Ever hear the old expression that dogs mouths are cleaner than humans? Notice the phrase “so clean, they don’t need to practice oral hygiene” isn’t tagged along at the end. Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed. Otherwise, they can develop problems like dangerous tartar build up and gingivitis. That might not sound too devastating, but periodontal disease leads to very serious infections and kidney, liver, and heart diseases. In fact, 80% of dogs by age 3 have dental problems. The good news is it’s never too late to start.

Are you ready to start practicing good dental hygiene on your best fur pal and help him live a longer life? Here are the essential tips and tricks to being the at-home dentist your dog needs.

How To Prepare to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth:

You’ll need a canine tooth brush, special doggy toothpaste, and a plan of action (keep reading for more on supplies). When brushing his teeth, remember to brush at a 45 degree angle because it will clean below his gumline. Your dog might try to put up a fight on the first (second or third) attempt, so take him for a big walk or play beforehand to tire him out. Take the time to introduce your dogs to the toothbrush and paste as positive objects.

Assume Your Position:

Get your dog into a position where he’s comfortable. Avoid standing above your dog and holding him down. You don’t want your dog to feel threatened. Instead, kneel or sit in front of him or to his side for the brushing.

Test Your Dog’s Willingness to Participate:

Read your dog’s anxiety levels and see if this is a good time to try brushing. It’s okay to try again later. See if your dog will let you touch his mouth by rubbing your finger on his teeth and gums. If that’s comfortable, let your dog taste-test the toothpaste. Did you know they make poultry and peanut butter flavored toothpaste for dogs? Squeeze a small amount on your finger and allow your dog to lick it off. You want him to think of it as a treat – if he doesn’t go back for more, try a different flavor!

Introduce the Toothbrush:

You can start brushing slowly, but stop if your dog starts to get irritated. It’s okay to only do a little bit at a time. He’ll get less bothered with every attempt, so you can do more of the mouth every day. Talk to your dog in a relaxing, sweet voice and be sure to give him a treat after every attempt. Eventually, your dog will be excited to get his teeth brushed!

How to Pick the Right Toothpaste For Your Dog:

Please DO NOT use human toothpaste!! It is extremely poisonous to dogs because it contains fluoride and xylitol, which will make them very sick. You can find plenty of specialty dog toothpaste at your local pet store. Dog toothpaste also doesn’t need to be rinsed out with water, which makes life a little easier (and dryer). It never hurts to buy two different flavors and see what your pet prefers. You want them to enjoy this experience, after all!

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush For Your Dog:

You don’t want to use a human toothbrush on your dog because their jaws are shaped differently than ours. Getting to the nooks and crannies will be impossible. Human toothbrushes are also too rough for a dog’s gums. Choose a special canine toothbrush that has an angled head at 45 degrees and even double-headed. You should look for very soft bristles that will feel gentle on his teeth and gums. Or, if your dog is small and new to brushing, try a finger brush that slides over your index finger. You’ll easily be able to get inside the mouth and see/feel which areas need extra attention.

What Kind of Diet is Best for Your Dog’s Oral Health?

Crunchy, hard dog food is best for maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene. Soft food easily sticks to their teeth and causes tooth decay. If your dog needs to be on a soft food diet, there are other ways you can help clean and strengthen his teeth daily. Pet companies make synthetic bones and chew toys that aid in the health of dog gums and teeth. They work by removing buildups of plaque and tartar.

How Often Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?

We should probably all be brushing our dog’s teeth daily, but sometimes that’s hard to do. It takes time, especially if your dog is resistant to it. But, veterinarians agree that if you can do it as often as possible, whether that’s every other day or once a week, it’s better than nothing.