When was the last time you checked your dog’s teeth? Persistent bad breath, discoloured teeth or sore-looking gums are easy to overlook, but they can be signs that your dog needs dental attention. Looking after their mouth is about more than fresher breath—it is an important part of keeping them comfortable and healthy.
In our dental-care video, we take a closer look inside a dog’s mouth and show examples of products used for home dental care. Here is how to turn that attention into an everyday routine.
Why does dental care matter?
Plaque is a film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth. It can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Plaque-related inflammation can begin at the gums and progress to damage the tissues supporting the teeth, potentially causing pain and tooth loss.
Brushing helps remove plaque, but it does not remove established tartar. This is why home care and professional dental care have different roles: one helps control daily build-up, while the other assesses and treats problems that brushing alone cannot resolve.
What signs should you look out for?
Arrange a dental check if you notice persistent bad breath, yellow or brown deposits, red or bleeding gums, increased drooling, or changes in the way your dog eats. Dropping food or chewing mainly on one side can also be warning signs. Facial swelling or difficulty eating warrants prompt veterinary advice.
Do not wait for your dog to stop eating before asking for help. Pets can hide discomfort, and dental problems may be present before obvious changes in behaviour appear. AAHA
How to start brushing your dog’s teeth
Daily brushing is the recommended goal. However, before starting, have any sore gums, significant tartar or suspected dental pain assessed. Brushing an already painful mouth can hurt and make your dog less willing to accept dental care.
For a dog with a comfortable mouth, introduce brushing gradually:
- Start with gentle handling. Choose a quiet moment and let your dog become comfortable with you briefly lifting their lips. Reward calm behaviour.
- Introduce pet toothpaste. Allow your dog to taste a little toothpaste made specifically for pets. Never use human toothpaste.
- Add a suitable toothbrush. Use a soft pet toothbrush or an appropriate finger brush. Begin with a few teeth, gently brushing the outer surfaces along the gumline.
- Build up slowly. Keep early sessions short, offer praise and gradually cover more teeth as your dog becomes comfortable. Stop if they become distressed rather than forcing the session.
The aim is to create a routine your dog accepts—not to clean every tooth perfectly on the first attempt.
What about toothpaste, dental liquids and other products?
The video includes examples of pet toothpaste, a finger-brush kit and an oral-care liquid. Before choosing a product, ask your veterinary team how it fits into your dog’s routine and follow its specific instructions.
Some dental chews, diets and water additives can help reduce plaque accumulation, but they should support an appropriate dental-care plan rather than replace assessment or treatment of an unhealthy mouth.
When comparing products, look for evidence supporting their dental claims. The Veterinary Oral Health Council’s Seal of Acceptance identifies individual products that meet its standards for plaque control, tartar control or both. It is not an endorsement of every product from a particular brand.
When does your dog need professional dental cleaning?
Your vet will assess your dog’s mouth and discuss whether professional cleaning or further treatment is needed. A quick look at the visible teeth cannot fully assess what is happening below the gumline.
A comprehensive veterinary dental assessment and cleaning requires general anaesthesia, allowing thorough examination, dental X-rays and cleaning beneath the gums. Removing only the visible tartar from an awake dog does not provide the same assessment or treatment. Your vet should explain the proposed procedure and the individual considerations for your dog.
Do not attempt to scrape tartar off at home. Dental instruments can injure the gums, and cleaning only the visible surfaces leaves problems below the gumline untreated.
Dental care at Tat-Targa Vet Clinic
At Tat-Targa Vet Clinic in Naxxar, we offer dental examinations, scale-and-polish procedures and oral-health advice. Whether you have noticed bad breath or simply need help getting started with brushing, speak to our team about the next step for your dog. Targa Kennels
Book a dental check and let’s make your dog’s oral health part of their everyday care.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual veterinary examination.