Dog Dental Care at Home

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

Home dental care for dogs. Toothbrushing technique, dental chews, water additives, and when professional cleaning is needed.

Dog Dental Care at Home — photograph of a dog

Key Information

What You Need to Know

Practical Recommendations

Expert Tips

Understanding the Research

Budgeting for Pet Care

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Where can I learn more?

Home brushing lowers plaque between professional care. The AAHA Dental Care Guidelines describe the anesthetized oral exam, probing, charting, and dental radiographs that brushing cannot do. A broken tooth needs a dental exam soon, because an exposed pulp is painful and can become infected.

How often should I take my pet to the vet?

Home brushing lowers plaque between professional care, and it does not take dental radiographs. Puppies are examined every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks, when a bad bite is easier to see. Adult dogs need at least a yearly exam that includes the mouth. Many dogs from about 7 years, giant breeds earlier, are examined every six months, and periodontal disease is commonly found then. A broken tooth, a gum swelling, or a dog who drops food and cries should be seen this week. The anesthesia dentistry date comes from that exam.

How can I save money on pet care?

Daily brushing and a dental diet with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal reduce tartar above the gum. Receding gums still need a cleaning under anesthesia, with radiographs. Get the estimate before the procedure, including radiographs. A non-anesthetic scrape leaves disease under the gum and often leads to a second, larger bill.

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