Healthy teeth matter for dogs just as much as they do for us. Vets estimate that 80 to 90 percent of dogs have some sign of gum disease by age three, and left untreated, it can affect the heart, liver and kidneys too. The good news? Most of it's preventable.
Which dogs are most at risk
Any dog can develop dental disease, but some are more prone to it than others. Small and toy breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Maltese, Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers tend to have more crowded teeth, which traps plaque more easily. Older dogs are also at higher risk simply because problems build up over time, and dogs who've never had their teeth brushed usually have more catching up to do than those who started young. None of this lets big or young dogs off the hook, though. Every dog, from the tiniest Chihuahua to the biggest Great Dane, benefits from the same habits below.
Brush their teeth
Brushing is the single most effective thing you can do for your dog's dental health, and vets recommend doing it daily if you can manage it. If daily feels like a stretch, aim for at least three times a week.
Ease into it slowly. Start by gently wiping the teeth and gums with a clean, damp cloth wrapped around your finger. Once your dog is comfortable with that, move on to a soft dog toothbrush (or a finger brush) dipped in warm water. When they're relaxed with the brush, introduce a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Human toothpaste often contains xylitol and fluoride, both of which are unsafe for dogs to swallow.
Choose dental-friendly food and treats
It's a common belief that dry kibble alone scrubs a dog's teeth clean, but the evidence doesn't back this up. Older studies comparing dry and wet diets found little real difference in dental outcomes, and standard kibble tends to shatter on the first bite rather than scraping the tooth surface.
What does help is food and treats designed specifically for dental care. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal on dental diets, chews and treats. This confirms the product has been tested and shown to genuinely reduce plaque and tartar, rather than just being marketed that way.
Offer safe chew toys, not bones
Giving a dog a bone to chew is a long-standing habit, but it's one most vets now advise against. Raw and cooked bones alike can fracture teeth, especially the big upper cheek teeth dogs use most for chewing. Bone shards can also get lodged in the mouth or throat, cause choking, or splinter and damage the gut on the way through.
A simple rule of thumb from vets: if a chew toy doesn't give slightly under your thumbnail, or you wouldn't want it swung at your own knee, it's too hard for your dog's teeth. Safer options include rubber chew toys, VOHC-approved dental chews, and appropriately sized rawhide without knotted ends. Always supervise chewing sessions, whatever the toy.
Book regular vet dental checks
Even with great home care, dogs benefit from a professional look at their teeth at least once a year. A vet can spot problems developing below the gumline that aren't visible from the outside, and can perform a proper scale and clean under anaesthetic if tartar has built up. Catching issues early usually means simpler, cheaper treatment and a lot less discomfort for your dog down the track.
A professional dental clean is a bit more involved than a quick scrub. Your dog is placed under general anaesthetic so the vet can safely scale below the gumline, check each tooth for looseness or damage, and take dental X-rays if needed to see what's happening beneath the surface. It sounds daunting, but anaesthesia is what makes it possible to do a thorough job without causing your dog stress or pain, and it's routine for vets. Afterwards, most dogs go home the same day with fresh breath and a much healthier mouth.
Add dental wipes or water additives between brushes
Some days, a full brushing session just isn't going to happen, and that's fine. Dental wipes are a handy stopgap: a quick swipe around the gumline takes seconds and still helps disrupt plaque before it hardens into tartar. Water additives, which you simply pour into your dog's bowl, work in a similar way by reducing the bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath. Neither replaces brushing, but both are a great backup on busy days, and worth looking for the VOHC seal on too.
Skip the sugary scraps
It's tempting to slip your dog a bit of whatever you're eating, but sugary or starchy leftovers feed the same bacteria that cause plaque and decay in humans. Pasta, bread, biscuits and anything sweet are best kept off the menu. If you want to share food as a treat, stick to plain cooked meat or dog-safe vegetables like carrot, which has the bonus of a bit of natural crunch.
Get to know your dog's mouth
Once a week or so, lift your dog's lips and have a quick look and sniff. You'll get to know what "normal" looks and smells like for your dog, which makes it far easier to notice when something's off. This takes next to no time and pairs nicely with a brushing session, since your dog is already there and (hopefully) cooperating.
Signs your dog might have a dental problem
Keep an eye out for:
- Persistently bad breath
- Difficulty or reluctance to eat
- Loss of appetite
- Bleeding or red, swollen gums
- Yellow-brown tartar on the teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth or face
If you notice any of these, it's worth booking a visit to your vet. Dogs are experts at hiding pain, so by the time symptoms show, the problem underneath is often further along than it looks.
With a mix of daily brushing, the right chews, safe toys, regular check-ups and a few small daily habits, you'll be giving your dog's teeth the best possible shot at lasting a lifetime.
