--- title: "How to brush your dog's teeth to help prevent gum disease" description: "Why daily brushing is the gold standard for dog teeth, how to brush at home, warning signs, and what AAHA and the AVDC say about anaesthesia-free cleaning." url: https://muttcuts.co.za/blog/dog-dental-care-teeth-brushing/ published: 2026-10-16 author: "Mutt Cuts Pet Parlour" publisher: "Mutt Cuts Pet Parlour, 188 Koedoe Street, Wierdapark, Centurion, 0157, South Africa" tags: ["Dental care","Dogs","Health"] language: en-ZA --- # How to brush your dog's teeth to help prevent gum disease > Gum (periodontal) disease is the most common clinical condition in adult pets, including dogs, and most dogs over three years old have some degree of it. Daily brushing with a toothpaste made for dogs is the gold standard for home care, alongside regular vet dental check-ups. A proper dental clean is done by a vet under general anaesthesia, and AAHA and the AVDC both advise against scaling a dog's teeth while it is awake. ## Key takeaways - Cornell University's vet college says studies show 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 have some component of periodontal disease. - Daily brushing is the gold standard for controlling plaque at home. Use a dog toothpaste, never a human one. - Brushing removes plaque but not hardened tartar (calculus), and it does not replace vet dental check-ups. - AAHA and the AVDC advise against anaesthesia-free scaling because it cannot clean or examine below the gumline, where gum disease does its damage. - A groomer's teeth brushing is not a dental clean and cannot replace daily brushing at home. If you have ever caught a whiff of your dog's breath and wondered whether it is normal, this guide is for you. It covers why gum disease is so common in dogs, how to brush at home, the signs that mean a trip to the vet, and what a groomer's teeth brushing can and cannot do. The short answer: brushing your dog's teeth every day with a dog toothpaste is the most effective thing you can do at home, and regular vet check-ups take care of what brushing cannot reach. A proper dental clean is done by a vet with your dog under general anaesthesia. Veterinary bodies advise against scaling a dog's teeth while it is awake. ## How common is gum disease in dogs? Periodontal disease is the destruction of the gum tissue, bone and other structures that hold the teeth in place, caused by a bacterial infection beneath the gumline. The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) calls it the most common clinical condition affecting adult pets, even though it is almost entirely preventable. It starts with plaque. Cornell's vet college describes plaque as an invisible film laid down by bacteria on the teeth above and below the gumline. Plaque inflames the gums (gingivitis), creates deep gaps between the teeth and gums (periodontal pockets) and damages the tissues beneath the gums (periodontitis). Over time this ends in tooth loss, with a lot of pain along the way. It also starts young. [Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-topics/canine-health-information/periodontal-disease) says that even if your dog's teeth look pearly white and clean, studies show that "80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 have some component of periodontal disease". It is worse in smaller breeds and becomes more common with age. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says that by 3 years old your dog will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which worsens with age without effective prevention. Most of the damage happens under the gumline, out of sight. The AVDC warns that by the time there are obvious signs such as bad breath and loose teeth, there is already significant damage. ## Why is daily brushing the gold standard? The AVDC says daily brushing remains the gold standard to prevent plaque and calculus (tartar) and slow the progression of periodontal disease. The AVMA calls regular brushing the single most effective thing you can do to keep your pet's teeth healthy between dental cleanings. Cornell explains that you want to break up what the bacteria lay down every day, before it advances under the gums. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) dental care guidelines state that brushing needs to be done daily to be of benefit. The AVMA accepts that this is not always possible and says brushing several times a week can be effective, so aim for every day and keep going if you miss one. Brushing has two limits: - **It does not remove tartar.** AAHA says brushing only removes plaque, not calculus. Tartar already on the teeth needs a professional clean by your vet. - **It does not replace vet care.** AAHA notes that even daily brushing does not remove the need for examinations under anaesthesia, X-rays and treatment, the same as in human dental care. ## How do I brush my dog's teeth at home? Go slowly and keep it pleasant. These steps follow the advice of VCA Animal Hospitals: 1. **Start early if you can.** Begin as soon as you bring a puppy home, but it is never too late to start with an adult dog. 2. **Use the right kit.** Choose a toothbrush designed for dogs and a toothpaste made for pets. Never use human toothpaste or baking soda; Cornell explains that human toothpaste contains detergents and fluoride. Ask your vet which product suits your pet. 3. **Introduce it gradually.** Let your dog sniff and lick the toothbrush and taste a little toothpaste. For a few days, practise gently lifting the lips for short periods. 4. **Pick a calm time and a good spot.** VCA suggests brushing after some exercise, when your dog is more likely to sit still, in a comfortable place with good lighting. 5. **Brush the outside surfaces.** Lift the lip and gently brush the outside of the teeth and gums. Most dogs will not let you brush the inside surfaces. 6. **Stop if your dog gets agitated.** Try again later so brushing does not become a bad experience. 7. **Praise and reward.** Praise your dog the whole time and finish with a treat or a game. One important exception: if your dog's gums are already red, swollen or bleeding, see your vet before you start. AAHA warns that brushing teeth with already inflamed gums will cause pain and can put your dog off brushing. Our [puppy first groom guide](https://muttcuts.co.za/blog/puppy-first-groom-guide/) has more on getting a young dog used to handling. ## When should your dog see a vet about its teeth? Book a vet visit if you notice any of these signs of dental problems listed by the AVMA: - Bad breath - Broken or loose teeth - Extra teeth or retained baby teeth - Teeth that are discoloured or covered in tartar - Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth - Reduced appetite or refusal to eat - Pain in or around the mouth - Bleeding from the mouth - Swelling around the mouth Cornell adds other possible signs of mouth pain, such as pawing or rubbing at the mouth, taking longer to finish meals, reluctance to chew favourite toys, and aggressive behaviour or withdrawal from the family. It also notes that periodontal disease is painful even if your dog does not seem to show it. At a veterinary dental clean, the AVMA explains, the vet examines the mouth, may take X-rays of the jaw and tooth roots, and scales (removes plaque and tartar) and polishes the teeth, all under anaesthesia because most dental disease happens below the gumline. Cornell lists an annual professional oral evaluation and treatment under general anaesthesia as one of the three parts of successful prevention, together with a trained owner and a cooperative dog. ## Is anaesthesia-free dental cleaning a good idea? You may see "anaesthesia-free" or "non-anaesthetic" dental cleaning offered for dogs, where the teeth are scaled while the dog is awake. AAHA and the AVDC both advise against it. **What AAHA says.** AAHA's 2019 dental care guidelines describe non-anaesthetic dentistry as not appropriate because of patient stress, injury, risk of aspiration and lack of diagnostic capabilities. Because it only cleans the visible surfaces of the teeth, it gives owners a false sense of benefit to their pet's oral health, and removing tartar above the gumline alone is "purely cosmetic and ineffective to treat disease". [AAHA also says](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2019-aaha-dental-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/nonanesthetic-dentistry-2/) "groomers and others should never be allowed to scale a pet's teeth", and that scaling should only be done by trained veterinary staff in a clinical setting with the animal under anaesthesia. Non-anaesthetic scaling, it adds, can cause pain, fear, bleeding and infection. **What the AVDC says.** In its [position statement on dental scaling without anaesthesia](https://avdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/AVDC-pos-stmts/Dental_Scaling_Without_Anesthesia.pdf), the AVDC explains that: - Tartar is firmly attached to the teeth and is removed with sharp instruments, so even slight head movement could injure the dog's mouth. - Reaching below the gumline of every tooth is impossible in an awake dog, and removing tartar from the visible surfaces has little effect on a pet's health. In the AVDC's words, "The effect is purely cosmetic." - A complete oral examination is not possible in an awake dog. The surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue cannot be examined, and areas of disease and discomfort are likely to be missed. ## Can a groomer clean my dog's teeth? A groomer can brush your dog's teeth, but that is not a dental clean. Brushing removes plaque; it does not remove tartar, reach below the gumline or check for disease. AAHA says brushing needs to be done daily to be of benefit, and Cornell's vet college points out that a groomer's brushing is still only every month or two and does not provide the benefits of daily brushing, so it cannot replace brushing at home. Groomers also do not diagnose, so if you notice any of the warning signs above, see your vet. ## How Mutt Cuts can help At Mutt Cuts Pet Parlour in Wierdapark, our Teeth Cleaning extra (one of our Extra Spoils for dogs) is teeth brushing done during the groom. It is brushing, not scaling, and it does not replace daily brushing at home or your vet's dental care. You can find out more on our [services page](https://muttcuts.co.za/services/) and add Teeth Cleaning when you book. If your dog is wary of having its mouth handled, tell us when you book and we will take it slowly and let your dog set the pace, as we do for [nervous dogs](https://muttcuts.co.za/grooming/nervous-dogs/). We also sell Montego dental treats in our shop, which you can pick up when you drop off or collect your dog. A dental treat can be a nice extra in your home routine, but it does not replace daily brushing or your vet's dental checks. Ask your vet whether a dental treat suits your dog, and choose one that is the right size for your dog. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I use human toothpaste on my dog? No. Cornell University's vet college says human toothpaste is not recommended because it contains detergents and fluoride, and VCA Animal Hospitals advises never using human toothpaste or baking soda on pets. Use a toothpaste made for dogs, and ask your vet which product suits your pet. ### Do dental chews or treats replace brushing? No. The American Veterinary Dental College says daily brushing remains the gold standard, while diets, treats, chews and water additives with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance can assist your home care. AAHA also warns about damage from inappropriate chew toys, so ask your vet which chews suit your dog. ### Is anaesthesia safe for a dog's dental cleaning? AAHA's dental care guidelines state that the risks of anaesthesia in healthy or minimally compromised patients are very low when it is performed by appropriately trained people. If you are worried, ask your vet about your own dog's risks before the procedure. ## Sources 1. [Pet dental care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care), American Veterinary Medical Association 2. [Periodontal disease](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-topics/canine-health-information/periodontal-disease), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine 3. [Pet Periodontal Disease](https://afd.avdc.org/pet-periodontal-disease/), American Veterinary Dental College 4. [Companion Animal Dental Scaling Without Anesthesia](https://avdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/AVDC-pos-stmts/Dental_Scaling_Without_Anesthesia.pdf), American Veterinary Dental College 5. [Recommending home oral hygiene and products](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2019-aaha-dental-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/recommending-products/), American Animal Hospital Association 6. [Nonanesthetic Dentistry](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2019-aaha-dental-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/nonanesthetic-dentistry/), American Animal Hospital Association 7. [Nonanesthetic scaling of teeth](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2019-aaha-dental-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/nonanesthetic-dentistry-2/), American Animal Hospital Association 8. [How to brush your pet's teeth](https://vcahospitals.com/resources/preventive-dog/dental/how-to-brush-your-pets-teeth), VCA Animal Hospitals --- This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet’s health, please contact your vet. Published by [Mutt Cuts Pet Parlour](https://muttcuts.co.za/), a dog and cat grooming parlour at 188 Koedoe Street, Wierdapark, Centurion, 0157. Book a groom on WhatsApp 072 250 4552, call 012 653 0912, or book online at https://muttcuts.co.za/contact/.