How To Check Your Dog's Teeth

Maintaining good oral health is just as important for your furry friend as it is for you. Learning how to check dogs teeth regularly can help prevent serious dental issues and keep your pet happy and healthy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about canine dental care, from examination techniques to recognizing warning signs.

Why Regular Dental Checks Matter

Did you know that by age three, most dogs show signs of periodontal disease? Regular dental examinations can help catch problems early before they lead to pain, tooth loss, or more serious health issues. Bacteria from dental disease can enter your dog's bloodstream and potentially affect their heart, liver, and kidneys.

Taking a proactive approach to your dog's dental health can add years to their life and save you from expensive veterinary bills down the road. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends checking your dog's teeth and gums weekly for signs of disease. You can learn more about their recommendations at AVMA's Pet Dental Care guide.

Getting Started: Preparing Your Dog

Before diving into a full dental examination, it's important to get your dog comfortable with having their mouth handled. This process may take time, especially with puppies or dogs who haven't had their mouths examined before.

Start by gently touching your dog's muzzle and lips during calm moments
Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise
Gradually work up to lifting their lips to expose teeth and gums
Keep initial sessions short (30 seconds to 1 minute) and gradually increase duration
Choose a time when your dog is relaxed, not immediately after exercise

The Veterinary Oral Health Council provides excellent resources for acclimating your pet to oral examinations. Visit their website at VOHC.org for detailed information.

Step-by-Step Guide to Examining Your Dog's Teeth

Once your dog is comfortable with you handling their mouth, follow these steps for a thorough dental check:

1. Position Your Dog Comfortably

Find a well-lit area and position your dog where they feel secure. Smaller dogs can sit in your lap, while larger dogs might be more comfortable sitting or standing beside you.

2. Examine the Front View

Gently lift your dog's lips to expose their front teeth (incisors and canines). Look for:

Discoloration or staining
Chipped or broken teeth
Excessive tartar buildup (yellow or brown deposits)
Gum inflammation (redness or swelling)

3. Check the Side and Back Teeth

Carefully pull back the lips on both sides to examine the premolars and molars. These teeth often accumulate more tartar than front teeth.

4. Assess Gum Health

Healthy gums should be pink (though some dogs naturally have pigmented gums). Look for:

Redness along the gumline
Swelling or puffiness
Bleeding or discharge
Receding gums that expose tooth roots

5. Check for Bad Breath

While dogs' breath isn't naturally minty fresh, severely foul breath often indicates dental problems or disease.

For a visual guide to performing dental checks, the American Kennel Club offers an excellent tutorial at AKC's Dog Dental Care Guide.

Warning Signs of Dental Problems

When you check your dog's oral cavity, be alert for these common indicators of dental issues:

Yellow-brown tartar buildup along the gumline
Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
Loose, broken, or missing teeth
Persistent bad breath
Excessive drooling or bloody saliva
Difficulty eating or dropping food while eating
Pawing at the mouth or face
Reduced interest in chew toys
Facial swelling

If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian promptly. The Veterinary Dental College provides more detailed information about canine dental problems at AVDC's Pet Dental Problems.

Tools for Better Dental Examinations

While your eyes and nose are your primary tools for basic dental checks, these items can help you perform more thorough examinations:

Penlight or headlamp: Improves visibility when examining back teeth
Dental mirror: Helps view teeth from different angles
Dog-specific toothbrush: Useful for moving the cheek aside
Gauze pads: Can be wrapped around your finger to gently manipulate the lips
Canine dental wipes: Help remove surface debris for better examination

Remember that these tools are for examination only—not for scraping or removing tartar, which should be done by a professional.

Preventive Dental Care

Regular examinations should be part of a comprehensive dental care routine that includes:

Daily Tooth Brushing

The gold standard for canine dental care is daily brushing with dog-specific toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients toxic to dogs. The Veterinary Medical Association provides a step-by-step guide to brushing your dog's teeth at How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth.

Dental Chews and Toys

Specially designed dental chews and toys can help reduce plaque buildup between brushings. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.

Dental Diets

Some commercial dog foods are formulated to promote dental health through kibble size, shape, and texture that provide mechanical cleaning action.

Water Additives

Dental water additives can help reduce bacteria in your dog's mouth when added to their drinking water daily.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Even with diligent home care, dogs need professional dental cleanings periodically. Your veterinarian can perform a thorough cleaning under anesthesia, which allows them to:

Remove tartar both above and below the gumline
Polish teeth to create a smooth surface that resists plaque attachment
Take dental X-rays to identify problems beneath the gumline
Extract damaged or diseased teeth if necessary

The frequency of professional cleanings depends on your dog's breed, age, and individual dental health. Small breeds and brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs often need more frequent cleanings.

Breed-Specific Dental Concerns

Some dog breeds are predisposed to dental problems due to their jaw structure or genetic factors:

Small breeds (Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians): More prone to overcrowding, tartar buildup, and early tooth loss
Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers): Often have misaligned teeth due to shortened jaws
Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets): May have more fragile teeth with thinner enamel
Boxers and Bulldogs: Often have underbites that can lead to unusual wear patterns

If your dog belongs to one of these breeds, you may need to be extra vigilant about dental examinations and care.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While regular home dental checks are important, they don't replace professional veterinary care. Contact your vet if you notice:

Extremely bad breath that develops suddenly
Excessive drooling or blood in saliva
Obvious pain when touching the mouth area
Refusal to eat, especially hard food
Swelling around the face or jaw
Severely loose, broken, or discolored teeth
Abnormal growths in the mouth

Don't attempt to diagnose or treat serious dental problems yourself. Veterinarians have specialized training and equipment to properly address oral health issues.

Common Questions About Checking Dog Teeth

How often should I check my dog's teeth?

Ideally, perform a quick visual inspection weekly and a more thorough examination monthly.

At what age should I start examining my dog's teeth?

Start handling your puppy's mouth during their socialization period (between 3-14 weeks) to get them comfortable with the process before they need regular dental checks.

My dog won't let me examine their teeth. What should I do?

Work with a professional trainer or behaviorist to gradually desensitize your dog to mouth handling. In some cases, your veterinarian may need to perform examinations until your dog becomes more comfortable.

Can I remove tartar at home?

It's not recommended to scrape tartar off your dog's teeth at home, as this can damage the enamel and gums. Focus on prevention through brushing and leave tartar removal to professionals.

Are anesthesia-free dental cleanings effective?

While they may remove some visible tartar, non-anesthetic cleanings can't address issues below the gumline, which is where periodontal disease begins. Most veterinary dentists recommend cleanings under anesthesia for thorough care.

Conclusion

Learning how to properly check dogs teeth is an essential skill for every pet owner. By establishing a regular dental examination routine, you can catch potential problems early and help ensure your furry friend maintains good oral health throughout their life.

Remember that home examinations complement—but don't replace—regular veterinary dental check-ups. Together, these practices form a comprehensive approach to canine dental care that can add years of healthy, happy life to your beloved companion.

For more information about canine dental health, visit the American Veterinary Dental College's website at AVDC.org.

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