Updated September 30, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Good home dental care can slow dental disease in dogs, but it cannot remove disease that is already established below the gumline. Daily brushing is still the most effective thing you can do at home, while loose teeth, heavy tartar, and painful gums usually need professional treatment.
What works best at home?
If your dog will tolerate it, brushing every day is the gold standard. Use a soft toothbrush or finger brush with toothpaste made for dogs.
Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth, especially the back teeth. You do not need to scrub every surface perfectly for brushing to help.
Dental chews can help
Dental chews, diets, and water additives can reduce plaque and tartar, but products vary widely. Look for products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which evaluates evidence behind dental claims.
These products work best as an addition to brushing, not a replacement for it.
What home care cannot do
Once tartar is hardened below the gumline or periodontal disease has damaged the tissues supporting a tooth, brushing cannot reverse it.
Home care also cannot fix:
- Loose teeth
- Broken teeth
- Tooth-root infections
- Advanced gum disease
- Painful oral masses
Signs your dog needs a dental exam
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Brown or yellow tartar
- Loose or broken teeth
- Dropping food while eating
- Chewing on only one side
- Facial swelling
- Pawing at the mouth
What about anesthesia-free dental cleaning?
Anesthesia-free cleaning may make the visible tooth surface look cleaner, but it does not allow a veterinarian to safely examine and clean below the gumline, where periodontal disease develops.
A complete dental procedure under anesthesia allows for probing, dental X-rays, cleaning below the gums, and treatment of diseased teeth.
Skip hard objects that can break teeth
Very hard bones, antlers, hooves, and similar chews can fracture teeth. If an object is so hard that you cannot make an indentation with your fingernail, it may be too hard for regular chewing.
How to start brushing
If your dog has never had their teeth brushed, start slowly:
- Let your dog taste a small amount of dog toothpaste.
- Practice lifting the lip for a few seconds.
- Rub the teeth gently with your finger.
- Introduce the toothbrush once your dog is comfortable.
- Build toward daily brushing rather than forcing a full session on day one.
Related: dental water additives for pets.
Sources
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
- American Veterinary Dental College.
- AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.