Periodontal disease affects the majority of dogs by age three, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Daily brushing is the single most effective way to prevent it — and most dogs can learn to accept and even enjoy the process.

This guide walks you through how to brush your dog's teeth at home, from choosing supplies to mastering the technique, based on guidance from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the AVMA, and the AAHA 2019 Dental Care Guidelines.

For the full picture on dental disease, warning signs, professional cleanings, and dental care at every life stage, see our complete dog dental care guide.

Why Brushing Your Dog's Teeth Matters

Dental plaque — a bacterial biofilm — begins reforming on tooth surfaces within hours of removal. According to the AAHA 2019 Dental Care Guidelines, brushing needs to be done daily to be of benefit because plaque can recolonize on the tooth surface in as little as 24 hours.

Left undisturbed, plaque mineralizes into tartar (calculus). Tartar cannot be removed by brushing — only by a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. Once tartar builds up, it creates a rough surface where more plaque accumulates, accelerating the cycle toward gingivitis and periodontitis.

The AVMA states that regular brushing is the single most effective thing you can do to keep your dog's teeth healthy between professional cleanings. The AAHA guidelines reinforce this but add an important caveat: even daily brushing does not eliminate the need for professional dental exams and cleanings.

Brushing is one part of a preventive strategy. For more on what dental disease looks like and when professional intervention is needed, see the warning signs and professional cleaning sections of our dental care guide.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these supplies before beginning the training process.

Toothbrush

You have two main options:

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital recommends using a soft-bristle toothbrush dedicated to one pet — do not share brushes between pets. A child-sized soft-bristle human toothbrush can work in a pinch, but dog-specific brushes are designed with angled heads that make it easier to reach the back teeth.

Toothpaste

Use only toothpaste formulated for dogs. Dog toothpastes come in flavors like poultry, beef, and malt, which makes the process more appealing to your dog.

Never use human toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and often xylitol (a sugar substitute), both of which are toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Human toothpaste also contains foaming agents that can upset a dog's stomach if swallowed.

Do not use baking soda, either — its high alkaline content can disrupt the acid balance in the stomach and digestive tract if swallowed.

Enzymatic dog toothpastes are particularly effective because the enzymes continue working after brushing to help break down plaque. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) maintains a list of accepted products that have been clinically proven to reduce plaque or tartar. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is currently the only toothpaste with the VOHC Seal of Acceptance.

High-Value Treats

Small, soft treats that your dog finds highly motivating. You will use these as rewards throughout the desensitization and brushing process. Have them within arm's reach during every session.

Preparing Your Dog: The Desensitization Phase

Do not attempt a full brushing session on day one. Rushing the introduction is the fastest way to create a dog who fights tooth brushing for life.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine frames tooth brushing as a training process: "You shouldn't expect to brush their teeth from start to finish on day one — instead, break it down so that brushing becomes a daily routine they actually look forward to."

This desensitization phase typically takes one to three weeks. Some dogs progress faster; others need more time. Move to the next step only when your dog is completely comfortable with the current one.

Step 1: Touch the Outside of the Lips (Days 1–3)

Run your finger gently along the outside of your dog's lips — without lifting them or touching the teeth. Immediately reward with a treat and praise. Repeat two to three times per session, once or twice a day.

Goal: Your dog associates having their mouth area touched with positive outcomes.

Step 2: Lift the Lips and Touch the Teeth (Days 3–5)

Gently lift your dog's upper lip to expose the teeth and gumline. Run your finger along the outside of the gums for two to three seconds. Reward immediately.

Gradually increase the duration over several sessions. There is no need to open the mouth — you are only touching the outer (cheek-facing) surfaces.

Goal: Your dog remains relaxed when you handle their lips and touch their gums directly.

Step 3: Introduce the Toothpaste (Days 5–7)

Put a small amount of dog toothpaste on your fingertip. Let your dog smell and lick it. Then run your paste-covered finger along the gums, just as you did in Step 2. Reward.

Cornell advises letting the dog get used to the taste and texture of the toothpaste on your finger before adding the brush.

Goal: Your dog enjoys the taste of the toothpaste and accepts having it rubbed on their gums.

Step 4: Introduce the Toothbrush Without Brushing (Days 7–10)

Let your dog sniff and investigate the toothbrush. Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. Touch the brush gently to the front teeth for a moment — no brushing motion yet. Remove and reward.

As Cornell describes it: "Put the toothbrush on your pet's front teeth. There's no need to pry your pet's mouth open — just slide the brush in for a moment, remove it, and let your pet lick their gums to taste the toothpaste."

Goal: Your dog accepts the toothbrush in their mouth without resistance.

Step 5: Begin Brushing (Days 10–14)

Start brushing a few teeth at a time using the technique described in the next section. Keep sessions short — 15 to 20 seconds initially — and reward after each brief session. Gradually extend the duration until you can brush all outer tooth surfaces in about 60 seconds.

Goal: Your dog tolerates a full brushing session of 60 seconds or more.

Setting Up for Success

Cornell recommends picking a consistent spot and time for brushing. Keep the toothbrush and toothpaste in the same location — such as near your own toothbrush in the bathroom. Put down a mat, towel, or dog bed to create a designated brushing spot that signals to your dog what is about to happen.

Consistency and routine make the process predictable, which reduces anxiety.

Step-by-Step Dog Teeth Brushing Technique

Once your dog is comfortable with the desensitization phase, follow these steps each time you brush. This technique is based on guidance from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Step 1: Position Your Dog Comfortably

Kneel or sit at your dog's level. For small dogs, you can place them on your lap or on a raised surface with a non-slip mat. Position yourself to the side — not directly in front — so you are not looming over your dog, which can feel confrontational.

Step 2: Apply Toothpaste to the Brush

Squeeze a pea-sized amount of dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste onto the bristles.

Step 3: Lift the Lip on One Side

Use your non-dominant hand to gently lift your dog's upper lip on one side, exposing the outer surfaces of the upper teeth. You do not need to open the mouth. The vast majority of periodontal disease and plaque accumulation occurs on the outer (buccal) surfaces — the side facing the cheeks.

The VOHC confirms that dental plaque and tartar accumulate most rapidly on the buccal surfaces of the upper teeth, and these areas should be targeted for particular attention during brushing.

Step 4: Brush the Upper Teeth at a 45-Degree Angle

Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. This angle allows the bristle tips to reach slightly beneath the gumline into the sulcus — the shallow pocket between the tooth and gum where periodontal disease begins.

Use gentle back-and-forth strokes or small circular motions. Cornell recommends a circular motion that includes the gums. Colorado State emphasizes using only light pressure — the bristles should not flare out or flatten against the teeth. If they do, you are pressing too hard.

Start with the large premolars and molars at the back of the mouth (the cheek teeth), then move forward to the canines and incisors. Plaque and tartar accumulate most quickly on the cheek teeth, so prioritize these if your dog's patience is limited.

Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side

Lower the lip, move to the opposite side, lift that lip, and repeat the same brushing technique on the upper teeth.

Step 6: Brush the Lower Teeth

Gently tilt or lower the lower lip to expose the outer surfaces of the lower teeth. Brush using the same 45-degree angle and light pressure.

Step 7: Reward and End Positively

Praise your dog and offer a treat or a brief play session. Always end on a positive note — even if you did not finish all the teeth. It is better to do a partial, positive session than a complete, stressful one.

The entire process should take approximately 60 seconds, according to Cornell. The AVMA notes that you should aim for at least 60 seconds of total brushing time daily.

How Often to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Daily brushing is the gold standard. This is consistent across every major veterinary authority:

The reason daily matters: plaque begins reforming within hours of removal. Within 24 hours, enough plaque has accumulated to begin the cycle toward tartar formation. Brushing every two or three days allows plaque to build between sessions, reducing the effectiveness of each brushing.

If daily brushing is truly not feasible, aim for a minimum of three to four times per week. Any regular brushing is better than none — but understand that less frequent brushing provides less protection.

Important: Even with daily brushing, your dog still needs annual veterinary dental exams. The AAHA guidelines are explicit that daily brushing does not preclude the need for anesthetized exams, radiographs, and professional cleaning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Human Toothpaste

This is the most dangerous mistake. Human toothpaste contains fluoride, foaming agents, and often xylitol — all of which are toxic to dogs. Dogs swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out, so every ingredient matters.

Forcing the Mouth Open

You do not need to open your dog's mouth to brush effectively. The outer (cheek-facing) surfaces are where the vast majority of plaque accumulates. Forcing the mouth open creates a negative association and causes resistance. Lift the lips instead.

Brushing Too Hard

Light pressure only. If the bristles are splaying outward, you are pressing too hard. Aggressive brushing can irritate the gums and make your dog dread the process.

Brushing Inflamed Gums

The AAHA 2019 guidelines warn that brushing teeth with already inflamed gingiva will cause pain and animal aversion. Colorado State reinforces this: do not start brushing if the gum tissue is already inflamed. If your dog's gums are red, swollen, or bleeding, see your veterinarian first. Once the inflammation is treated, you can begin a brushing routine.

Skipping the Desensitization Phase

Jumping straight to full brushing without gradually introducing the process creates fear and resistance. Take the one to three weeks needed to build positive associations.

Brushing Inconsistently

Brushing once a week provides minimal benefit. Plaque recolonizes within 24 hours. Sporadic brushing gives the false impression of doing something useful while allowing disease to progress.

Neglecting the Back Teeth

The large premolars and molars at the back of the mouth accumulate plaque and tartar fastest. Many owners brush only the easy-to-reach front teeth and skip the back, which is where the most damage occurs.

What to Do If Your Dog Will Not Cooperate

Some dogs resist tooth brushing despite careful desensitization. Here are strategies to work through it.

Go Back to an Earlier Step

If your dog resists at any point in the process, return to the last step where they were comfortable. Stay there for several more days before attempting to advance again. Pushing through resistance creates lasting aversion.

Try a Different Toothpaste Flavor

Dog toothpastes come in poultry, beef, malt, seafood, and other flavors. If your dog dislikes one flavor, try another. The right flavor can change a reluctant dog into a cooperative one.

Switch Brush Types

If your dog resists a handled toothbrush, try a finger brush — or vice versa. Some dogs are more comfortable with one type over the other. Gauze wrapped around your finger is another option for dogs who refuse all brushes.

Shorten the Sessions

Even ten seconds of brushing the outer surfaces of a few teeth is better than no brushing at all. Keep sessions ultra-short and gradually extend as your dog builds tolerance.

Choose a Calm Time

Do not attempt brushing when your dog is excited, anxious, or hungry. After a walk or a play session, when your dog is relaxed and slightly tired, is often the best time.

Consult Your Veterinarian

If your dog shows signs of pain during brushing — flinching, whimpering, or pulling away from specific areas — stop and schedule a veterinary dental exam. Pain-related resistance may indicate an underlying dental problem that needs treatment before home care can begin.

If weeks of patient desensitization produce no progress, ask your veterinarian about additional strategies or a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can design a tailored desensitization protocol.

Supplement With Other Dental Care

For dogs who absolutely will not accept brushing, the AAHA guidelines recommend supplementary dental care products that carry the VOHC Seal of Acceptance, such as dental chews, water additives, or dental diets. These are not as effective as brushing but provide some benefit. Check the VOHC's current list of accepted products at vohc.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my dog's teeth?

Daily brushing is recommended by the AVMA, AAHA, Cornell University, and Colorado State University. Plaque begins reforming within hours of removal and can recolonize fully within 24 hours. If daily brushing is not possible, aim for a minimum of three to four times per week — but daily provides the most protection against periodontal disease.

Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?

No. Human toothpaste contains fluoride, foaming agents, and often xylitol, all of which are toxic to dogs. Dogs swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out, making safe ingredients essential. Use only toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs.

What age should I start brushing my dog's teeth?

Cornell University recommends starting after all adult teeth have emerged, which is typically around six to seven months of age. You can begin the desensitization process — handling the lips and touching the gums — as early as puppyhood to build positive associations before introducing the brush.

Do I need to brush the inside surfaces of my dog's teeth?

The outside (cheek-facing) surfaces are the priority. The VOHC states that plaque and tartar accumulate most rapidly on the buccal surfaces of the upper teeth. The tongue naturally provides some cleaning action on the inner surfaces. Focus your brushing time on the outer surfaces for maximum benefit.

My dog's gums bleed when I brush. Is that normal?

Minor bleeding can occur if the gums are already inflamed (gingivitis). However, the AAHA 2019 guidelines warn against brushing inflamed gums because it causes pain and creates aversion. If your dog's gums bleed during brushing, stop and schedule a veterinary dental exam. Once the underlying inflammation is treated, you can resume brushing.

Does brushing replace professional dental cleanings?

No. The AAHA 2019 Dental Care Guidelines state explicitly that even daily brushing does not preclude the need for anesthetized dental exams, radiographs, and professional cleaning. Brushing prevents plaque from progressing to tartar on a day-to-day basis, but professional cleanings address areas that brushing cannot reach and allow your veterinarian to identify problems below the gumline.

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