Dog breath is one of those things we tend to laugh off. But a smelly mouth is often the first sign of something more serious going on, and dental disease is one of the most common health problems vets see in adult dogs. Studies of dogs visiting vet clinics have found that close to 8 in 10 dogs aged three and older already have some form of oral disease.
The good news is that most of it is preventable. A few minutes a day, the right tools and a yearly check-up go a long way. This guide covers why dental care matters, the signs to watch for, how to brush your dog's teeth without a wrestling match, and how to choose chews that help rather than harm.
Why your dog's teeth matter
Dental disease in dogs usually starts quietly. It begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that coats the teeth within hours of eating. Left alone, minerals in saliva start hardening that plaque into tartar (also called calculus) within a day or two. Tartar is the rough yellow-brown crust you see near the gumline, and once it forms, a toothbrush can't remove it. Only a professional clean at the vet can.
Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing gingivitis (red, swollen gums). Over time this can progress to periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place. That means pain, loose teeth and tooth loss. Vets have also linked severe periodontal disease with changes in the kidneys, liver and heart, which is why a healthy mouth is part of a healthy dog, not just a nicer cuddle.
That timeline is the whole reason daily care works so well: you are clearing plaque away before it has the chance to harden.
Is your dog at higher risk?
Every dog can develop dental disease, but some are more prone to it:
- Small and toy breeds. Yorkies, Maltese, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Dachshunds and Chihuahuas have a full set of teeth packed into a small mouth, so food and plaque get trapped more easily.
- Flat-faced breeds. Pugs, French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus often have crowded or overlapping teeth.
- Older dogs. Dental disease tends to get worse with age, and it progresses faster in older dogs.
- Dogs with no home care routine. If nothing is clearing plaque away, it builds up every single day.
Signs of dental trouble
Dogs are very good at hiding mouth pain. Many keep eating normally even with a sore or broken tooth, so it pays to look rather than wait for them to tell you. Lift your dog's lip once a week and watch for:
If you notice any of these, book a check-up with your vet. Catching dental disease early means simpler, less costly treatment and a lot less discomfort for your dog.
How to brush your dog's teeth
Brushing is the gold standard of dental care, because it physically removes plaque before it turns into tartar. Daily is best. If that feels ambitious, brushing even a few times a week still makes a real difference.
You need two things: a dog toothbrush or finger brush, and a toothpaste made for dogs.
Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth, especially the back molars and the large upper cheek teeth, where tartar builds up fastest. Your dog's tongue does a fair job on the inside surfaces. Keep sessions short and cheerful, and finish with play or a walk so brushing becomes something to look forward to.
Dental chews that help
Dental chews are designed so that chewing scrapes plaque off the tooth surface, and many add ingredients to freshen breath. They are not a replacement for brushing, but a good daily chew is a great partner to it, and a big step up from doing nothing at all.
- Pick the right size. Chews are sized by your dog's weight. Too small and your dog may swallow it whole, which defeats the point and can be a choking risk.
- Count the calories. Dental chews are treats, so allow for them in your dog's daily food allowance.
- Look for the VOHC seal. The Veterinary Oral Health Council awards its seal to products that have shown in trials that they reduce plaque or tartar. It's a useful shortcut when comparing chews.
- Supervise. Especially with a new chew, watch how your dog eats it the first few times.
When a chew is too hard
Not every chew is kind to teeth. Very hard items can crack or slab-fracture a tooth, most often the big upper cheek teeth dogs use for crunching. Cooked bones, very hard nylon toys, antlers, hooves, ice cubes and stones are common culprits. A broken tooth can expose the sensitive nerve inside and may need a root canal or extraction, and many dogs show no obvious sign of it.
Vet dentists use two quick tests:
Strong chewers in particular do best with chews that bend or soften as they work on them. If you are unsure, our store teams can help you choose a chew that suits your dog's size and chewing style.
A simple dental routine
| Every day | Brush with dog toothpaste (or at least a few times a week), plus a correctly sized dental chew. |
| Every week | Lift the lips and check for redness, tartar, broken teeth or changes in breath. Check chews and toys for sharp edges or wear. |
| Every year | A dental check at your dog's annual vet visit. Small breeds and seniors may need checks more often. |
| When needed | A professional clean under anaesthetic, which lets your vet clean below the gumline and check every tooth properly. |
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily is ideal, because plaque starts hardening into tartar within a day or two. If daily isn't realistic, aim for at least three times a week and add a daily dental chew.
Is bad breath in dogs normal?
A slight "doggy" smell is normal, but strong or persistent bad breath usually points to plaque, tartar or gum disease. It's worth a vet check.
Can dental chews replace brushing?
No. Chews help reduce plaque and freshen breath, but brushing reaches the gumline in a way chews can't. They work best together.
Does dry food clean my dog's teeth?
Ordinary kibble has a limited cleaning effect, because most dogs crunch it briefly or swallow it whole. Some specially formulated dental diets are designed to help. Either way, food alone isn't a dental routine.
When should I start brushing my puppy's teeth?
As early as you can. Puppies lose their baby teeth and get their adult teeth by around six months, and getting them used to having their mouth handled early makes brushing much easier for life. Use a soft finger brush and keep it fun.
Can I remove tartar at home?
No. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it needs to be removed by your vet. Scraping at it yourself can damage the enamel and gums. Home care is about preventing new tartar from forming.
