Healthy Teeth, Happy Dogs: Why dental care matters for your dog
Oct 29, 2026
From brushing and dental chews to spotting the signs of dental problems, discover how to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy, and why a little preventative care can make a big difference.
From enjoying their favourite treats to carrying toys around the house and exploring the world, your dog's teeth get plenty of use. But when was the last time you actually checked them?
We spend lots of time thinking about our dogs' exercise, food and general wellbeing, but dental health can easily be overlooked. And because dogs can't tell us when they've got toothache, problems aren't always obvious.
The good news? Keeping your dog's teeth healthy doesn't need to be complicated. A few simple habits, regular checks and knowing what to look for can make a real difference.
Here's how to keep those teeth in good shape and your dog ready for their next adventure.
Why is dental health important for dogs?
Your dog's teeth help them eat, play and enjoy everyday life. Looking after them helps prevent discomfort and supports their overall wellbeing.
Just like ours, dogs' teeth can develop plaque. This sticky film of bacteria builds up on the teeth and, if it isn't removed, can harden into tartar. Over time, this can irritate the gums and lead to dental disease, which affects the tissues supporting the teeth.
Poor dental health can cause:
Pain and discomfort: Inflamed gums, damaged teeth and infections can make everyday activities painful.
Difficulty eating: Your dog might avoid harder food, chew differently or start dropping food.
Bad breath: Persistent unpleasant breath can indicate an underlying problem.
Tooth loss: Advanced gum disease can damage the tissues supporting the teeth.
Infection: Untreated dental disease can cause significant inflammation and infection in the mouth.
Here's something worth remembering: dogs can be surprisingly good at hiding pain.
Even if your dog is eating normally and enjoying their walks, they could still be experiencing dental discomfort.
That's why prevention and regular checks matter.
What do healthy dog teeth and gums look like?
Before you can spot a problem, it helps to know what's normal.
The next time your dog is relaxed, gently lift their lip and take a look.
Healthy teeth should generally be white or slightly off-white, without heavy yellow or brown build-up. They should also be intact, with no obvious cracks, chips or unusual movement.
Healthy gums are usually pink, although some dogs naturally have darker pigmentation. Look for gums that fit closely around the teeth, without unusual redness, swelling or bleeding.
And what about their breath?
We're not expecting minty freshness, but a consistently strong or unpleasant smell isn't something to dismiss as normal dog breath.
Every dog is different, so getting familiar with their usual appearance makes it easier to notice changes.
How to check your dog's teeth at home
Checking your dog's teeth might sound easier said than done, especially if they're not keen on sitting still.
But with a little patience, it can become a familiar part of your routine.
Start with a relaxed moment. Choose somewhere quiet when your dog is calm and comfortable. After a walk or playtime might work well.
Take things gently. Start by touching their muzzle and rewarding relaxed behaviour. If they're comfortable, lift their lip to look at their teeth and gums. There's no need to force their mouth open.
Look along the gumline. Check for discolouration, tartar, redness, swelling or damaged teeth. Pay particular attention to the back teeth, where plaque and tartar commonly accumulate.
Notice anything unusual. Has their breath changed? Do they pull away when you touch a particular area? These small changes can be useful clues.
Finish positively. Offer praise, a little fuss or a suitable reward. If your dog seems distressed or painful, stop and speak to your vet.
Aim for a quick check once a week. You're not trying to carry out a full dental examination, just getting to know what's normal for your dog.
Six simple ways to keep your dog's teeth healthy
Now you know what to look for, how can you help prevent dental problems in the first place?
The answer is often simpler than you might think.
1. Brush their teeth daily
Brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and help prevent dental disease.
Ideally, brush your dog's teeth every day using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
Never use human toothpaste, as certain ingredients can be harmful to dogs.
If brushing is new to your dog, introduce it gradually. Let them get used to the toothpaste before gently introducing the toothbrush.
Short, positive sessions are a great place to start. Even if you can't manage a full brushing session straight away, gradually building your dog's confidence is a positive step.
2. Start early, but remember it's never too late
Puppyhood is a great time to introduce gentle mouth handling and toothbrushing.
Building positive associations early can make dental care easier as your dog grows.
But older dogs can learn new habits, too. Patience and consistency are what matter.
If your dog already has sore gums or dental disease, speak to your vet before introducing brushing, as it could cause discomfort.
3. Choose dental chews carefully
Some dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar alongside regular brushing.
Look for products with recognised evidence of dental benefits, such as those accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Choose chews suitable for your dog's size and chewing habits, and always supervise them.
Avoid extremely hard items, including antlers, bones and some hard nylon chews, which can fracture teeth.
And remember, dental chews support brushing rather than replace it. Don't forget to account for any extra calories, too!
4. Explore other dental care products
Not every dog enjoys having their teeth brushed, but there are other ways to support their oral health.
Dental diets: Some specially formulated foods are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar as your dog chews.
Dental wipes and gels: These can help support oral hygiene, particularly for dogs who struggle with traditional brushing.
Water additives: Certain products are designed to help reduce plaque build-up or bacteria in the mouth.
Not all products are equally effective, so look for evidence-backed options and ask your vet what might work best for your dog.
These can be useful additions to a dental care routine, although brushing remains the preferred option wherever possible.
5. Keep up with veterinary appointments
Even dogs with excellent home-care routines can develop dental problems.
Your vet can examine their teeth and gums, identify potential concerns and recommend whether professional cleaning or treatment is needed.
They can also advise how often your dog should have a dental examination based on their age, breed and individual needs.
6. Make dental care part of everyday life
Dental care doesn't need to become another big task.
Try brushing after your dog's evening walk, checking their gums during grooming or keeping their dental products alongside other everyday essentials.
Linking it to something you already do can make the habit easier to maintain.
Little steps, repeated regularly, can make a meaningful difference.
What happens if your dog needs dental treatment?
Sometimes, even with the best preventative care, dogs need a little extra help to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
If your vet identifies a dental problem, there are several treatment options depending on what's going on.
Professional dental cleaning
If plaque has hardened into tartar, your vet may recommend a professional scale and polish.
This is carried out under general anaesthesia, allowing the vet to clean thoroughly, including beneath the gumline where dental disease often develops.
Dental X-rays
Not all dental problems are visible from the outside.
Dental X-rays help vets examine the roots of teeth and surrounding bone, identifying issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Tooth extractions
If a tooth is badly damaged, infected or affected by advanced periodontal disease, removing it may be the best way to relieve pain and protect your dog's health.
Although the thought of an extraction can sound worrying, dogs can often feel much more comfortable once a painful tooth has been treated.
Other dental treatments
In some cases, specialist procedures such as root canal treatment or periodontal surgery may be appropriate.
Your vet will explain the available options and recommend what's best for your dog.
It's worth remembering that brushing and dental chews can't remove hardened tartar or reverse established periodontal disease. That's why professional veterinary care remains an important part of keeping your dog's mouth healthy.
Can dogs have dental problems even when their teeth look healthy?
Yes, and it's an important point.
Some dental problems develop beneath the gumline, where you can't see them during a home check.
Periodontal disease, for example, can damage the tissues and bone supporting your dog's teeth without obvious changes to the visible surfaces.
Smaller breeds, dogs with crowded teeth and older dogs may also be more prone to dental problems.
That's why home checks are helpful, but they don't replace professional veterinary examinations.
Your vet may recommend dental X-rays under general anaesthesia to identify problems that aren't visible during a routine examination.
Introducing Biscuit's new Dental Assessment 🦷
Not sure how healthy your dog's teeth are, or whether you're doing enough to look after them? Biscuit's new Dental Assessment is here to help.
Designed to make everyday dental care easier to understand, the assessment helps you take a more proactive approach to your dog's oral health.
Simply submit photos of your dog's teeth through the Biscuit app to receive guidance to help you better understand their dental wellbeing and what steps you can take to look after their teeth and gums.
The assessment can help you:
Better understand your dog's dental health and what to look out for.
Recognise potential warning signs that might need further attention.
Discover preventative care options to support healthier teeth and gums.
Build better dental care habits and keep track of their wellbeing.
It's another way Biscuit helps you stay on top of your dog's health, alongside everyday walks, wellbeing activities and our Weight Assessment.
The Dental Assessment is available to Biscuit Plus members and Waggel pet insurance customers with Biscuit Plus included in their policy.
Ready to give your dog's dental health a little extra attention?
Please note: Biscuit's Dental Assessment provides guidance to support your dog's wellbeing. A photo-based assessment can't identify every dental condition, particularly problems beneath the gumline, and doesn't replace a veterinary examination or provide a clinical diagnosis. If you're concerned about your dog's teeth or gums, contact your vet.
Small steps towards healthier days
Looking after your dog's health isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about making the little things count.
From daily walks to regular health checks, those everyday habits help your dog stay happy, comfortable and ready for whatever comes next.
Dental care is another important part of that journey.
A few minutes spent brushing, a quick weekly check and knowing when to seek veterinary advice can all help keep those teeth in good shape.
So, next time your dog gives you that familiar grin, why not take a closer look?
Ready to give your dog's dental health some extra attention?
Open Biscuit Plus in the Biscuit app and explore the online dental assessment.
Because healthier days and stronger bonds start with the little things.
Frequently asked questions about dog dental care
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Ideally, every day. Daily brushing helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Always use dog-specific toothpaste.
How often should I check my dog's teeth?
A quick weekly home check is a useful habit. Your vet can advise how frequently professional examinations are needed.
Is bad breath normal in dogs?
Mild odours can happen, but persistent unpleasant breath may indicate dental disease and should be checked by your vet.
Can dental chews replace brushing?
No. Suitable dental chews can support oral hygiene, but they don't replace regular toothbrushing.
What should I do if my dog's gums bleed?
Bleeding may indicate inflammation, injury or dental disease. Stop brushing the affected area and arrange a veterinary examination.
Can dogs have their teeth professionally cleaned?
Yes. Vets can carry out a professional scale and polish under general anaesthesia, removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. They may also recommend dental X-rays or other treatment if needed.
Can I check my dog's dental health online?
Biscuit Plus offers a photo-based dental assessment through the Biscuit app. It's a useful addition to regular care, but cannot replace a hands-on veterinary examination.
This blog provides general guidance and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your dog's dental health, speak to your vet.