small dog getting their teeth brushed

How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth at Home

By: Spot & Tango

Say goodbye to dog breath! Learn how to clean your dog’s teeth at home with easy tips, tasty dental chews, and food from Spot & Tango. Healthy smiles start here.

  • Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is an essential part of their overall health. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath if their teeth aren’t properly cared for. Over time, poor dental hygiene can lead to painful infections, tooth loss, and even more serious health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.

    The good news? You can take control of your dog’s oral health at home with simple yet effective cleaning methods. While professional dental cleanings are important, regular brushing, dental chews, and a nutritious diet can significantly reduce plaque and keep your dog’s breath fresh.

    By making dental care a regular part of your dog’s routine, you can help prevent common dental diseases and keep their teeth strong and healthy for years to come.

  • Table of Contents

  • Key Takeaways

    • Regular dental cleaning is essential for preventing plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss. Brushing, dental chews, and proper nutrition all play a role in maintaining oral health.
    • Poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems beyond bad breath. Bacteria from the mouth can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys, increasing the risk of infection and disease.
    • A balanced diet supports both dental and digestive health. Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food provides essential nutrients for strong teeth and healthy gums, while Spot & Tango Dental Chews help remove plaque and freshen breath naturally.

  • How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth at Home

    Taking care of your dog’s teeth at home doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right approach, you can prevent plaque buildup, freshen breath, and support long-term dental health without relying solely on professional cleanings.

    1. Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

    Brushing is the gold standard for keeping your dog’s teeth clean and preventing dental disease. While not all dogs take to brushing immediately, patience and a step-by-step approach can help make it a positive experience.

    Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

    1️. Choose the Right Tools – Use a dog-specific toothbrush (or a soft-bristled human toothbrush) and enzymatic dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients like xylitol that are toxic to dogs.

    2️. Get Your Dog Comfortable – Let your dog sniff and taste the toothpaste first. Gently rub their gums and teeth with your finger to help them adjust to the sensation.

    3️. Start Slow – Introduce the toothbrush gradually, brushing just a few teeth at a time. Focus on the outer surfaces, where plaque accumulates the most.

    4️. Use Gentle, Circular Motions – Brush in small circles, paying extra attention to the back molars and gum line, where tartar buildup is most common.

    5️. Make It a Positive Experience – Reward your dog with praise, a treat, or extra playtime to create a positive association with brushing.

    2. Dental Chews & Toys for Natural Teeth Cleaning

    While brushing is the most effective method for cleaning your dog’s teeth, chewing also plays a vital role in oral health. Try PupGum, the first dental chew clinically proven to reduce bad breath compounds in just 7 days! Chewing helps naturally remove plaque and tartar while strengthening teeth and gums.

    How Dental Chews Help Keep Teeth Clean

    Dental chews are specially designed to:

    • Scrape off plaque buildup as your dog chews.
    • Promote saliva production, which naturally washes away bacteria.
    • Freshen breath by reducing odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.

    By combining regular brushing with dental chews and chew-friendly toys, you can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh without relying solely on professional cleanings.

    3. Natural Alternatives for Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth

    If brushing isn’t always an option, there are natural ways to help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Certain foods and home remedies can reduce plaque buildup, freshen breath, and promote oral health.

    Use Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

    Some crunchy fruits and vegetables act as natural toothbrushes, gently scrubbing the teeth while being chewed.

    • Carrots & Apples – Help remove plaque and freshen breath.
    • Celery – Stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria.
    • Cucumber – A hydrating snack that helps clean teeth.

    Avoid feeding grapes, raisins, or onions, as these are toxic to dogs.

    Use Coconut Oil for Oral Health

    Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a natural way to reduce bacteria in your dog’s mouth.

    How to Use Coconut Oil

    • Rub a small amount on your dog’s teeth and gums.
    • Mix a teaspoon into their food for added oral and digestive benefits.

    Apple Cider Vinegar for Fresh Breath

    Apple cider vinegar contains natural enzymes that help break down plaque and fight bacteria that cause bad breath.

    How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar

    • Add a teaspoon to your dog’s water bowl (make sure your dog tolerates the taste).

    While these remedies can help, they should be used alongside regular brushing and a healthy diet for best results.

  • Why Dog Dental Cleaning is Important

    Many pet owners overlook dental care as part of their dog’s health routine, assuming bad breath is normal. However, neglecting your dog’s teeth can lead to serious problems beyond just unpleasant odors.

    1. Prevents Plaque and Tartar Buildup

    Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and food particles that naturally forms on a dog’s teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning. Tartar buildup leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and, eventually, periodontal disease.

    Signs of Plaque & Tartar:

    • Yellow or brown deposits on teeth
    • Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
    • Bad breath that doesn’t improve with home remedies

    2. Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease & Tooth Loss

    Advanced dental disease causes pain, infection, and tooth loss. Dogs rely on their teeth for eating, chewing, and even playing, so maintaining strong, healthy teeth is essential for their well-being.

    Signs of Advanced Gum Disease:

    • Loose or missing teeth
    • Difficulty eating or reluctance to chew
    • Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth

    3. Protects Against Systemic Health Issues

    Bacteria from an infected mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. This condition, called bacteremia, can lead to serious complications, especially in older dogs. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean helps prevent these health risks.

    Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Feeding your dog a high-quality, whole-food diet like Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food provides essential nutrients that support strong teeth, healthy gums, and better digestion—reducing the risk of bad breath.

  • When to See a Vet for Professional Dog Dental Cleaning

    While regular at-home care is essential for maintaining your dog’s oral health, some dental issues require professional veterinary attention. If plaque and tartar buildup become severe, or if your dog shows signs of dental disease, a professional cleaning may be necessary.

    Signs Your Dog Needs a Professional Dental Cleaning

    • Severe Tartar Buildup – If you notice thick yellow or brown deposits on your dog’s teeth, brushing alone may not be enough to remove them.
    • Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums – These are signs of gingivitis, which can lead to painful infections if left untreated.
    • Persistent Bad Breath – Occasional bad breath is normal, but a strong, foul odor that doesn’t go away may indicate gum disease or an infection.
    • Loose or Missing Teeth – Dental disease can weaken the gums, leading to tooth loss and difficulty eating.
    • Pawing at the Mouth or Difficulty Eating – If your dog avoids chewing hard foods or appears uncomfortable when eating, they may be experiencing oral pain or infection.

    What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning?

    If your vet determines that your dog needs a deep cleaning, the procedure typically includes:

    • A full oral examination under anesthesia.
    • Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar.
    • Tooth extractions if any teeth are severely damaged.
    • X-rays and gum evaluation to check for underlying issues.

    By maintaining regular at-home dental care, you can help reduce the need for frequent professional cleanings.

  • How Spot & Tango Supports Dental Health

    A balanced diet plays a crucial role in keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. What your dog eats directly impacts plaque buildup, gum health, and breath freshness.

    Why Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food?

    Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food and UnKibble provide natural, whole-food nutrition that supports long-term dental and digestive health.

    • No artificial fillers or preservatives that contribute to plaque buildup.
    • Nutrient-rich, easily digestible ingredients that reduce bad breath from within.
    • Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids to support gum health and reduce inflammation.

    Spot & Tango Dental Chews for Clean Teeth

    In addition to a high-quality diet, chewing is essential for keeping your dog’s teeth clean. Spot & Tango Dental Chews provide:

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    • A safe and effective way to reduce plaque buildup.
    • Natural ingredients that support fresh breath.
    • A satisfying chew texture that promotes healthy gums.

    By combining proper nutrition, regular brushing, and dental chews, you can help your dog maintain a healthy mouth for years to come.

  • Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Teeth Cleaning

    1. How often should I clean my dog’s teeth?

    For the best results, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily, but 3-4 times a week is a good minimum to prevent plaque buildup.

    2. What happens if I don’t clean my dog’s teeth?

    Neglecting dental care can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, tooth loss, and infections. Bacteria from the mouth can also spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys, causing serious health problems.

    3. Are dental chews enough to clean my dog’s teeth?

    Dental chews help reduce plaque and freshen breath, but they should be used alongside regular brushing for the best dental care. Spot & Tango Dental Chews provide an easy and effective way to support oral hygiene.

    4. What is the safest way to remove tartar from my dog’s teeth?

    Brushing and dental chews can help prevent tartar buildup, but severe tartar may require a professional cleaning by a veterinarian.

    5. Can diet help keep my dog’s teeth clean?

    Yes! A high-quality, whole-food diet supports gum health and digestion, which can reduce bad breath and plaque buildup. Spot & Tango’s Fresh Dog Food is made with natural, nutrient-dense ingredients to promote long-term oral health.