes. Bad breath may also signal kidney or liver disease, particularly when accompanied with other symptoms including vomiting or frequent urination. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, get him to the vet for an exam as soon as possible.