Pet Dental · Wilderness Vet

How do I brush my pet’s teeth and prevent dental disease?

80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age 3. The good news: with a calm routine, the right tools, and a few pro tips, you can protect their smile, stop stinky breath, and avoid costly vet work.

Smiling dog with clean teeth in natural light

What you’ll need (and what to skip)

Use enzymatic toothpaste made for pets — never human paste.
Chews help, but they don’t replace brushing.

  • Soft pet toothbrush (dual-head or finger brush for small mouths)
  • Enzymatic pet toothpaste (poultry/vanilla/malt flavors are fan favorites)
  • Dental wipes or gauze (backup for sensitive pets)
  • Treats for reward timing (tiny, soft, high-value)

Skip: Human toothpaste (xylitol & fluoride risks), baking soda (irritating), and hard bones/antlers that can fracture teeth.

A gentle 2-week warm-up (2–3 min/day)

Make brushing a predictable, positive ritual. Pair with the same cue (e.g., “tooth time!”), place, and reward timing.

Day 1–3
Flavor intro. Let them lick a pea-sized dab of toothpaste from your finger. Touch lips & cheeks briefly. Reward immediately.
Day 4–6
Finger swipe. Wrap gauze on your finger. Gently lift lip, swipe outer surfaces of front teeth for 3–5 seconds each side. Reward.
Day 7–10
Mini brush. Introduce toothbrush. Short, slow strokes on canine teeth only. Count to ten. Reward.
Day 11–14
Full arc. Add premolars/molars. Aim 30–45 seconds per side, outside surfaces only. Big party reward.

If your pet turns away, you went too fast. Step back a day and keep sessions short & sweet.

Brushing, step by step

  1. Position: Stand beside (not over) your pet. Keep it calm — no restraint bear hugs.
  2. Lift & smile: Gently lift the lip. You’re targeting the outer surfaces.
  3. Angle: Hold the brush at ~45° to the gumline so bristles sweep into the sulcus.
  4. Motion: Short, gentle circles. 5–10 strokes per tooth group. Focus on canines and upper back molars first.
  5. Time: 60–90 seconds total is a win. Daily is gold; 3–4×/week still helps a lot.
  6. Finish: No rinsing needed. Toss a tiny treat or a game as the finale.

Pro move: If the mouth is small, try a baby-sized brush or finger brush. For cats, a cotton swab can be a great starter “micro-brush.”

Owner brushing a dog's canine tooth with a soft toothbrush
45° angle to the gumline = plaque’s worst enemy.
Cat relaxing while owner gently lifts lip to brush
For cats, think tiny circles, ultra-short sessions, huge praise.

Your prevention menu (mix & match)

Brushing is the MVP. These teammates boost results, especially on busy days:

  • Dental wipes/gauze: Quick plaque wipe when you can’t brush.
  • VOHC-accepted chews: Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal.
  • Water additives: Help reduce bacteria & plaque film.
  • Diet: Kibble labeled for dental care or sprinkle of dental powder (seaweed-based).

Vet care matters: Even with great home care, most pets need periodic professional cleanings. Ask your vet to stage periodontal disease and set a schedule.

Quick FAQ

How often should I brush?

Daily is best; plaque hardens into tartar within ~48–72 hours. If daily isn’t realistic, aim for every other day and add chews/wipes on off days.

My pet hates it — what now?

Go back to flavor-only sessions for 3–5 day

Sources:

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