Last Updated: 10/02/2026
Puppy Dental Care: A Guide to Teething and Healthy Teeth
Did you know 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three? Start your pup on the right paw with our comprehensive guide to puppy dental health, covering everything from soothing teething gums to mastering the art of daily toothbrushing.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Welcoming a new puppy into the home brings plenty of joy, but it also marks the start of an important health journey. Just like humans, puppies go through a significant "teething" phase where their needle-sharp milk teeth make way for a permanent adult set. While it might seem like a distant concern, laying the groundwork for oral hygiene now is the best way to avoid "doggy breath" and costly dental procedures later in life. By understanding the teething process and establishing a simple home care routine, you can ensure your furry friend keeps those pearly whites sparkling for years to come.
Teething in puppies
Your puppy will start teething from about 12 weeks as their adult teeth start to come through to replace their baby teeth or milk teeth. Most of the time owners don't even notice these baby teeth fall out as they are often swallowed, but don't be worried if you find the occasional little tooth around the house.
Signs of teething in your puppy may include:
- Drooling
- Bad breath
- Red and inflammed gums
- Bleeding gums or blood on toys
- Missing teeth
- Reduced appetite
- Increased chewing behaviour
*While these signs can be normal during teething, if you concerned at all by your puppies behaviour please check with your veterinarian.
Choosing the right chew toys and treats
While they are teething your pup will probably start to chew on everything. Chewing is a great way to fulfil your pups natural instincts as well as keep their teeth clean. Chewing produces saliva which protects the teeth, while the chewing action scrapes the teeth, reducing plaque buildup.
Give them plenty of appropriate chew toys to save your shoes and furniture. Until your puppy has all their adult teeth avoid giving harder dental chews or bones as baby teeth are a little more delicate and may break if they chew hard objects - choose specific dental chews formulated for puppies.
It is important to ensure that you are giving chews and toys that are appropriate for your pups age and size. Always monitor your puppy when they are chewing on a toy or treat and replace any damaged products to ensure your puppy is not at risk of choking or swallowing objects.
Learn more in our Puppy Teething Guide.
The importance of daily toothbrushing
While your puppy's full set of adult teeth won't completely erupt until they are around six months old, the best time to start their dental journey is right now. Veterinary dentists recommend daily toothbrushing as the gold standard for care, and the secret to success is early training and positive experiences.
By gently handling your puppy's mouth and introducing the sensation of a toothbrush while they are still young, you turn dental hygiene into a positive, bonding experience rather than a chore.
Step 1: Get them comfortable with touch Gently lift your puppy’s lips to look at their teeth and gums. Do this for just a few seconds, then immediately reward them with a treat or praise. Repeat this until they are completely relaxed with you handling their mouth.
Step 2: Introduce the toothpaste Let your puppy lick a small amount of pet-specific toothpaste off your finger. These are usually flavoured like chicken or beef to make the experience a positive one.
Step 3: The finger rub Apply a little toothpaste to your finger and gently rub it along the outer surfaces of their teeth and gums. Focus on the premolars and molars at the back, where plaque tends to hide. Reward them again with a high-value treat.
Step 4: Introduce the brush Once they are happy with your finger, transition to a soft puppy toothbrush or a finger brush. Let them sniff and lick the brush first, then try a few gentle strokes. Keep the initial sessions very short - even 30 seconds is a great start.
Step 5: Reward and repeat Always end the session on a high note with plenty of fuss or a favourite toy. If your puppy becomes wiggly or stressed, stop and go back to the previous step the next day. Consistency is the secret to a lifetime of healthy pearly whites!
To give your pup an extra advantage, consider incorporating puppy-specific water additives and puppy-safe dental chews into their routine. These products can help augment the benefits of brushing by reducing plaque-forming bacteria and freshening breath, providing a multi-layered approach to their oral health.
Learn more about How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth.
The role of regular vet visits
Once your puppy's adult teeth have grown in at around 6 months or age, a dental check with your veterinarian is recommended. This is often around the time of desexing. Your veterinarian will check your puppy's teeth to ensure that there are no abnormalities.
Your vet will check for:
- Crowding or Crooked Teeth
- Retained Baby Teeth
- Broken Teeth
- Overbite or Underbite
Any of these findings can lead to dental issues in your puppy later in life so your veterinarian may recommend a treatment plan including removal of teeth or referral to a Veterinary Dental Specialist.
As your puppy grows, 6 monthly veterinary check ups are recommended to ensure your pup and their teeth continue to be in good health.
Read more about Dental Problems in Puppies.
FAQs
Building a dental care routine while your puppy is young is one of the kindest things you can do for their long-term wellbeing. From providing the right chew toys to scheduling that all-important six-month check-up, every small step helps prevent discomfort and disease. If you are ever unsure about a stray tooth or the best brushing technique, check in with your vet, or the Pet Circle Vet Squad is always here to help you and your pup smile with confidence.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 10 Feb 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
