Brushing a large breed dog's teeth: Labradors, Staffies and bigger

The problem with brushing a big dog is not the dog. It is the reach. A Labrador's upper back molar sits a long way behind the lip, and a short brush with a small head never gets there, so most owners brush the front teeth, give up on the back and wonder why the breath does not change. Fix the reach and the rest is habit.

The brush: length and a non-slip handle

A large breed toothbrush is a different tool from a small dog's brush. Ours has an extended neck so the head slides under the lip to the upper back teeth without you opening the mouth, a broad head of soft charcoal-infused filaments that flex over the gum line, and a rubber-ribbed handle that stays put in a wet hand. The Petdentist large breed dog toothbrush is sized for medium, large and giant breeds; if you share a home with a cat or a small dog, the bamboo brush covers them.

The toothpaste: one your dog wants

Big dogs are usually enthusiastic eaters, which makes the taste route easy. Let your dog lick Petsmile London Broil, a beef flavour most dogs take to immediately, from your finger for a few days; Say Cheese and Rotisserie Chicken are the milder options. Petsmile is VOHC Accepted for plaque control in dogs and is made to be swallowed, so there is no rinsing. A pea-sized amount is enough even for a big mouth.

The position: side-on, not face-on

Kneel or sit beside your dog, facing the same way, with your dog's shoulder against your knee. From here your free hand can rest over the muzzle and lift the lip while the brushing hand works along the outside of the teeth. Facing a big dog head-on invites a game, and a game is the last thing you want with a brush in your hand.

The technique: outer surfaces, back to front

1. Put a pea of paste on the bristles and let your dog lick some off.
2. Lift the lip at the side and slide the brush back to the upper molars.
3. Angle the bristles at 45 degrees to the gum line and use short strokes along the outside of the teeth, a few at a time.
4. Work forward to the canines and incisors, then repeat on the other side.
5. Lower teeth last; they collect less and the tongue helps.
6. Stop while your dog is still relaxed, and reward.

A full brush takes 30 to 45 seconds. You never need to open the mouth or brush the inside surfaces.

A two-week plan for a dog that has never been brushed

• Days 1 to 3: paste from your fingertip, once a day. No brush in sight.
• Days 4 to 7: paste rubbed on the front teeth with your finger, lip lifted for a second or two.
• Days 8 to 10: brush held out with paste on it; let your dog lick it off, then brush two or three teeth and stop.
• Days 11 to 14: add a few more teeth each day, back teeth first.
• Week 3 onwards: a full daily brush of the outer surfaces.

Chewing: keep it soft enough

Strong jaws break teeth on hard objects. Antlers, hooves, cooked bones and hard nylon chews are common causes of fractured molars in big dogs, and a fractured tooth needs a vet. Choose toys that give under thumb pressure, such as the natural rubber and rope tyre rope flosser, supervise, and bin anything that cracks.

When to involve your vet

If the back teeth already carry a brown crust, or the gums are red or bleed when you brush, see your vet before you build the routine; brushing cannot shift tartar that has set. The same goes for a broken tooth, a swelling of the face, persistent bad breath or any reluctance to eat. Petdentist® products are non-medicinal daily-care products and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition.

Questions people ask

Can I use a human toothbrush on a big dog?

The size looks right but the bristles are usually too stiff and the handle too short. A purpose-made large breed brush has softer filaments and the length to reach the back teeth without opening the mouth.

How often should I replace the brush?

Every three to four months, or sooner if the filaments splay. Rinse it after each use, shake it dry and store it upright.

My dog chews the brush. What do I do?

Keep the brush moving and the session short, and give the paste from the brush only while you are brushing. Chewing is usually excitement about the paste; a calmer, quicker session fixes it.

Read next: Caring for your dog's teeth at home, Dental chew toys: how they fit a brushing routine, Shop for dogs.

About the author. Dr Deepak Songra BDS (GDC 68552) is a dental surgeon with more than 35 years in clinical practice and the founder of Petdentist®. He is not a vet. He lives with Merlo, the Cavapoo you will see across this site.

This article is general information about daily care, not veterinary advice. Petdentist® products are non-medicinal daily-care products for dogs and cats and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are worried about your pet, please see your vet. Petdentist® is the trading name of Pet Dentist L.L.C-FZ, Meydan Grandstand, 6th Floor, Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, UAE. UK orders are dispatched from Northampton.