When to start brushing puppy teeth?
Opal Wisoky
2025-10-04 14:08:06
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The best time to introduce a dental care routine for your dog is as early as possible, ideally when they are a puppy. Around 8 to 12 weeks old is a great time to begin. Starting early allows your pet to get used to having their mouth handled and teeth brushed, making it a normal part of their routine as they grow. If you have an older dog and haven’t started brushing their teeth, it’s never too late. Many pet owners don’t think about dental care until their dog shows signs of discomfort, such as bad breath, red gums, or difficulty chewing. However, preventive dental care can help avoid painful conditions like periodontal disease, tooth loss, and bacterial infections that may spread to other organs. Brush Regularly: Aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least 3 to 4 times per week, if not daily, to maintain good oral hygiene. By starting a brushing routine early, you can help prevent serious dental diseases and ensure your pet enjoys a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Anais Hahn
2025-10-04 13:59:05
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The sooner you start brushing your puppy’s teeth, the more likely they are to get used to it and let you do it in the future. Pet parents should wait until their pup has all of their adult teeth before using a toothbrush on their pet. It is usually safe to start brushing after they are at least 6 months old. Making sure you establish a good dental routine when your dog is a puppy is important for a number of reasons. Establishing a brushing routine when they are young creates a habit that they are used to and will likely let you do in the future with fewer issues. When a dog has gone their whole life without having their teeth brushed, it’s going to seem really strange to them that you are sticking something in their mouth and trying to scrub their teeth. You can start by putting a small amount of dog toothpaste on your finger and rubbing it on their gums. Once they have become accustomed to the taste, parents can start to put the toothbrush in their mouth, getting them used to the sensation of brushing.
Keith Legros
2025-10-04 13:31:28
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As with most activities, it’s best to introduce your pet to having their teeth brushed when they’re a puppy so they become accustomed to this routine.
It’s still possible for old dogs to learn new dental care best practices.
You may want to build on this step over a few days before you actually begin brushing their teeth.
Brush your dog’s teeth when you’re both relaxed.
Aim to brush your dog’s teeth for two minutes every day.
Integrate this activity into your daily routine together so they become accustomed to having their teeth cleaned, which will help fight off dental disease.
Start by feeding a dental diet and provide your pet with a range of dental chew toys and dental treats for enjoyable ways to scrub away plaque.
Remember to book regular dental checkups at your local Greencross Vets because just like for you, it’s important that your dog sees the dentist in addition to having a home dental care routine.
Dorian Auer
2025-10-04 12:22:45
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You can start gently brushing your puppy’s teeth as early as 6 weeks to get them used to the toothbrush in their mouth.
We call this toothbrush training!
The more comfortable your puppy becomes with having their teeth cleaned, the easier it will be to maintain a routine of at-home care and professional dental cleanings as they get older.
Most dogs will have all of their adult teeth by the time they are 6 months old.
We recommend bringing your dog in for their first full dental cleaning when they are between 1-2 years old.
Smaller breeds, like Yorkies, are more prone to dental disease than larger breeds, so it’s especially important to begin bringing them in for professional dental cleanings by age 2.
At HealthySmiles, we offer toothbrush training & dental checks for puppies and kittens as early as 3 months.
Brushing your puppy’s teeth every day is the goal, but even 3-4 times a week will go a long way in making sure their mouth stays healthy and free of bacteria buildup!
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