DentalJuly 30, 2026

Brushing a puppy's teeth in thirty seconds a night

Start brushing while your puppy is young, keep each session to about thirty seconds, and use a soft brush or finger brush with a pet toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Brushing every night is ideal; three or four times a week still helps a great deal. The goal in the first month is a puppy that enjoys the routine, not a perfect clean.

Dental disease is one of the most common problems we see in adult dogs, and much of it begins with plaque that could have been brushed away. A puppy that learns to accept brushing early is far easier to care for at ten years old.

The routine, week by week

01.Week 1

Let your puppy lick toothpaste from your finger. That is the whole session.

02.Week 2

Rub a finger along the outside of the teeth for a few seconds.

03.Week 3

Switch to a finger brush or soft brush, front teeth first.

04.Week 4

Work back to the large teeth, about thirty seconds in all.

What to watch for

Puppies lose their baby teeth between about three and six months. A little blood on the brush during that time is normal. Tell us if a baby tooth is still in place once the adult tooth has come in beside it, if your puppy's breath smells strongly, or if chewing seems painful.

3 to 6 monthsBaby teeth fall out

Expect small spots of blood and lost teeth around the house.

6 monthsAdult teeth in place

We check for any baby teeth that did not fall out.

1 year and onYearly dental check

Tartar, gum redness and broken teeth are noted at each exam.

Chew toys can help, but choose ones that bend when you press a thumbnail into them. Very hard chews, antlers and bones can break teeth.

We would rather teach a puppy to enjoy a toothbrush than clean the same teeth under anesthesia years later.

Caleb RourkeVeterinary Technician

Questions owners ask

Can I use my own toothpaste?

No. Many human toothpastes contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Use a toothpaste made for pets.

How often should I brush?

Daily is best. If that is not realistic, three or four times a week still makes a real difference.

Are dental chews enough on their own?

Chews help a little, but they miss a lot of the tooth surface. A brush remains the habit that counts most.

When will my dog need a dental cleaning?

It depends on the dog. We look at the teeth at every exam and suggest a cleaning when tartar or gum changes call for one.

Keep reading

General information for pet owners, not a diagnosis. Call your veterinarian about your own pet.