Puppy Dental Care: How and When to Start Brushing Their Teeth

It’s been reported that roughly 80 percent of dogs show signs of oral health issues by the age of three. So, maintaining good dental hygiene for your puppy is crucial for their overall health and well-being — and starting early is the best way to get ahead of any future problems. 

Why is dental care important for puppies?

So here’s the good news: most of that is preventable, and it starts with a toothbrush, not a miracle. Brushing their teeth regularly from an early age helps prevent plaque buildup, tartar formation — and eventually — gum disease, which can lead to painful infections and even tooth loss.

When to start brushing your puppy’s teeth

“Start brushing your dog’s teeth when you get them as a puppy at eight weeks old to get them used to their mouth being handled,” Dr. Lindsay Butzer says. Plus, the earlier you start, the easier it will be to train your puppy to be comfortable with brushing and dental check-ups. Also, let’s be real; there’s a fine line between puppy breath and stinky breath.

How often should you brush a puppy’s teeth?

It’s best to brush a puppy’s teeth twice a day if possible. It might seem like a lot, but your puppy’s teeth require just as much care and attention as a human’s. Of course, not all puppies are going to take to brushing easily, which is why Dr. Butzer recommends treating brushing like any other training experience:

“Simply make it a fun experience for them and always give them a treat after to reward them for being good,” Dr. Butzer advises. “Try to brush the teeth gently and avoid brushing too hard on the gums, as this can cause bleeding and irritation.”

How to choose the best dental care for your puppy

When it comes to choosing dental care products for your puppy, there are two factors to consider: gentleness and durability. A puppy’s teeth can be delicate and tender, while their temperament can be anything but. Products specifically designed for puppies often feature soft, durable rubbers that are designed to last until adulthood. When you can, opt for these products made for puppies over those designed for adult dogs.

Here’s what to look for:

• Softness. Puppy teeth and gums are more sensitive, so look for softer rubber or bristles, not anything stiff or abrasive.

• Size. Puppy mouths are smaller — products should be sized for their jaw, not scaled down from an adult version.

• Durable. The best puppy products are durable enough to handle teething but still gentle on baby teeth.

• Geared towards puppies. Adult dog products are designed for bigger, stronger, permanent teeth — using them too early can do more harm than good.

“Adult teeth are bigger and stronger than puppy teeth,” Dr. Butzer tells Adopt a Pet. “The roots are deeper and the teeth themselves are larger as they are the permanent teeth.” That said, adult dog products are built to clean and withstand adult dog teeth and are often too tough for puppies. 

Commonly asked questions

What are signs of dental problems in puppies?

Bad breath is the obvious one, but it isn’t the only clue — watch for red or swollen gums, teeth that look discolored or coated in a yellowish film, drooling more than usual, pawing at their mouth, or dropping food while eating. If your puppy suddenly won’t let you touch their face when they used to be fine with it, that’s worth a vet visit, too.

Do puppies lose their baby teeth, so do I still need to brush them?

Yes, puppies lose their baby teeth, and yes, you do need to brush them. Puppies lose their baby teeth around three to six months, but that doesn’t mean you get a pass until then. Brushing early builds the habit and gets your puppy used to having their mouth handled — so by the time their adult teeth come in, it’s just routine instead of a wrestling match. Skipping the baby-teeth phase makes brushing an adult dog’s teeth a lot harder.

What if my puppy won’t let me brush their teeth?

It’s totally normal for a puppy to resist getting their teeth brushed, and no need to force it. Start small: just lift their lips and touch their gums with your finger for a few seconds a day. Later, add a lick of dog-safe toothpaste to your finger so they associate the whole thing with something tasty. Keep sessions short, always end on a good note, and work your way up to an actual brush over days, weeks, or even months. If they’re still fighting you after a few weeks, a vet or trainer can help troubleshoot.

Are dental chews as effective as brushing?

Short answer: No, dental chews are not as effective as brushing on their own. Dental chews can help cut down on plaque between brushings, but they’re a supplement, not a substitute. Brushing is still the gold standard because it physically removes plaque before it hardens into tartar — something no chew can fully replicate. Think of chews as backup, not the whole plan.

References

Dog Owners’ Perspectives on Canine Dental Health—A Questionnaire Study in Sweden