Field Trials Canada

From the AKC website

“Whereas a dog can break a tooth in a millisecond, dental disease takes a very long time to develop,” Dr. Attas says. “If we’re brushing right from the beginning, their teeth are less likely to develop decay. It will happen more slowly and be a less serious case.” Getting your dog comfortable with tooth brushing takes time and patience. Here are some steps to make brushing your dog’s teeth a positive experience:

1. Start by touching the outside of your dog’s mouth. Praise and reward them with a treat.
2. Lift the top lip and hold it while you touch the dog’s top teeth and gums without a toothbrush. Then, do the same for the bottom lip, teeth, and gums. Reward them with praise and a treat.
3. Choose a toothbrush designed for dogs that fits over your index finger, so you can feel how much pressure you’re applying. Touch the brush to your dog’s teeth (front, side, and back) on the bottom and top of their mouths. Make sure they’re comfortable with this step before introducing toothpaste.
4. Apply a small amount of dog toothpaste on your finger and let your dog sniff and taste it.
5. Try brushing their top teeth with toothpaste while holding up the upper lip. Praise and reward.
6. Repeat Step 5, going further back into your pet’s mouth (to the side and the back on the top of the mouth).
7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 with the bottom teeth.