Dental Care

What is dental disease?

Dental disease usually starts as a build-up of plaque (a sticky, colourless deposit of bacteria caused by a combination of saliva, food and fluids collecting on teeth and where teeth and gums meet).  The beginning stage of this plaque build-up is the primary cause of gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease characterised by inflammation, redness and swelling of the gums around the base of the teeth).  At this stage, most dogs continue to eat, drink and behave completely normally, so owners often don't notice it.

When plaque accumulates and is not removed from teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar, which is easily noticeable because of its yellow or brown colour on teeth.  Tartar bonds strongly to tooth enamel, so once formed it is difficult to remveremove oval ooval by a dental/veterinary professional.  Individual dogs can vary greatly in how prone they are to tartar build-up, and deposits may also build-up faster with age.

Gingivitis is reversible but, if left untreated, it progresses to irreversible periodontitis (a serious, chronic bacterial infection of the gums that destroys the bone and tissues supporting the teeth).  

It is estimated that in the UK around 70-85% of dogs show signs of dental (periodontal) disease by the time they are three years old.  

The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can keep your dog’s mouth healthy and pain-free.  Regular care helps your dog live a longer, happier life.

Why dental care matters:

Poor dental hygiene can lead to:

• Bad breath

• Red or bleeding gums

• Painful teeth and gums

• Difficulty eating

• Loss of teeth

• Excessive drooling

• Infections that may affect the heart, liver, or kidneys

• Expensive professional cleaning and treatment that has to be carried out under general anaesthetic

What works best:

Looking after your dog’s teeth is an important part of their overall health.  

1. Brushing teeth regularly is by far the most effective way to keep your dog's teeth clean and prevent dental disease.  

2. VOHC-approved dental chews/specialised diets

3. Water additives / powders / gels (may be helpful extras, not a replacement for brushing teeth)

4. Professional cleaning when needed

Regular vet check-ups:

Your vet can spot problems early - annual dental check-ups are recommended.

Brushing your dog's teeth:

How to do it:

1. Use a soft, dog-specific toothbrush and an enzymatic dog toothpaste (never use human toothpaste as it is toxic to dogs).  Start slowly - let your dog get used to the taste and sensation first.  It may help to just gently rub your fingers over its teeth (perhaps using a finger brush) before making any attempt to clean them with a toothbrush.  

2. Gently lift your dog’s lip (there's no need to open its mouth fully).

3. Brush in small circles focusing along the gum line at an angle of about 45° towards the gums.

4. You don't need to spend long on each tooth.  The whole session should take only 30-90 seconds.

5. Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth (you don't need to brush the inner surfaces).

6. Try to keep the dog calm and relaxed so that it doesn't fear the whole exercise - don't forget to give lots of praise to build a positive association with teeth cleaning.

How often?

• Ideally: Daily

• Minimum: 3–4 times per week, but any cleaning is better than none

• Build up gradually - consistency matters more than perfection

Tip:  Start dental care early while your dog is young - it makes the process much easier as they grow.

Note:  Experienced owners may also use stainless steel dental scalers/scrapers which are designed for removing tartar.  They require careful use near the gum line.  

Dental chews and toys:

These can help to reduce plaque naturally by scraping plaque off teeth while your dog chews.

Good options:

• Dental chews approved by vets

• Rubber chew toys - a good chew should be firm but slightly flexible—you should be able to press into it with your fingernail.

• Special dental sticks

Chews to avoid:

• Cooked bones (they can splinter easily)

• Very hard bones or antlers

• Hooves

• Hard chews that don’t bend at all

• Anything small enough to be swallowed whole

Warning: Hard chews can crack teeth, while splintering items can cause serious injuries inside your dog’s mouth or stomach.

Tip:  Always supervise your dog while they are chewing.

Diet and dental health:

What your dog eats affects their teeth.

• Dry kibble or a raw diet can help reduce plaque build-up

• Avoid too many sugary treats

Prescription dental diets:

These are specially formulated dry foods designed to clean teeth.

How they help:

• Larger kibble size encourages chewing

• Texture helps scrub teeth

• Often include plaque-reducing ingredients

• Good for dogs that won't tolerate tooth brushing

• Good for long-term maintenance 

Water additives:

These are liquids you add to your dog’s drinking water. 

How they help:

• Contain antibacterial ingredients

• Reduce plaque and tartar build-up

• Freshen breath

Limitations:

• They are not a replacement for brushing teeth

• Some dogs dislike the taste and may drink less

• Effectiveness varies by product - look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)—this means they’ve been tested for effectiveness

Dental gels and sprays:

These are applied directly to the teeth or gums. 

How they help:

• Easier than brushing for some dogs

• Freshen breath

Limitations:

• Still require handling your dog's mouth

• Usually less effective than brushing

Dental powders (food additives):

These are powders added to your dog’s food (often seaweed-based).

How they help:

• May reduce plaque and tartar over time

• Easy to use—just sprinkle on food

Limitations:

• Results can take a long time

• Scientific evidence is mixed

Dental wipes:

Soft wipes used to rub along your dog’s teeth.

How they help:

• Easier than brushing

• Useful for beginners

Limitations:

• Less thorough than a toothbrush

• Hard to reach back teeth

Ultrasonic tooth cleaning: 

• Non-invasive, anaesthesia-free cleaning that uses high-frequency vibrations to break down tartar, using silent technology  

• Reduces periodontal disease and improves breath

• Ideal for anxious dogs 

• Treatments usually done by trained groomers for maintenance (doesn't replace deep veterinary dental care)

Professional tooth cleaning (the most important backup):

Even with great home care, many dogs will still need occasional professional cleaning at the vet.  The frequency will vary depending on each dog's dental health.

• Done under general anaesthetic

• Removes hardened tartar (which brushing can’t)

• Cleans below the gum line

• Polishes teeth to smooth enamel after cleaning

Further sources of information on canine dental health

• PDSA: Provides extensive advice on identifying dental disease symptoms, how to check a dog's teeth at home, and the importance of annual vet checks.

• Dogs Trust: Offers practical guides on how to teach your dog to accept tooth brushing, along with signs of oral pain.

• Blue Cross: Provides detailed guidance on preventative care, including daily brushing, appropriate chews, and why human toothpaste should not be used.

• RSPCA: Offers essential tips on cleaning teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene.

• Royal Kennel Club: Provides an explanation of dental disease and offers advice on dental care.

• Royal Veterinary College (RVC): An authority on veterinary medicine that outlines dental issues, grading systems for dental disease, and when professional treatment under anaesthetic is required.