Brushing Your Dogs Teeth
Keeping a dog’s teeth clean is vital, otherwise, he can end up with gum disease, teeth loss and mouth pain.
As your dog gets older, your vet is likely to recommend an annual vet teeth clean with the dog’s annual booster injection, but you need to help keep them clean in between.
The younger you start, the easier it is for your dog to learn to allow you to clean his teeth. If you have an older dog, especially if you haven’t had him since a puppy, then be careful the first few times until he gets used to it. Always use short brushes to start with. If he coughs or splutters, it’s because he hasn’t closed the back of the throat, so just use shorter brushes and allow the dog time to swallow in between. If need be, start by just brushing a few teeth in a session and gradually increase the session length until you can brush all his teeth in a single session.
You can buy special dog toothbrushes and toothpaste, but not toothpastes are the same. Don’t use human toothpaste. Humans spit their toothpaste out, but dogs tend to ingest their toothpaste. A dog that spits out its toothpaste would be famous, remember Spit the Dog? 
Make sure you use dog toothpaste and use the recommended amount. You only need to do it once a week and you can also get dog mouthwash for in between brushes. No, the dog doesn’t have to gargle the mouthwash, you just soak a cotton ball in mouthwash and wipe their teeth.
The best dog toothbrushes to use are the non-bristle kind that slip over your finger. It’s easier for you to use and easier for most dogs to tolerate.
Take your time, soothe the dog by talking gently to him and don’t let it be a fight.
If you are lucky, your dog will love it and think it’s a treat! Either way, it’s always nice to reward them afterwards with a small treat.
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