Senior Dog Comfort & Care

The answer: No matter their age, brushing your dog’s teeth is the best way to achieve optimal oral health. Twice a day is ideal, but for many of us, it is unrealistic. So, to help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup, you must brush them at least three times a week. Unfortunately, brushing can’t remove the buildup under the gumline that causes periodontal disease — dental cleanings by your veterinarian are needed every 6 to 12 months. If your dog’s teeth and gums are healthy, your vet may recommend waiting 24 months, but this is only if you’ve maintained their teeth and there are no issues.

It’s never too late to start brushing your dog’s teeth. Go slow and be patient. It will take some time to get into a routine.

ONLY use pet toothpaste. It has special enzymes, so even just getting it on their teeth is doing some good. Don’t use human toothpaste! It can be high in sodium or contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Plus, it's not meant to be swallowed — something you can’t stop your dog from doing!

Use a dog toothbrush, a child-sized soft bristle, flat-head brush, or wrap wet gauze around your finger, add toothpaste, and gently rub the teeth and gumline. For smaller dogs, using a cotton swab works well.