How to Clean Dogs Teeth

Many dogs have pretty pongy breath. They’ve got adorable faces, fluffy butts and those soft little paws that make you want to scoop them up for a cuddle, but when they lean in for a kiss… the breath often lets them down. As dog owners, we’ve definitely had those moments too where we’ve had to turn our heads away from a slobbery kiss just because we’ve skipped some dental care.

If your pup has bad breath too, don’t worry too much. Bad breath and dirty teeth are common in dogs, especially when their dental health isn’t getting much attention. Without regular brushing and some delicious dental chews, plaque and tartar can build up quickly, and before you know it, their mouth smells far worse than it should. What many people don’t realise is that it’s actually possible for your dog’s breath to smell fairly neutral, and sometimes even pleasant, when their teeth and gums are well cared for.

Learning how to clean dogs teeth is super easy, and should be something all dog owners do. Because while a bit of plaque and bad breath is one thing, letting it get worse over time can be damaging to our pup’s mouths. Dental issues can lead to sore gums, infections and even pain that dogs often hide incredibly well.

We can probably guess what you’re thinking: how am I going to get my dog to accept a toothbrush in their mouth? It’s something we’ve all wondered, but with a little patience and with all the right tools, this can be easier than you think. Plus, there are also ways on how to clean dog teeth without brushing which is ideal for older dogs that might not tolerate traditional brushing.

So without further ado, here’s all you need to know on how on to clean dogs teeth…

Yes, brushing your dog will always be the most effective answer when it comes to how to clean dogs teeth properly. While it might feel optional at first, especially if your dog seems fine, brushing is the only at-home method that physically removes plaque before it turns into hard tartar. Other options can help, but they don’t replace what brushing does at the gum line, where most dental problems begin.

The biggest advantage to brushing your dog’s teeth as part of their grooming routine is to prevent dental disease. Sadly, it’s far more common than many owners realise and that’s largely due to owners not knowing the importance of dog dental hygiene. Plaque can start building up very quickly after meals, and once it hardens, it can irritate the gums and cause infection. And since our pups can’t talk with us (as much as we wish they could), they’ll often keep eating, chewing and barking even when their mouth hurts.

Regular brushing helps stop that slow build-up before it becomes painful or requires veterinary treatment. It’s also one of the most reliable ways to improve bad breath. If you’re wondering how to clean your dog's teeth without brushing, it’s worth knowing that most alternatives focus on reducing smell rather than removing the cause. Brushing tackles the bacteria directly, which is why owners who stick with it often notice their dog’s breath becomes far less unpleasant over time.

And as you can imagine, their dental care also affects your dog’s overall health too, not just the health of their mouths. Bacteria from untreated gum disease can enter the bloodstream and place extra strain on vital organs.

That said, brushing doesn’t have to be perfect to be worthwhile. Even a few times a week can make a meaningful difference, and if brushing isn’t always possible, combining it with other methods can still support good dental health.

If you’re learning how to clean dogs teeth, it helps to understand why their breath smells bad in the first place. While a bit of doggy breath is normal, strong smells that seem to linger usually point to something going on inside the mouth that needs attention.

The most common cause is a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. When food particles mix with bacteria, they create plaque which starts to smell as it breaks down. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar and sits along the gum line, trapping even more bacteria. This is often what gives dog breath that sharp, unpleasant edge that makes you want to squeeze your nose shut. It’s especially common in older dogs or those who’ve never had their teeth cleaned.

Gum disease can also be a big contributor. Inflamed or infected gums create an environment where bacteria thrive, and that smell can be noticeable even when your dog hasn’t eaten recently. Redness, swelling or bleeding around the gums are signs that your dog’s dental health requires a little more attention too, and it’s not just a cosmetic issue but a comfort one too.

Like us humans, if we ate sugary or sticky foods all day and never cleaned our teeth, our breath wouldn’t smell great either. The same applies to dogs. Certain foods leave stronger residues behind, particularly sticky or highly processed treats that cling to the teeth and gums. Over time, this build-up gives bacteria more to feed on, which quickly affects how your dog’s breath smells.

And in some cases, bad breath can be linked to health issues beyond the teeth, such as problems with the digestive system or kidneys. While this is less common, sudden or unusually strong smells are worth discussing with your vet. For most dogs, though, bad breath is a sign that their dental care routine needs a bit more support and that’s where it’s your responsibility to help them.

The earlier you start brushing your dog’s teeth, the better! Ideally, brushing should be introduced once your puppy is home and beginning to settle into everyday routines. At this stage, it’s less about actually cleaning teeth and more about helping them feel comfortable with their mouth being handled.

Puppies are already exploring the world with their mouths, so it’s unlikely they’ll be too bothered about you lifting their lips and taking a look at their baby teeth. In fact, they’ll probably enjoy it and have a few nibbles of your fingers while they’re at it. But this is good, because these moments between you teaches them that the sensations of hands and objects near their teeth is fine and safe.

Even though puppy teeth will eventually fall out to make room for adult teeth, keeping them clean still matters. Plaque can build up early, and sore gums can add to the discomfort of teething. More importantly, starting young gives your dog time to accept brushing as part of their routine, rather than something strange introduced later on.

If you’re starting with an older dog, it’s still worth trying. Taking things slowly, keeping sessions short and staying relaxed can help them adjust. We also suggest using lots of training treats if they’re unsure, as this will help them learn that positive things come from teeth brushing.

Once your dog is comfortable with having their mouth handled, having the right tools makes a big difference to how easy and successful dental care feels. Whether you’re fully brushing or exploring how to clean dog teeth without brushing, using dog-specific products helps keep things safe, effective and far less stressful for both of you. You don’t need everything at once, but having a few options gives you flexibility depending on how your dog is feeling and how much time you might have.

This might sound obvious, but just in case it’s not, always use toothpaste made specifically for dogs! Human toothpaste is a no-go, as it often contains ingredients like fluoride or xylitol that can be harmful when swallowed. Dog toothpaste is safe to ingest and usually flavoured in ways dogs enjoy which can make cleaning feel far more positive for them too.

Dental chews can support your routine but shouldn’t replace brushing altogether. Chewing helps reduce plaque build-up and can contribute to fresher breath, especially between cleans. Think of these as a helpful extra alongside brushing or other methods, rather than the main solution.

Knowing how to clean dogs teeth is important, but it’s just as useful to recognise when something isn’t quite right. Dental issues often develop quietly, and many dogs carry on as normal even when their mouth is uncomfortable. Keep an eye out for the following signs, as they can indicate underlying dental problems:

• Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with regular dental care
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown build-up on the teeth, especially near the gum line
• Drooling more than usual or pawing at the mouth
• Reluctance to eat, chewing on one side, or dropping food
• Signs of pain when the mouth is touched
• Loose, broken or missing teeth
• Changes in behaviour, such as irritability or withdrawal
• Swelling around the face or jaw

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to speak to your vet. They’ll be able to tell you if they’re just due a good teeth clean or if there’s something more serious going on.

Learning how to clean dogs teeth works best when you take things slowly and build confidence step by step. Rushing straight in with a toothbrush can overwhelm some dogs, especially if they’re not used to having their mouth handled. Breaking the process down into small, calm stages helps brushing feel normal and safe for them, rather than something they need to be stressed about.

Start by carefully handling the outside of your dog’s mouth when they’re relaxed, perhaps during a cuddle or after a walk. Use your fingers to softly stroke around their lips and cheeks, keeping movements slow and reassuring. Speak calmly and stop before they pull away. The aim here is simply to show them that hands near their mouth are nothing to worry about.

Once your dog is comfortable with this, begin lifting their lips briefly to expose the gums. You don’t need to hold their mouth open. Just a quick lift, a small touch and then release. Repeat this over several short sessions, gradually increasing the time as they relax.

Gently resting your hand on your dog’s snout helps them get used to the sensation of light restraint. Keep this brief and relaxed, never forcing their mouth closed. This step helps prepare them for the feeling of brushing later on, without introducing anything new just yet.

Using a clean finger, gently rub along the teeth and gum line. Focus on the outer surfaces, as these are where plaque builds up most. Keep pressure light and sessions short. This stage helps your dog get used to the feeling of something moving across their teeth without it being a brush.

Once your dog accepts finger contact, you can introduce tools like dog toothbrushes or dog finger toothbrushes. Let them sniff the brush first, then carefully brush a few teeth at a time using small circular motions. Finger toothbrushes can offer more control and feel less intimidating for dogs who are unsure, while traditional brushes allow for a more thorough clean once they’re comfortable.

Finally, introduce dog toothpaste. Let your dog lick a small amount first so they associate the taste with something positive. Then apply it to the brush and continue brushing as before.

Brushing works best when it’s part of a wider, realistic routine rather than the only thing you rely on. Some days will be easier than others, and having a few supportive options means your dog’s dental care doesn’t fall away completely. These alternatives are especially helpful if you’re exploring how to clean dog teeth without brushing.

Dental wipes

Dental wipes are ideal for quick, low-effort cleans. Wrapped around your finger, they let you wipe along the teeth and gum line to remove surface plaque and leftover food. They’re particularly useful for in-between cleans or stubborn spots that need a bit of extra attention.

Dental chews and sticks

Dental sticks for dogs are an essential part of our pup’s treat supply as they’re not only delicious for our pups but they also help reduce plaque build-up through natural abrasion. They can support fresher breath and clean teeth between brushing sessions.

Once you’ve found a dental routine that works for your dog, the key is consistency. Healthy teeth aren’t built in one perfect week of brushing but maintained through small, regular habits that add up over time. Keeping things simple and repeatable makes it far more likely you’ll stick with it, and your dog (and their breath) will benefit as a result.

• Feed them the right food: What your dog eats has a big impact on their dental health so choose high-quality food and be mindful of how often treats are given to support cleaner teeth day to day.
  
  
• Brush your dog’s teeth regularly: Regular brushing is one of the best ways to keep their teeth healthy over time. You don’t need to aim for perfection, but consistency matters. Brushing several times a week helps stop plaque from hardening into tartar and keeps gums healthy.
  
  
• Use dental chews: Dental chews and treats work best as part of a wider routine rather than a replacement for brushing. They help encourage chewing which naturally scrapes plaque from the teeth and supports fresher breath between cleans.

So, how do you clean your dog’s teeth? The answer is gently, consistently and in a way that works for both of you. Start early if you can, take things at your dog’s pace and build dental care into your normal routine rather than treating it as an occasional task. Regular brushing, supported by the right food, dental chews and simple in-between options, goes a long way towards healthier teeth and fresher breath.

Here at WOOOF, we’re here to make that routine easier. We stock a range of dog dental products to help you along the way including dog toothbrushes, dog toothpaste and dental chews, so you’ve got everything you need to care for your pup’s smile and enjoy nice-smelling, slobbery kisses!

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