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How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth (Even If They Resist)

Short answer

Brush your dog's teeth with a dog toothbrush or finger brush and pet-specific toothpaste, ideally daily and at least a few times a week to control plaque. Introduce it gradually and keep it positive; never use human toothpaste, which can contain xylitol that is toxic to dogs.

Sourced from veterinary authorities · not a diagnosis · anything risky goes to a vet.

Who this is for

Adult dogs, for owners doing at-home dental care between professional veterinary cleanings.

When this doesn’t apply
  • Dogs with a painful mouth, broken or loose teeth, bleeding gums, or bad breath — have a vet examine them first
  • A substitute for professional veterinary dental cleanings
  • Forcing the brush on a dog that is frightened or aggressive about mouth handling

Step by step

  1. Pick the right tools
    Use a dog toothbrush, a multi-headed brush, or a finger brush, plus pet-specific toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste or baking soda.
  2. Build a positive association first
    Over a few sessions, let your dog lick a little pet toothpaste off your finger and reward calm behavior so brushing feels good, not scary.
  3. Touch the teeth and gums
    Rub a finger or soft cloth over the outer surfaces of the teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion, focusing on the gumline. Stay on the outside surfaces to avoid being bitten.
  4. Introduce the brush
    Move to the toothbrush at the gumline on the outer surfaces, brushing a few teeth at a time with praise throughout.
  5. Build up coverage
    Add more teeth over days or weeks until you can brush the outer surfaces of most teeth in one session.
  6. Make it a routine
    Aim for daily brushing; a few times a week is the practical minimum, since plaque re-forms quickly.

What changes the answer

  • How resistant or fearful your dog is (go slower)
  • Existing dental disease or mouth pain (see your vet before brushing)
  • Breed and size, since crowded small-breed teeth trap more plaque
  • Whether your vet has recommended a professional cleaning

Common mistakes

  • Using human toothpaste, which can contain xylitol that is toxic to dogs
  • Forcing the brush before the dog is comfortable
  • Brushing only occasionally, so plaque keeps building up
  • Reaching for the inner tooth surfaces early and risking a bite instead of focusing on the outside

Sources

Common questions

How often should I brush?
Daily is ideal; a few times a week is the practical minimum to keep plaque under control.
My dog hates it — what should I do?
Slow down and break it into small steps over several days with lots of rewards. If the mouth seems painful, have your vet check it before continuing.
Can I use baking soda?
No. VCA advises against it because its high alkaline content can upset the stomach and digestive tract. Use pet toothpaste instead.
Does brushing replace professional cleanings?
No. Home brushing slows plaque, but dogs still need professional veterinary dental care.

Next steps