You can naturally clean your dog's teeth through diet (crunchy kibble, carrots, apples), dental chews, raw meaty bones (supervised), and water additives, all leveraging chewing action or natural ingredients to scrape plaque and reduce bacteria, but always prioritize safety and consider vet-approved options like VOHC-approved products, says Claws N Paws Animal Hospital.
Crunchy kibble and raw veggies help naturally scrub away plaque as your pup chews.
Regular brushing, dental chews, dental powder, chew bones, enzymatic dental dog treats, dog dental wipes and oral gels are great ways to keep your dog's teeth clean and fight plaque.
Puppies are more adaptable, making it easier to incorporate brushing into their routine. But even if you've got an older dog, it's never too late to start. The key is patience, consistency, and using the right tools, like a dog-friendly toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste.
Chewing. Some chewing toys are designed to keep gums and teeth healthy by helping to remove plaque from teeth. Dental Dog Toys are pet-safe toys that help to reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar.
Your vet will conduct a professional dental cleaning while your dog is under general anesthesia. The vet will use special tools to effectively remove plaque and tartar buildup. To make these vet visits easier, you can give your dog a daily dental chew to reduce plaque and tartar buildup between cleanings.
The right technique
Gently pry open your pup's mouth, and lightly run the “pasted” dog toothbrush on all teeth from as many angles as you can, just like how you would brush your own teeth. Use small, circular movements over the teeth, all the way up to the gum line, to cover off the entire surface.
Plaque hardens to form tartar, which is why you may notice yellow or brown stains on your dog's teeth. Persistent bad breath. This could be a sign that your dog has dental issues or plaque and tartar buildup.
If a dog has never had his teeth cleaned, it's likely that plaque and tartar have built up on the teeth surfaces, especially near the gum line, leading to dental health issues. Signs of dental problems in dogs include bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, and visible tartar build-up.
Can you brush dogs teeth with baking soda. No. Similar to human toothpaste, you should never brush your dog's teeth with baking soda. Baking soda is harmful for dogs if swallowed because it is highly alkaline, which makes it upsetting for canine stomachs and digestive tracts.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is the sodium bicarbonate that softens the tartar and balances the acidity in your mouth to prevent plaque formation. Make the baking soda paste by mixing a few drops of water and gently scrub your teeth using a toothbrush.
Brushing with coconut oil
Using coconut oil is a natural and effective way to soften and remove plaque on your dog's teeth. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that help to combat tartar buildup. It is recommended to brush your dog's teeth with coconut oil once a day for best results.
Some of the short snout dog breeds at risk for dental disease in this category include Bulldogs, Dogue de Bordeaux, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, English Toy Spaniel, Brussels Griffon, and the Affenpinscher, to name a few.
Yes, chewing on raw carrots is healthy for dogs, and it can help with cleaning their teeth. This is because raw carrot sticks are very hard, and dogs will need to do a great deal of chewing to eat the carrot. This chewing works to clean a dog's teeth in the same way that chewing on bones and toys can.
You can make your own by using ingredients from your pantry. Baking soda, peanut butter, coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, mint, or parsley are great ingredients to use when creating the perfect homemade dog toothpaste.
Dog Dental Wipes
Wipes work similarly to toothbrushes, but unlike tooth brushing, wipes can't get into the tiny nooks and crannies that a brush can. But, dental wipes are a great way to clean your pet's teeth and are easier to manage than a toothbrush with toothpaste.
The "333 dental rule" refers to two different concepts: a hygiene guideline (brush 3 times a day for 3 minutes, replace brush every 3 months) and a temporary toothache relief method (take 3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better habits, while the pain management rule helps control inflammation and pain before a dental visit, but requires caution as it's not a cure.
As a quick recap, here are the 11 best ways to clean your dog's teeth without brushing:
If your dog is older and has never had their teeth brushed, it's not too late to start. With patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, even adult dogs can learn to accept tooth brushing as part of their routine.
How to Remove Dog Tartar: At-Home Methods
Some signs to look out for include:
The 3-3-3 rule for brushing teeth is a simple guideline for excellent oral hygiene: brush 3 times a day, for at least 3 minutes each time, and wait at least 3 minutes after eating (especially acidic foods) before brushing to protect enamel, making it a more thorough routine than the standard twice-daily recommendation. This Korean-promoted method helps remove food debris and plaque after meals, reducing buildup.
Here are 5 options for helping to keep your dog's teeth clean:
Emmi-pet is a dental care system that your groomer will use to clean your dogs teeth without anaesthetic. It is gentle, soundless and motionless so will not upset your pet.