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There are plenty of reasons to take care of your pet’s teeth, not least to keep your pet happy and smiling throughout the day!
But it can be challenging to know when and how to clean a pet’s teeth, and things get even trickier when you decide what to do at home and when to take them to a professional.
If you’re fretting about how to tackle your pet’s dental cleaning needs, we’re here to help. We’ll take you through the pet teeth cleaning process step-by-step, look at the kit you’ll need, discuss how much you might expect to pay for professional teeth cleaning and list some possible underlying reasons for poor dental health.
Pet dental care - summarised
Key message: Regular brushing and/or dental care is essential for cats and dogs.
Cost: Professional cleaning in the UK averages £474.84 (based on 51 veterinary clinics), including anaesthetic, a scale and polish and examination with no extractions.
Frequency: Most pets need a vet check-up annually; home brushing should be daily (if possible). Frequency of professional cleans required is variable.
Key danger: Never use human toothpaste (it’s toxic).
Vet top tip: Professional cleaning at a veterinary clinic is the only way to remove tartar below the gumline; "scrapes" at groomers can often do more harm than good.
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Do you need to clean your pet’s teeth?
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Yes - regular brushing can help remove plaque (a slimy layer containing food particles and bacteria) and prevent periodontal disease.
Spending time brushing your pet’s teeth can also help you spot the symptoms of dental disease, allowing you to take action sooner.
Periodontal disease is common in cats and dogs, and occurs when there is a build-up of plaque on the teeth that eventually mineralises to form tartar. Just like with dogs, brushing your cat's teeth will remove plaque and reduce the risk of gum disease.
Dental problems can cause our pets a lot of pain and lead to deeper health issues like kidney disease if the bacteria from their teeth enter their bloodstream through their inflamed gums.
Getting them used to regular brushing from an early age could keep them pain-free and healthy. Just like humans, if a pet has strong white teeth, it’s usually a sign of good dental health. But a build-up of plaque and tartar can make a pet’s teeth look unpleasant - and worse, lead to serious dental diseases such as gingivitis.
If plaque and tartar builds up for a long time, it could eventually cause your pets’s gums to recede, creating painful gum disease and potential further medical complications, like abscesses or tooth loss.
Aside from the important issue of dental health, cleaning a pet’s teeth is also a way to prevent bad breath and make their smile more sparkly when they see you!
If you're concerned, check out about the most common dental claims and conditions and how to avoid them.
Pet dental health warning signs
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Bleeding or damaged gums
Changes in eating habits - though many pets will continue to eat despite considerable pain
Discoloured, broken or loose teeth
Facial swelling
Signs of discomfort when having their mouth handled
Significant deposits of material around the gums and teeth
Very bad breath
If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, you should seek advice from a vet.
What can cause poor dental health in pets?
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Age - Old age makes it more likely to have dental issues.
Baby teeth - In young cats and dogs, retained deciduous teeth (baby teeth which don’t fall out) can trap food and bacteria.
Breeds - Some breeds, like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus, are prone to dental disease.
Poor dental hygiene - Lack of brushing builds up bacteria and plaque, which causes dental problems.
It’s really important to keep on top of your pet’s dental health as it can lead to long-term health issues, like periodontal disease, tooth loss and wider problems, like kidney and liver infection.
What breeds are at higher risk of dental disease?
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Typically, pet breeds that are at higher risk of dental problems include:
Small and toy dog breeds
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Chihuahuas
Pugs
Yorkshire Terriers
Flat-faced cats
British Shorthairs
Persians
Thinner breeds
Greyhounds
Whippets
What kit do you need to brush your pet’s teeth?
Cleaning your pet’s teeth doesn’t require a lot of equipment. All you’ll need to do the job yourself is:
A toothbrush (soft-bristle)
Pet-specific toothpaste (human toothpaste is never suitable)
Water in a small cup or thimble
You can purchase your pet's teeth cleaning kit from your vet, a local pet store, a supermarket, or online retailers.
The more challenging bit is how to introduce your pet to teeth brushing correctly…
How to clean your dog’s teeth
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In the days (or weeks) before you start brushing, just focus on getting your dog used to having their mouth touched. Gently stroke or hold their jaw, nose, and mouth, and then give them a treat to let them know this will be a positive experience.
Progress to putting a finger on their lips or teeth - and giving out another treat. Repeat the process regularly until your dog is comfortable.
Let your dog get used to the toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Let them lick a small amount of the toothpaste from your hand, and let them see and sniff the toothbrush so they’re not alarmed when you use it on their teeth. Again, remember to reward them for this.
Before you begin brushing, find a safe, comfortable space where you can sit with your dog and hold them still during the brushing.
Dip your toothbrush, with toothpaste, into your water.
Start the brushing process on only one or two teeth, gently touching your dog’s gums, so they get used to the sensation.
If your dog is happy, you can expand the brushing to cover the entire mouth. Use a circular motion as you brush and angle the toothbrush to get the sides and back of your dog’s teeth as necessary.
For nervous or averse dogs, you may only be able to brush one or two teeth on the first try - and that’s ok! Reward your pup for tolerating those teeth, and stop for the day. Try two different teeth the next day, and keep going until you have covered the whole mouth. Always keep the experience positive.
When you’ve finished brushing, don’t forget to give your dog a cuddle to let them know they’ve been good!
Aim to brush your dog’s teeth daily - once a month won’t be enough to keep on top of things!
Some dogs will progress through these stages relatively quickly, whereas others may take several weeks or months. Patience is key. If your dog becomes stressed or uncomfortable at any point, stop and maybe go back a step or two for a while.
How to clean your cat's teeth
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The same rules apply for cats, as for dogs. This will be a gradual training process and shouldn’t be rushed.
Keep sessions short, using positive reinforcement such as praise and treats. If your cat seems stressed at any point then you must stop and try again another time, possibly going back a step or two.
Ideally you'll get to a point where you can brush your cat’s teeth every day, building it into your routine.
Step one: Get your cat used to the brushing process
Relax your cat by rubbing around their face and cheeks.
Introduce your hands around their face first by holding their head. Do this when your cat's settled.
Let you cat sniff the dry pet toothbrush and rub their face against it
Try feeding your cat some toothpaste on your finger. If they like it, start lightly rubbing your fingers on their teeth and along the gumline.
Brush their teeth with a cotton bud for the next couple of days, and if they're comfortable with this, move on to a toothbrush.
Step two: Brush your cat’s teeth
Brush a couple of teeth and only brush more if they're still happy. If not, try taking breaks between every couple of teeth, or stop and try again another time.
Make sure you have a special toothbrush for your cat, whether it's a smaller one with softer bristles or a finger toothbrush made for brushing cats' teeth.
Alternatives to brushing for difficult pets
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Tooth brushing is considered the best way of keeping your pet’s teeth clean. We should all aim to do this daily, building it into our pet’s care routine.
But we understand that not all pets take to brushing, which can make things challenging.
There are alternatives that may help you to manage your pets oral care, but remember that these are still best used alongside teeth brushing, where possible:
Dental chews and treats: These help to scrape away plaque and can act as treats as part of positive reinforcement training.
Dental-friendly food: Some food, like more fibrous kibble, can help clean a pet’s teeth.
Dental wipes: These help to wipe away plaque and bacteria from your pet’s gums.
Gels and sprays: These dental products contain antibacterial minerals or enzymes which break down plaque - you’ll need to apply these directly on the gums and teeth, though.
Textured, rubber chew toys: Some rubber toys have added texture with grooves to help scrub away debris from a pet’s teeth and promote chewing which has a positive effect on oral hygiene.
Water additives: There are tasteless, odourless solutions out there that add enzymes or minerals to your pet’s water to help reduce bacteria and plaque.
With so many products out there, it can be hard to know what to choose! We recommend taking a look at the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC) website for a list of products with proven benefits.
Of course, you may also need to take them to a professional for teeth cleaning. This is often the case for high-risk breeds and pets that don’t tolerate regular teeth brushing, so it is worth budgeting for.
Do pets need their teeth cleaned professionally?
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As we’ve mentioned, pets that don’t tolerate teeth brushing are more likely to require professional cleans. Even if you’re good at regularly brushing your pet’s teeth at home, it’s still possible to miss areas, plus also any pre-existing tartar can’t be removed by brushing alone.
Many dogs and cats start to develop dental issues while they’re still relatively young. As plaque forms on your pet’s teeth, it hardens into tartar deposits. If left to accumulate on your pet’s teeth, this can lead to periodontal disease.
Even if you think your pet’s teeth look fine from a quick glance, a detailed examination from your vet may reveal something different. Dr Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS told us that: “Too often in practice we see animals that are quietly suffering with inflamed gums, cavities and even chronically infected tooth roots.”
Our Vet Relationship and Claims Manager and qualified vet nurse, Sarah James, says: "Regular dental checks are one of the best methods of prevention, vets can pick up on issues and advise pet owners early."
How often should you have your pet’s teeth cleaned?
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The answer will depend upon a number of different factors that may include:
How often do you brush your pet’s teeth
Your pet’s age
Your pet’s breed
Your pet’s diet
Your vet will likely check your pet’s teeth at their annual health check. At this point, they’ll let you know if you need to book them for a teeth cleaning appointment or if their oral health is currently good.
Some pets may need their teeth cleaned professionally once every six to twelve months, while for others, your vet will recommend a schedule to suit them.
What to look for when having professional pet cleaning
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Either your vet or a qualified veterinary nurse will carry out your pet’s teeth cleaning procedure.
Follow any instructions before your visit, including removing their food for a certain number of hours prior to admission for their anaesthetic.
Your vet may recommend a pre-anaesthesia check depending on your pet’s breed. You’ll also be asked to sign a consent form. Your pet’s dental health will be noted on a dental chart that will form part of their records.
Most vets use an electronic sonic or ultrasonic de-scaler, as these effectively remove plaque and tartar.
A hand scaler may sometimes be used to remove small amounts of plaque and tartar in less accessible areas. Your pet’s teeth will sometimes be machine-polished to remove any remaining plaque. For more serious cases, your pet may need X-rays or extractions, depending on what your vet finds once your pet is anaesthetised.
What's the difference between dental scrapes and de-scaling?
You may see dental scrapes advertised for pets, but how are these different from a de-scale?
Scrapes are usually offered without anaesthetic, and may use tools like hand instruments or forceps to manually remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line only. Depending on your pet’s temperament, an ultrasonic scale and machine polish may also be offered.
If you do see these kinds of procedures offered by non-clinical practitioners, like pet groomers, then it’s not recommended to use this service, even if the price is lower than having your pet’s teeth professionally de-scaled by your vet.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons notes that anaesthesia-free procedures aren’t in the best interests of your pet and should be avoided. It can create a huge amount of stress for your pet, plus it could be painful, especially if they have inflamed gums or loose teeth.
Scraping the tartar off your pet’s teeth can also damage the enamel and create rough surfaces that will cause a faster build-up of plaque and tartar in the future. This method isn’t as effective as using an ultrasonic de-scaler and won’t usually be offered by most vets as a result.
Our Registered Veterinary Nurse, Sarah James, tells us that anaesthesia-free dental procedures like scrapes are not a good idea because they “will only ever improve the appearance of the tooth above the gum line – they will not be able to treat or clean anything below the gum line, as this is only possible under general anaesthesia. This means your pet could have clean teeth on the surface, but will still be suffering from periodontal disease”.
Are there any health risks from dental cleans?
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Dental cleans should be carried out under general anaesthetic and your vet will carefully assess your pet before the procedure.
Preanaesthetic blood tests to check for underlying issues can help to reduce the risks, especially in older patients. Other things like intravenous fluids (a drip) to support blood pressure, patient warming equipment, and modern anaesthetic drugs all mean that your pet will be in the best possible hands during their dental clean. Speak to your vet if you have concerns.
The risks of leaving your pet’s teeth uncleaned are far greater in the long run than this short procedure. Dr Emma Milne says that if you don’t take care of your pet’s teeth, they can often need extractions and antibiotic treatment later down the line.
“Getting your dogs used to gentle tooth brushing from a young age can massively help avoid this," she adds.
As always, prevention is better than cure. Pet parents should talk to their vet or nurse team about how to brush and also what foods, treats and other things might help tooth health.
Above all, if your vet feels that dental cleaning or more extensive work is needed, don’t take this lightly and think it doesn’t matter.
"I’ve seen many animals transform overnight when the pain and infection in their mouths are resolved,” Dr Milne says.
How much does pet teeth cleaning cost?
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If you purchase your toothpaste and toothbrush from a pet store, supermarket, or online retailer, you can expect to spend around £10.
For a professional clean, we looked at data from 51 UK vets and found the average cost of a full dental, including anaesthetic and a scale and polish with no extractions, is £474.84.
Costs will vary and depend on things like the size of your dog, if any other treatments are required (beyond scaling and polishing), and on the location of your vet's practice.
Unfortunately, tooth treatments offered by dog groomers (or similar businesses) do not provide the same level of appropriate evaluation that you would receive at your vet.
These treatments do not allow for cleaning under the dog’s gumline or for a full assessment of the oral cavity itself. Plus many pets find conscious scaling stressful and painful, especially if they have periodontal disease. Pet parents should be aware of the differences between these two types of services.
Managing pet dental cleaning costs
Remember, there are ways to reduce the cost of dog teeth cleaning:
Preventive care: Regular brushing and using the best pet dental products can reduce the need for professional cleanings.
Pet insurance: Choosing pet insurance with good dental cover can help lower costs.
Veterinary payment plans: Some veterinarians offer payment plans to help spread the cost of dental care over time.
Comparing home cleaning v vet cleaning
| Feature | Home brushing | Professional vet clean |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Prevention of plaque buildup | Removal of tartar & disease treatment |
| Depth | Surface level (visible tooth) | Deep clean (above and below gumline) |
| Equipment | Pet toothbrush & enzymatic paste | Ultrasonic scalers, anaesthetic equipment & X-ray |
| Anaesthesia | No | Yes (required for safety & thoroughness) |
| Frequency | Daily or at least 3x weekly | Patient dependent, but could be every 6–12 months (as per vet advice) |
| Typical cost | ~£10 for a basic kit | £400 - £600+ depending on extractions |
Does pet insurance cover teeth cleaning for cats and dogs?
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Pet insurance plans don't usually cover routine tooth cleaning, but some plans may cover it if it is recommended as treatment by a vet for a health issue.
Most pet insurance providers will only cover tooth problems caused by accidents, although dental illness, like tooth rot or gum disease, is covered by some of the most comprehensive pet insurance plans.
Our Standard and Complete Care plans offer dental cover for illness and accidents up to the vet fee limit, and our Essential Care plan covers dental accidents up to £1,000.
Happy smiles, happier pets
Your dog’s dental health is just as important as their physical and mental health, so you must put in the effort to clean their teeth regularly and consult a vet to address any concerns.
At the same time, your dog’s teeth cleaning, and everything that goes along with that process, doesn't have to break the bank.
With preventive welfare measures, such as a good cleaning schedule and good observation, you can help your dog’s smile stay as bright as possible without paying needlessly for extensive treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
I’m terrified of my pet being under anaesthesia. Is the risk worth it?
Statistically, in modern veterinary practice the risk of complications from anaesthesia is low, and your vet will be recommending it for a reason.
Can a dental cleaning change my pet's personality?
Not necessarily, but if your pet was dealing with pain or an infection, then clearing that up may lead to them being happier.
Are dental "scrapers" sold online safe for me to use at home?
Vets typically advise against these - they can cause micro-scratches, damage enamel and, over the long-term, damage your pet’s teeth.
Can I use human toothpaste on my cat or dog?
No, it’s never safe to use human toothpaste on a cat or dog. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and often xylitol, which are toxic to cats and dogs.
How can I tell if my pet is in dental pain?
Pets, especially cats, can be very good at hiding pain, so look for subtle signs like:
Dropping food while eating
Drooling
Favouring one side of the jaw when eating
Pawing at the mouth
Sudden preference for wet food over dry kibble
Is professional dental cleaning safe for older pets?
Yes - all pets can benefit from professional dental cleaning, and age in itself is not an issue. Many vets will anaesthetise pets well into their teens!
Senior pets are however more likely to have problems like underlying kidney or liver disease, which may increase their anaesthetic risk.
This is why your pet may be offered a preanaesthetic blood test first. This will allow your vet to be aware of all the risks beforehand and tailor their treatment plan and drug choices accordingly.
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