A Guide to Your Dog's Teeth

While a dog should receive regular checkups and cleanings from their vet, great oral health starts with in-home dental habits. With 80% of dogs developing oral disease before the age of three, it is important to be proactive when it comes to dental care for any pet in the house.

Avoid the plaque, tartar, and oral health issues—and the vet bills that come with them. To effectively provide dog dental care, it is important to understand dog teeth as deeply as possible.

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Dog Teeth Guide for Pet Parents

Referring to a dog teeth chart can help pet parents to better understand their dog’s dental health needs. The basic types of dog teeth include the following:

Incisors 

Incisors are the tiny teeth located in the front of a dog’s mouth. These small teeth are used for grooming and nibbling. Ever noticed a dog biting or nibbling themselves or another dog? They are using their incisors to groom their coat.  

Canines

Canine teeth are the noticeable, pointed teeth located in the front of a dog’s mouth. Dogs use their canine teeth to tear apart food and toys. They also help a dog lock onto chew toys or bones. 

Premolars

Located behind a dog’s canine teeth, premolars help dogs chew and shred their food. Pet parents typically notice pups using their premolars when working on a tough treat. 

Molar

Dogs use their molars to break apart hard-to-eat morsels. They assist a dog as they chew tough food or hard pieces of kibble and biscuits. Molars are the back-most teeth in a dog’s mouth. 

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How to Care for Your Dog’s Teeth

Once a pet parent understands how to interpret a dog teeth chart and knows how dogs use their teeth, they can better care for dogs. Methods for at-home oral care for dogs include:

Dental Chews

One or two Dental Chews per day are an excellent way to clean a dog’s teeth while they enjoy a treat. 

Oral Dental Spray

Oral Dental Spray is a low-stress way to support oral health in the interim between brushing. Twice a day, spray the solution on both sides of a dog’s mouth to combat plaque and bad breath. 

Water Bowl Additives

Investing in a pup’s dental health is easy when pet parents discover Dental Health Solutions. Add a capful of the solution to a pet’s water bowl to refresh their breath and defend against tartar and plaque.  

Plaque Wipes

Wiping Dental Wipes over a dog’s teeth can help clean their teeth between brushings with non-toxic ingredients and an effective textured surface. 

Regular Brushing

Learning how to brush a dog’s teeth is a must when it comes to caring for a dog’s oral health. To become a master at brushing dog teeth:

• Purchase a Dental Hygiene Kit.

• Let a dog explore the brush through chewing.

• Once a pet is comfortable, start brushing gently.

• Pay close attention to the hard-to-reach premolars and molars.

• Make the teeth brushing process stress-free by using praise and plenty of treats. 

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24/7 At-Home Veterinary Support

Want to make sure a pet’s teeth are as clean and healthy as possible? Enjoy 24/7 access to Live Vet Chat and learn in real-time how to care for a dog’s oral health by becoming a Fuzzy Member.