7 Tips on How to Keep Dog Teeth Clean
As a dog owner, you know how important it is to keep your dog’s teeth clean. But, it’s not always easy to clean dog teeth without a fuss from your dog. Here are 7 tips on how to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. From brushing to providing healthy dental chews, these tips will help make sure your dog’s smile is shining bright.
If you clean your dog’s teeth often you will be helping them prevent future dental disease (like periodontal disease, bad breath, plaque buildup, and gum disease) and other painful dental problems as they age. You can use a variety of methods to improve your dog’s oral health and help clean your dog’s teeth.
Not only will this help your pup prevent plaque buildup but it will also eliminate bad breath and other common symptoms of poor oral hygiene in dogs. Your dog’s mouth is very similar to your own and it needs to be cleaned regularly to keep your dog’s gums healthy and provide them with stronger teeth.

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What are the benefits of keeping my dog’s teeth clean?
- Eliminates stinky breath
- Remove plaque and prevent periodontal disease
- Improves your dog’s oral health
- Lowers vet bills
- Prevents painful dental disease
7 Tips on How to Keep Dog Teeth Clean
Below is our list of the top 7 tips on how to clean dog teeth with ease.

1) Feed your dog dental chews and crunchy foods (they help scrape away plaque and tartar)
Keeping your dog’s teeth in tip-top shape is an essential part of properly caring for them. Luckily, there’s a tasty way to do it, give your dog crunchy snacks or their regular kibble. When dogs chew on crunchy foods, they can help scrape off plaque and tartar which can lead to cavities and other mouth issues if not dealt with.
Plus, your four-legged bestie will love the yummy healthy treats like carrots, celery, or other crunchy foods. Giving you both a win-win situation. So give their pearly whites the attention they deserve and feed your furry friend a healthy dental chew for bad breath, and your pup will thank you!
2) Let your dog chew on his chew toys (it helps massage gums and reduce inflammation)
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean and healthy takes no effort at all with the help of all kinds of dental chew toys available today. By giving them daily access to dental chew toys, you can help massage their gums, reduce inflammation, and start preventing plaque buildup. Apart from the health benefits, these toys also provide tons of entertainment for your four-legged friend.
Not only do they get to enjoy a chance to eliminate excess energy and relax by chewing on a toy, but as they chomp away on the durable material of the toy it serves as an all-time favorite activity. Keep their cute little grin bright and shining with dental chew toys.
Some good chew toys that will help clean your dog’s teeth include cooked bones from the pet store, dog ropes (these can have a flossing effect), and even spiked or rigged rubber dog bones that clean your pet’s teeth as they chew.

3) Brush your dog’s teeth regularly (at least once a week is ideal)
Taking care of your dog’s dental hygiene should be a top priority, it’s no fun for anyone if your furry friend has stinky breath or suffers from painful tooth loss. It doesn’t have to be a daunting task, however; brushing their teeth weekly is the best way to keep the smile on your pup’s face for years to come.
Not only does regular toothbrushing clear away plaque and bacteria, but it also helps create stronger teeth and is an excellent bonding opportunity where you can show affection and love by gently scrubbing away at their pearly whites.
Have some fun and make it an enjoyable experience with pet-friendly toothpaste (never use human toothpaste on a dog’s teeth), flavored brushes, doggie toys, delicious treats, and whatever keeps them interested.
Regular teeth cleaning with dog toothpaste and toothbrush is the absolute best way to create a teeth cleaning routine that will prevent high bills at the vet’s office and even get you and your fur baby some compliments.
If your dog doesn’t seem interested in letting your clean their teeth you will want to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and doggie toothpaste that your dog likes the flavor of. Some adult dogs will never get used to the feeling of having a toothbrush in their mouth and will simply not enjoy having their teeth brushed.
4) Use a water additive or mouthwash designed specifically for dogs
Caring for your pup’s oral hygiene has never been easier with dog-specific mouthwash and water additives. Gone are the days of trying to sneakily brush their teeth. These additives will have you on course to a healthy and happy dog in no time, as long as your dog likes the flavor of mouthwash you choose.
Start by adding a small amount of the additive to your pup’s water bowl or applying it directly with a dropper or syringe. Perfect for all kinds of pups, these water additives and mouthwashes contain natural ingredients, such as herbs and enzymes, that not only freshen their breath but also help strengthen their teeth and reduce tartar build-up.

5) Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups and cleanings
Seeing your pup happy and healthy should be a priority for every pet parent. Taking your dog to the vet or groomer for regular teeth cleanings help you stay ahead of any health issues potentially affecting them.
From physical exams to vaccines and more, a visit to the vet is an important part of keeping your furry friend in tip-top shape. And don’t forget about their teeth—setting up an annual dental cleaning with your veterinarian can help ward off doggy breath and other problems that might arise from poor oral health. It may feel intimidating but remember: you’re doing all of this so they can enjoy life to its fullest!
6) Avoid feeding your dog sugary treats or table scraps
You want to make sure that your four-legged friends are getting the very best of nutrition and other care. To do so, avoid giving your pup sugary treats or table scraps that may not provide the necessary nutrients they need.
Keep your pup’s health in mind by providing healthy, protein-packed snacks like fruits, vegetables, and high-quality dog food to keep them happy and healthy for years to come. Not only will this help inspire a longer life for Fido, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing you have helped with their well-being.

7) Consider a Bark Bright subscription
Bark Bright dental chews and toothpaste are a great way to make your dog love brushing their teeth without having to use a toothbrush on them every day. I personally use Bark Bright dental treats for my dog’s dental care routine as he hates his toothbrush and doesn’t trust dog mouthwash in his water bowl (he literally barks at it).
With Bark Bright, I just add a line of the triple enzyme toothpaste to a chicken-flavored dental chew stick and give it to him. He loves it more than any other brand of dental chews and cannot wait to get his dental treat every night before bed.
If you are interested in learning more about Bark Bright and if it’s right for your dog then you can read my full review of Bark Bright which includes all the pros and cons I’ve experienced from using the product.
FAQ
Can I give dental treats to a young puppy?
It isn’t recommended to give puppies dog chews for bad breath. This is because puppies can easily get an upset stomach from the ingredients, puppies can also have loose teeth, and should always be supervised with any type of large dog chew.
What is the best way to prevent plaque buildup on my dog’s teeth?
The best way to prevent plaque buildup is by brushing your pup’s teeth regularly and providing them with dental chews that have natural ingredients like enzymes, herbs, and vitamins. Additionally, it’s important to take your pup for regular checkups at the vet or groomer as they can help spot any potential issues early on.
What are the benefits of using a water additive or mouthwash for my dog’s teeth?
Using a water additive or mouthwash can help freshen your pup’s breath and reduce tartar buildup. Additionally, some additives contain natural ingredients that may also help strengthen their teeth and prevent poor oral hygiene in your dog. Be sure to choose one with natural ingredients as long as your pup likes the flavor.
Final thoughts on how to keep your dog’s teeth clean
Just like humans, dogs need to take care of their teeth to avoid gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. By following the tips above, you can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy and sparkling for years to come. Do you have any other tips for keeping dogs’ teeth clean and healthy? Feel free to share them with us.