Brushing a dog's teeth is about as much fun as having a root canal, but, if you can get the dog to cooperate, it has many benefits. The biggest benefit of brushing a dog's teeth is that it keeps plaque from building up on the dog's teeth.

If left unchecked, plaque will eventually mineralize and become tartar. Once tartar starts to build up around the dog's teeth, it can destroy the gum line, which can cause the teeth to become loose and fall out. In other words, frequent brushing of your dog's teeth will keep your dog's mouth healthy and prevent tooth loss.

Second, statistics show that a dog with good teeth will love longer, play more, be happier and healthier. Dog dental care isn't just about cleaning your dog's teeth, its about having a happy and healthy dog!

How To Brush A Dog's Teeth

If you have a puppy or a young dog, you're in luck. You can begin a regimen of regular teeth brushing so as your dog grows older, they will be used to the routine and will cooperate instead of fighting the process.

On the other hand, if you have an older dog, you may find that they won't permit you to brush their teeth because this is very foreign to them. However, you should be able to be able to accomplish the task if you use some good dog psychology and patience.

First, a word of warning - don't use human toothpaste! Toothpaste made for humans isn't made to be ingested. It contains ingredients that can upset the dog's stomach. You don't want your dog to have a negative association with having its teeth brushed! Instead, buy toothpaste that has been formulated specifically for dogs.

Here are some helpful tips for brushing a dog's teeth

1. Before you begin to brush your dog's teeth, get your dog used to the taste of the toothpaste. Pet toothpastes usually have poultry, malt or other flavor so the dog will like the taste. Let your dog lick some of the toothpaste off your finger. Praise the dog when he licks the toothpaste off your finger. Continue this for a few days until the dog become accustomed to licking the toothpaste off your finger.

2. Next, you will need to get the dog comfortable with the idea of having something placed against its teeth and gums. You can do this by applying a small amount of the paste to your finger and then gently rubbing it on one of the large canine teeth in the front of the mouth. Be sure to praise your dog. Making the experience as pleasant as you can for your dog will get you to your goal that much sooner.

3. Once your dog gets used to the toothpaste and having something applied to its teeth, try to get them used to the toothbrush (or dental sponge) you will be using. To do this, have the dog lick the toothpaste off the toothbrush. Be sure to praise the dog when he licks the toothpaste off the toothbrush. Continue this for about a week.

4. By now, your dog should be used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and having something in its mouth. The next step is to start brushing. You should talk to the dog using a happy voice. Left his upper lip gently and place the brush at a 45º angle to the gum line. Move the brush back and forth gently. You may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth at first.

You do not need to brush the inside surface of the teeth. The movement of the dog's tongue over the inside surface of its teeth will keep them relatively plaque free. Again, be sure to praise the dog, making brushing your dog's teeth as pleasant of an experience as you can.

5. Once the dog accepts having several of its teeth brushed, you can slowly increase the number of teeth you're brushing. If you make it appear that you're playing a game, both you and the dog will have fun doing it.

How Often Should You Brush A Dog's Teeth?

Brushing your dog's teeth every day will ensure you are providing good dog dental care, but every other day is also an acceptable practice. Most dog toothpastes have a residual effect that lasts thirty minutes to an hour beyond the brushing time. For your dog to get the most benefit out of having its teeth brushed, it's important that you remove access to food and water during this time.

A good time to brush your dogs teeth is just before bedtime. It establishes a good routine by helping you to remember your dogs dental care needs as you take care of your own.

Types Of Dog Toothbrushes Available

There are numerous types of toothbrushes available for your dog dental care . The types of dog toothbrushes available include finger toothbrushes, dental sponges, dog dental wipes, triple brushes, quad brushes, bamboo quad brushes and straight toothbrushes with one or two sets of bristles - one large and one small for large and small teeth.

The finger toothbrushes fit over your finger and are easy to use. As you might guess, the quad brushes (regular and bamboo) have four sets of bristles to clean all sides of the teeth in one motion and are said to reach the dog's gum line with minimal pressure on the gums.

Drs. Foster and Smith have a Triple Pet Toothbrush (with three sets of bristles) that the company says will clean all sides of your pet's teeth at once - making brushing your dog's teeth fast and easy.

Dog dental wipes aren't as effective as brushing your dog's teeth, but they will do in a pinch.

Types Of Dog Toothpastes Available

There are a variety of dog toothpastes available to assist you in brushing your dog's teeth. Most veterinary dentists recommend toothpastes, gels, and rinses that contain chlorhexidine, hexametaphosphate, or zinc gluconate. If your dog has periodontal disease, you may need to buy a toothpaste that contains fluoride or some other toothpaste as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Here are some of the more popular dog toothpastes available:

Petco Natural Dog Toothpaste
Petco says this toothpaste helps maintain healthy teeth and gums and is formulated with natural ingredients, so that it requires no rinsing. It will also fight bad dog breath.
Cost: $4.99

Nutri-Vet Breath & Tartar Toothpaste for Dogs
This dog toothpaste is said to be a non-foaming, chicken flavored toothpaste that will help reduce plaque and tartar formation. In addition it will freshen the dog's breath.
Cost: $3.99

St. Jon Dog Toothpaste
St. Jon Dog Toothpaste is a hydrogen peroxide-producing formula that its manufacturers says has been formulated specifically for dogs. It does not foam so there is no rinsing necessary. St. Jon further says the toothpaste helps control plaque and fights bad breath.
Cost: $13.36

Brushing a dog's teeth is no walk in the park. It takes practice and patience. Making it fun for both you and your dog will ensure it becomes part of your routine. It makes it all worthwhile when you consider the money you save on dog dental care and the benefits your dog derives from having healthy teeth and gums not to mention the suffering you prevent by avoiding dental diseases!

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