It’s been reported opens in a new tabthat 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 wellbeing – and starting early is the best way to get ahead of any future problems.
Navigating life with a new pet? Head to littleKin!
littleKin™ is Kinship’s home just for puppy and kitten parents. Bop over to check out expert advice, new pet tools, and special deals—all curated for your newest family member.
“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,” says Dr Lindsay Butzer.
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.
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 gentlyopens in a new tab 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. A good place to start is by opting for a Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved product where possible.
“Adult teeth are bigger and stronger than puppy teeth,” says Dr Butzer. “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.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite puppy-specific dental products that allow your pup to crush dental disease early on.
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
Designed specifically for puppies’ tiny razor teeth, this toothbrush-and-toothpaste combo kit by Nylabone is a great start to your little one’s dental toolkit. With two types of toothbrushes (one that can be worn on your finger for easy brushing), you and your pup can explore what works for both of you.
Plus, the included toothpaste is mild and well-tolerated by pups not used to the taste and texture of toothpaste. Some reviews even say that their pups started to get excited for brushing time. That’s a big deal.
This toothbrush by Arm & Hammer was built to make brushing your pup’s teeth quick, easy and effective. Designed for small jaws, the unique 360-degree bristle placement allows you to brush both top and bottom rows of your dog’s teeth, making it ideal for impatient puppies. The rubber handle is also clutch; it allows you to get a grip both mentally and literally when dealing with a jumpy pup.
This all-ages finger brush by Wag & Bright is a great option for fast-growing pups. The silicone design is equally gentle and strong, so you can use it on both baby and adult teeth without worry. Add in the fact that the high-quality material is super easy to clean and resistant to puncture, and you’ll be able to hang onto this toothbrush for years to come.
For all kinds of early onset dental issues, this toothpaste by Vet’s Best is a great choice for getting ahead of them. Utilising an enzymatic formula to tackle bacteria and tartar, this toothpaste can also white teeth and protect gums. Full transparency: your pup might need time to get used to the flavour, but the benefits of this toothpaste are well worth it.
Also recommended by most vets, Virbac’s C.E.T. Dual Enzyme system is designed to inhibit the formation of plaque. It has no foaming agents, so the toothpaste is safe to be swallowed, which you can expect your dog to do given its tasty (for them) poultry flavour.
Greenies is on a mission to keep pets’ teeth clean. These chewy bones are protein-rich and easily digestible, making them a tasty way to improve your dog’s oral hygiene as well as an easy one.
These dental chews are packed with natural ingredients including parsley, coconut oil and fennel. They come in a range of sizes so you can find the right fit for your pup’s mouth.
These five-star treats by Whimzees take a different but equally effective approach to your pup’s dental health. Utilising a gentle high fibre formula to tackle build up, this once-a-day treat is also easy for puppy tummies to digest.
Puppies may be avid chewers, but their teeth need gentle surfaces, especially while teething. That’s why we love this teething stick by KONG, formulated with gentle rubber just for puppies. Intended for use by puppies up to nine months, this teething stick can also be stuffed with chews or filled with dog-safe peanut butteropens in a new tab. Keep in mind: while this teething stick is intended for puppies of all breeds, it’s only safe for use in puppies up to 16kg.
Remember that no teething toy is entirely safe for a puppy, and they should be watched at all times when using them.
Nylabone makes great dental toys for dogs of all ages with special products available for puppies, adults and seniors. This dual-action dental chew is designed specifically for a puppy’s teething needs by combining smooth rubber with gentle nubs. It also tastes like bacon, which dogs of all ages and sizes can get behind. However, for safety purposes, reserve this bone for pups up to 11kg.
For bigger puppies (up to 22kg), opt for this teething bone by Playology. Crafted from gentle rubber for big yet delicate puppy teeth, this bone also features beef-scented nubs for a delicious gum massage experience.
If you’re looking for an everyday treat for teething pups, consider these teething sticks by N-bone. Made with real chicken, this satisfying stick is also supplemented with DHA to support your growing puppy’s brain development.
Designed for puppies up to one year old, these plaque-fighting treats are great for staying on top of your pup’s dental game. Flavoured with chicken, up to four treats a day (dependent on weight) will help keep teeth fresh between brushings.
Note that this treat does contain iodine-rich kelp, which is perfectly healthy for most dogs. But if your pup has been diagnosed with thyroid issues, make sure to talk with your vet before offering these to your pup.
Rebecca Caplan is a writer based in Brooklyn whose work has been featured in The New Yorker, Reductress, and Vulture. She lives in Brooklyn with her perfect, toothless dog Moose.
