How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth (and How Often)
Brush daily if you can; the American Veterinary Medical Association says several times a week can still be effective. Use a dog toothpaste, never a human one, and a soft brush angled at 45 degrees toward the gums.
This guide covers each step, plus how to get a reluctant dog used to it, from the sources linked as we go: a veterinary association, a veterinary teaching hospital, a veterinary diagnostics company and the American Kennel Club. If your dog's mouth bleeds or seems painful, talk to your veterinarian.
Key takeaways
- Daily is best; several times a week still helps, according to the AVMA.
- Never use human toothpaste. It may contain xylitol or fluoride, which IDEXX and the AKC say can harm dogs.
- Point the bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gums and focus on the outside surfaces, per Colorado State.
- Build up over one to two weeks, Colorado State suggests, starting with a finger and toothpaste before the brush, as the AKC describes.
How often to brush
The American Veterinary Medical Association says daily brushing is best, but that it is not always possible and brushing several times a week can be effective. IDEXX puts it the same way: ideally once a day, and a few times a week is better than not at all. The Colorado State University Veterinary Health System recommends daily brushing to prevent dental disease.
Why it matters: the AVMA says that by the time a pet is three years old, it will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, and calls regular brushing the single most effective thing you can do.
Use dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste
The most important rule: do not use human toothpaste. IDEXX says toothpaste made for people can be harmful to dogs if swallowed because it may contain xylitol and/or fluoride, both of which are toxic to dogs. The American Kennel Club gives the same warning. IDEXX says dog toothpaste is made to be safe for dogs, and the AKC notes it comes in flavors such as peanut butter, beef and chicken.
Colorado State recommends an enzymatic pet toothpaste. Our sources do not recommend baking soda or other home mixes, so we do not either.
Choosing a brush
Colorado State suggests an adult- or child-sized soft-bristle toothbrush, or a silicone finger brush, kept for one dog only. IDEXX agrees that a soft-bristled brush suits most dogs and that each dog in a household should have its own. Dog toothbrushes with angled handles, soft bristles or several heads exist too, which the AKC says make it easier to reach all areas of the mouth.
Step by step
Colorado State and the AKC describe the same basic routine:
- Gently hold the lips up so you can see the teeth, Colorado State says. The AKC works top then bottom: hold the upper lip up and brush the upper teeth, then hold the bottom lip down and brush the lower ones.
- Point the bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gums, per Colorado State. IDEXX describes the same angle as the way to reach the gumline.
- Brush gently back and forth, three back-and-forth strokes on each tooth or section, Colorado State says.
- Aim to cover the outside surfaces of all the teeth each time, Colorado State says. The inside surfaces are harder, and IDEXX suggests trying them only once your dog is comfortable.
- Take short breaks as needed to give treats or rewards, Colorado State suggests.
Getting your dog used to it
Toothbrushing does not feel natural to dogs, IDEXX says, so go slowly. The AKC suggests touching the teeth and gums with your finger first, then letting your dog lick a little toothpaste from your finger, praising and rewarding each step, and going back a step if your dog looks worried. Colorado State suggests building up to the toothbrush over one to two weeks.
If your dog's mouth bleeds during brushing or your dog seems in pain, IDEXX says to contact your vet; for a dog that shows aggression or extreme fear, the AKC recommends a veterinarian or behaviorist. The AVMA adds a caution: always be careful around your pet's mouth, because a painful animal may bite, and some pets become irritable when they have dental problems. If your dog suddenly resists, stop and ask your vet to check its mouth. For another handling routine, see our guide to trimming dog nails at home and our dog nail clipper picks.
Dental chews and vet checkups
Our sources treat dental chews as an extra, not a replacement for brushing. Colorado State describes chews accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council as beneficial in addition to daily brushing. The AVMA cautions that not every product marketed for dental health is effective, and suggests asking your vet. IDEXX adds that dogs should always be watched while chewing, to reduce the risk of choking, swallowing the chew whole or fracturing teeth. The dental chew picks linked below quote what each listing claims, and these cautions apply to all of them.
The AVMA says your dog's teeth and gums should be checked by a veterinarian at least once a year. The FAQ below covers the signs that call for an earlier visit, and when the AKC says a dog needs a professional cleaning.
FAQ
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily, if you can. The AKC quotes veterinary dentist Thoulton W. Surgeon, who says tooth brushing belongs on the daily agenda; IDEXX says even a few times a week is better than not brushing at all.
When does my dog need a professional cleaning?
The AKC says a dog whose teeth are already covered with brown- and yellow-stained tartar, and whose gums are bleeding or show signs of inflammation, needs one.
Is bad breath a reason to see the vet?
It can be. Besides the yearly check, the AVMA lists bad breath among the signs that your dog's teeth should be checked sooner, along with a reduced appetite or refusal to eat and bleeding from the mouth.
What does the VOHC seal on a dental chew mean?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council says it does not test products itself: it reviews the data a maker submits and awards its seal to products that meet its standards, for plaque, calculus (tartar) or both. The VOHC itself calls brushing the gold standard.
What if my dog will not let me brush?
Slow down and go back a step (see Getting your dog used to it). If the resistance is new, take it seriously: the AVMA says any change in a pet's behavior should lead to a visit to the vet.
Editor's note: Sources were read on October 14, 2026, and rechecked October 19–23, 2026. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.
