Do You Really Need to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth? A Vet Answers

After my conversation with The Indian Express on brushing dogs’ teeth, many pet parents asked the same question at the clinic: is it really necessary, or just an Instagram trend?

The short answer: yes — and earlier than you think

By age three, most dogs already have some dental disease. Plaque hardens into tartar within days, tartar inflames gums, and untreated gum disease doesn’t stay in the mouth — the bacteria can affect the heart, liver and kidneys over time.

Signs your dog’s mouth needs attention

• Persistent bad breath (the most ignored symptom)
• Yellow-brown crust on the teeth near the gums
• Red, bleeding or receding gums
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, or pawing at the mouth

How to actually brush a dog’s teeth

Start slow — over 2–3 weeks

Day 1–5: just touch the lips and gums with your finger, reward heavily. Day 6–10: rub a little dog toothpaste on the gums with your finger. After that: introduce a soft pet toothbrush or finger brush, focusing on the outer surfaces of the back teeth where tartar builds fastest.

How often?

Daily is ideal; even 3 times a week makes a measurable difference. Dental chews and vet-approved water additives help, but they are add-ons — not replacements.

When brushing isn’t enough

Once tartar is rock-hard, no brush will remove it. That needs professional scaling under safe anaesthesia — a routine procedure we perform at WAAT. Book a dental check and we’ll tell you honestly whether your dog needs cleaning or just a better home routine.