According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 4 in 5 dogs have some form of dental disease by their third birthday.

Pet parents know that brushing is important for dental health, but so many of us find it difficult, even impossible, to brush our dogs' teeth on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy.

While brushing is the most effective way to eliminate plaque and prevent tartar, these methods can help supplement brushing. If you already brush your dog's teeth, you can also try these techniques to help clean parts of your dog's mouth that are hard to reach with a brush.

7 Ways To Clean Your Dog's Teeth Without Brushing

1. Use dental treats and chews. As your dog enjoys a dental treat, the chewing action can help scrape away plaque. Chewing also promotes saliva production, helping to wash away oral bacteria. For best results, look for products that meet Veterinary Oral Health Council requirements, which will be indicated on the packaging with a VOHC seal.  

2. Feed dry dog food. While feeding dry food is not a replacement for regular dental care, studies suggest that dogs that eat dry food have better oral health than those that only eat moistened or canned food. Some specialty pet foods are designed to protect dental health, with functional ingredients and a specially designed texture to help fight plaque. You can also ask your veterinarian about prescription dental health dog food, which is clinically proven to reduce tartar.

3. Use dental wipes. If using a toothbrush is awkward or uncomfortable for you and your dog, try dental wipes. Simply wrap a dental wipe around your finger and gently wipe the surfaces of your dog's teeth and mouth. These are especially useful for toy breed dogs, for which even tiny toothbrushes can be too large, but can be used with dogs of all breeds. 

4. Use a dental water additive. A dental water additive is easy to use. Just mix the indicated dose into your dog's water bowl. Every time your dog takes a drink, a rinse washes away oral bacteria, helping to prevent tartar from forming.

5. Sprinkle dental powder over food. Dental powders like PlaqueOff and VetriScience Perio Support can be sprinkled over wet or dry food to help prevent particles from sticking to your dog's teeth every time they eat.

6. Play tug-o-war. Simply playing with your dog can help clean their teeth. When playing tug-o-war, friction between the toy and your dog's teeth can help disrupt plaque accumulation and promote saliva production. Take care that your dog's paws stay on the ground, as aggressive tugging can lead to dental injury. Try rope-style dog toys that can work like floss as your dog chews and tugs. For extra cleaning power, try applying dog toothpaste or tooth gel to their favorite toys.

7. Schedule regular dental cleanings. Whether you brush, give chews, use dental additives, or use other methods to care for your dog's teeth, they will still need regular dental cleanings. During a dental cleaning, your dog will be under anesthesia, and your veterinarian will be able to assess and clean every part of their mouth, using X-rays to check for issues below the gumline.