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How to Clean a Dog's Mouth

1. Home
2. Grooming
3. How to Clean a Dog's Mouth

Easy 5 - 10 Minutes 1 Day

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Introduction

If your dog has bad breath or has been gumming something disgusting (poop seems to be a favorite), you may want to clean their mouth. Not only does your dog require regular dental care and cleaning, but sometimes their gums, jowls, and tongue can harbor dirt and bacteria and smell rather awful! 

There are several methods to clean your dog’s mouth, including regular tooth brushing, manual wiping, and using mouthwashes or dental treats that will disinfect, clean, and dislodge debris. 

Remember that a dog's saliva naturally neutralizes bacteria and carries it away, so working with this natural defense by providing chew items that increase the production of saliva is often adequate. But there are other things you can do to clean your pup's mouth if it's particularly smelly or dirty.

Dog's Perspective

From your dog’s perspective, their mouth doesn't need cleaning as their saliva cleans their mouth naturally, and if you just give them something to chew on, they're good with that! However, if your dog has been mouthing a filthy item like a dead squirrel or has been rummaging through the cat's litter box, you may want to wipe out their mouth.

Be careful not to shove a large cloth or your hand into your dog's mouth unexpectedly. Besides the fact that your dog will find this startling and may react badly or even defensively, you don't want to cause your dog to gag. Taking your time with cleaning your dog's mouth with smaller items like a toothbrush or a gauze-wrapped finger will be better accepted.

Need expert help brushing your dog's teeth? Book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you.

Towel Step 1 Small cloth Wet a small cloth or piece of gauze. Step 2 Add cleaner Add salt water, baking soda, or coconut oil to the cloth or gauze, and wrap it around a finger. Step 3 Secure dog Have your dog sit in front of you, or hold your dog by sitting next to them and wrapping your arm under their head to secure their face. Step 4 Access mouth Gently pull your dog’s lips out to expose their gums, teeth, and the inside of the lips. Step 5 Wipe thoroughly With your cloth-wrapped finger, wipe the gums, roof of the mouth, and tongue. Do not stick your finger too far into the mouth, you don't want to cause your dog to gag. Towel Toothbrush Step 1 Use dental treats Provide dog dental treats. Some have minty flavors that mask bad breath. The increased production of saliva will also kill bacteria in the mouth and wash it away. Step 2 Water and mouthwash Give your dog lots of water to rinse debris away. If you can add doggy mouthwash to the water, it will kill germs and freshen breath as well. These products are available from local pet supply stores. Be sure to follow instructions carefully. Step 3 Brush teeth Brush your dog's teeth daily using doggy toothpaste and a dog toothbrush, specially designed for the unique shape of your dog's teeth. Regular teeth cleaning not only promotes dental health, but also removes dirt and noxious substances that may be clinging to the surface of the teeth. Step 4 Brush mouth While you are brushing your dog's teeth, use the doggy toothbrush or a child's toothbrush to lightly scrub the gums and lips. Pull your dog's lips away from their gums so you can get into nooks and crannies, but be gentle and use a soft brush. Step 5 Wipe muzzle Wipe the outside of your dog's lips with a wet cloth or dog wipe to remove any excess germs or debris.

Caution & Considerations

• Don't use human mouthwash or toothpaste as it isn't appropriate for dogs and can be toxic.
• Don't gag your dog by inserting a large cloth, your finger, or a toothbrush too far into their mouth.
• Work slowly and confidently to get your dog comfortable with having their teeth brushed and mouth wiped out.
• Check for issues like inflamed, red gums or broken, rotten teeth that may need veterinary care.

Conclusion

Although your dog has natural processes in place to clean their own mouth, sometimes they may need a little extra help if their mouth becomes particularly smelly or covered in some noxious substance. You can clean it directly by wrapping a cloth around your finger and gently wiping it out with salt water, baking soda, or even coconut oil. Be careful not to gag your dog. 

Alternatively, you can add mouthwash to your dog's water or increase their natural saliva production with a dental chew. Also, brushing your dog's gums and lips when you clean their teeth daily will keep their mouth spic and span.

Does your furry friend need more than just tooth brushing? Book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you.

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