how to care for your puppy’s teeth

You may think that brushing your puppy’s teeth is no big thing. But the truth is, it’s important to start regular dental hygiene when they’re young. This gives you an opportunity to observe any problems that might occur as they lose their baby teeth — and grow their permanent adult teeth.

Why brush a puppy’s teeth that early if they’ll lose their baby teeth soon? 

That’s a good question. 

Starting the practice early helps your pet get used to dental care for when the time comes to brush their adult teeth. Brushing may also feel good on their gums because, like human babies, puppies can experience pain and inflammation when growing new teeth. 

Regularly checking their teeth while you brush them also allows you to see any problems occurring as their baby teeth fall out and their new teeth grow in. It’s not uncommon for baby teeth to need an extra push (with the help of your veterinarian!) to allow room for permanent adult teeth. 

Why dental care matters 

Dental disease affects more than 75% of the dogs and 65% of the cats we see at Banfield. This affliction is more than just stinky breath — dental disease can also cause inflamed gums, broken teeth, abscesses, and a lot of pain and discomfort. Dogs with dental disease are also more likely to develop kidney and heart disease.

Bringing your pet to our hospitals for their yearly dental cleaning is always a great idea, but we also recommend regular dental cleaning at home to help prevent dental disease. (Hint, hint: Our Active Care Plus Optimum Wellness Plan includes a yearly dental cleaning with descaling above and below the gum line.) 

So how do you brush a bombastic puppy’s teeth?  

How to brush your puppy’s teeth 

Brushing a puppy’s teeth is similar to brushing an adult dog’s teeth, and it all starts with getting them used to having your hands and a toothbrush in their mouth.  

Here are the tools you’ll need: pet toothpaste, and a finger brush, a pet toothbrush, or a piece of gauze. 

• First, you want to slowly work your hand down to their mouth and lightly rub the side of their lips (stop if your puppy is resistant).  
• Next, you’ll gently lift their lips and run your finger along their teeth and gums while keeping their mouth closed.  
• If your pet is comfortable with these actions, now it’s time for the brushing!  
• Squeeze toothpaste on the finger brush, pet toothbrush, or piece of gauze and let them taste the paste. Be sure to use dog-approved toothpaste. They usually don’t like the strong mint flavor of human toothpaste, and it's unsafe if they swallow it.  
• Then you’ll move the brush or gauze in a circular motion along the outside of your puppy’s upper and lower teeth and move on to more teeth if your pet seems comfortable.   

Try to do this for 30 seconds on each side at least three days a week. We know that might sound challenging, so try to do the best you can.

If you need assistance with brushing your puppy’s teeth and your pet has an Optimum Wellness Plan, this is a great topic for our veterinary professionals on our 24/7 Pet Chat^™.

Happy brushing!