Short answer: To brush your dog's teeth, use a dog-specific toothbrush (or finger brush) and enzymatic dog toothpaste—never human toothpaste. Lift the lip, brush in small circles along the gumline covering all three surfaces of each tooth, and aim for daily brushing (a few times a week still helps). Keep sessions short and positive, and finish with praise or a chew.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. Dental care isn't the most exciting part of owning a dog, but it's one of the most important. By age three, roughly 80% of dogs already show signs of periodontal disease, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The good news: a simple home routine goes a long way.
Why does brushing your dog's teeth matter?
Plaque hardens into tartar within days, and untreated tartar leads to gum disease, tooth loss, and pain. Oral bacteria can also travel through the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. As the American Kennel Club notes, bad breath is often the first warning sign—not just a normal "doggy" smell. Brushing is the single most effective thing you can do at home to slow that buildup.
How do you brush your dog's teeth, step by step?
- Choose the right toothbrush. A finger brush or a soft dog toothbrush sized to your dog's mouth works best.
- Use dog-specific toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste—dogs don't spit, and ingredients like xylitol and fluoride can be toxic. Enzymatic dog pastes come in flavors like poultry and beef.
- Pick a calm moment. After a walk or play, when your dog is relaxed and a little tired.
- Start slow. Let them lick the toothpaste first so it feels like a treat. Brush just a few teeth the first few times.
- Brush in small circles. Angle toward the gumline and cover the outer surfaces, where plaque collects most.
- Build the habit. Daily is ideal; even two to three times a week makes a real difference.
- End on a win. Praise, play, or a chew so your dog looks forward to next time.
Do chews really help clean dogs' teeth?
Yes—as a complement to brushing, not a replacement. The mechanical action of chewing helps scrape away soft plaque before it hardens. That's why we make chews that are 100% natural, single-ingredient, and fully digestible, with no rawhide. A few of ours pull double duty for dental health:
- Bully sticks—long-lasting, 100% real meat, and great for extended chewing sessions that work the back teeth.
- Single-ingredient chews—no fillers or additives, just one wholesome ingredient your dog can actually digest.
- Beef trachea—softer chews that are naturally rich in chondroitin, easy on the teeth and the gut.
All of our chews are ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and 100% high-quality guaranteed. Always supervise chew time and pick the right size for your dog.
Common myths about dog dental health
- "Dry food cleans teeth." Kibble helps a little, but most pieces shatter without scrubbing the gumline. It doesn't replace brushing.
- "Bad breath is normal." Common, but usually a sign of plaque or gum disease worth addressing.
- "Dental problems stay in the mouth." Per VCA Animal Hospitals, advanced gum disease can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
How often should you brush your dog's teeth?
Daily is the gold standard because plaque starts mineralizing into tartar in as little as 24–48 hours. If daily isn't realistic, aim for three times a week and pair it with regular chewing and an annual veterinary dental check. Consistency beats intensity—a short brush every day protects your dog far more than an occasional deep clean.
Start slow, stay patient, and reward often. A clean mouth means fresher breath, less vet pain down the road, and a longer, healthier life for your dog.
This post was last updated at August 23, 2026 16:55
