It's always best to start brushing your dog's teeth early on when he is still a puppy. If this isn't the case and your dog is no longer a puppy, just make sure your dog does not have any underlying dental problems that could make brushing his teeth a painful and unpleasant experience.

If you have never put your fingers in your dogs mouth it's probably a good idea to practice this first in case your dog is really uncomfortable with the idea of having something in his mouth. Every time you do this make sure you give your dog a lot of praise or a treat after.

A great way to start getting your dog used to having his teeth cleaned before actually using a toothbrush is to use dental wipes to clean his teeth. These are made specifically for dogs and although they don't clean as thorough as a toothbrush they are a a great alternative if your dog will absolutely not allow you to touch his teeth with a toothbrush. They are also very handy during travel.

Now before actually brushing your dogs teeth, make sure your dog approves of the toothpaste flavor by letting him lick some of the toothpaste off the brush. If your dog really likes the toothpaste flavor this is a great way to get him to associate the toothbrush with a 'good thing.

When you are ready to start using a toothbrush on your dogs teeth, the most important thing is to keep the situation light and positive. Don't restrain your dog to the point where he is uncomfortable and stressed. Talk in a happy, comforting voice and give constant praise.

Keep your teeth-brushing sessions short. Don't try to brush all your dog's teeth in one sitting. If you can get just a couple teeth done at first, that is great. Every time you brush, do a couple more teeth.

Immediately after you are done brushing your dog's teeth, make a BIG deal! Praise and treats and maybe throwing his favorite toy will make the next teeth-brushing session a lot easier. If things go smoothly your dog may eventually get excited at the sight of a toothbrush in anticipation of the rewards and excitement that follows.

Check out our selection of toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental wipes and other dental care products for dogs on our Dental Care page.