Dental Care for Large-Breed Dogs: Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

ByHappy Big Dogs

Dental care is one of the most overlooked parts of large-breed dog health. Many owners don’t realize that poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, infections, gum disease, and even more serious health problems down the line.

Large-breed dogs are especially prone to plaque and tartar buildup because of their bigger teeth and stronger jaws. Fortunately, with the right routine, products, and a little patience, keeping your dog’s teeth healthy can be simple and stress-free.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how often to brush, how to calm and hold your dog, and which top-rated products are worth investing in.

Why Dental Care Matters for Large-Breed Dogs

Large-breed dogs face unique challenges when it comes to dental health. Their powerful jaws and bigger teeth make them excellent chewers, but they also create more opportunities for plaque and tartar to accumulate. If left unchecked, dental problems can escalate into painful conditions such as gum disease or tooth loss. Beyond the mouth, these issues can affect overall health, potentially impacting the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Regular dental care reduces these risks and helps your dog maintain fresh breath, strong teeth, and a healthier, happier life. Think of it as an investment in your dog’s long-term well-being.

How Often Should You Brush?

Daily brushing is ideal, but even brushing two to three times per week can make a significant difference in preventing tartar buildup. Creating a routine is key. Many owners find success brushing after breakfast or before bedtime. The important thing is consistency — your dog will quickly learn that brushing is a normal part of their day, making the process easier for both of you.

How to Calm and Hold Your Large-Breed Dog for Brushing

Some dogs are naturally nervous or squirmy during brushing. Positioning is key: have your dog sit or lie beside you rather than straddling them. Lift the lips gently rather than forcing the mouth open, and speak in a calm, reassuring tone.

Start with just a few teeth at a time, gradually increasing as your dog becomes more comfortable. Treats and toys can help create a positive experience. Patience and consistency are far more effective than trying to power through a full session at once.

How to Brush a Large-Breed Dog’s Teeth

Brushing your large-breed dog’s teeth doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these simple steps:

  • Introduce Slowly: Let your dog sniff the toothbrush and taste a small amount of dog-safe toothpaste. Familiarity reduces anxiety.
  • Start With Finger Contact: Rub your finger along your dog’s gums and teeth for a few days to get them comfortable with mouth handling.
  • Use Dog-Safe Toothpaste Only: Human toothpaste is toxic for dogs. Choose flavors your dog enjoys, like poultry or beef.
  • Select the Right Brush: Use a toothbrush designed for large dogs, or a finger brush for easier access to back teeth.
  • Brush at a 45-Degree Angle: Focus on the gumline and back molars where plaque accumulates fastest. Use gentle, circular motions.
  • Keep Sessions Short: Even 30–60 seconds per side is effective. Stop before your dog becomes stressed.
  • Reward Your Dog: Praise, pets, or a small treat will help your dog associate brushing with something positive.

Top-Rated Dental Products for Large-Breed Dogs

Not all dental products work for large-breed dogs. To save time and ensure results, we’ve selected vet-approved, dog owner–tested, and highly rated products that perform well for bigger mouths. For your convenience, we’ve also included Amazon links so you can easily find and purchase them.

1. Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Kit for Dogs

The Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Dental Kit For Dogs is an at‑home dental care set that makes it easy to help keep your dog’s mouth healthy. It includes dog‑safe enzymatic toothpaste, a dual‑ended toothbrush and a finger brush to reach hard‑to‑clean areas.

Benefits:

  • All-in-one kit: Toothpaste, toothbrush, and finger brush make brushing simple.
  • Controls plaque & tartar: Baking soda formula helps reduce buildup naturally.
  • Safe for puppies: Start early to create lifelong dental habits.

Why it’s beneficial: For large-breed dogs or for families with growing pups, this kit reaches tricky molars for a thorough clean every time.

Keep Your Pup’s Teeth Healthy with this Kit

2. Vet’s Best Dog Toothpaste & Dental Kit FOR PUPPIES


The Vets Best Dog Toothpaste & Dental Kit is a veterinarian‑formulated dental care set for dogs that combines a natural enzymatic gel toothpaste with a specially designed brush to make oral hygiene easier. The toothpaste uses plant‑based ingredients to gently clean away plaque and tartar while freshening breath and supporting healthy gums.

Benefits:

  • Finger toothbrush included: Gives you control and precision for large mouths.
  • Whitens teeth & freshens breath: Aloe, neem oil, and enzymes fight bad breath and surface stains.
  • Veterinarian-formulated: Trusted by vets for safe, effective dental care.

Why it’s beneficial: Ideal for puppies and dogs who resist traditional brushes, the finger toothbrush allows gentle, effective cleaning. Regular use reduces plaque and promotes healthier gums.

Brighten Your Dog’s Smile WITH THIS KIT

3. Pedigree Dentastix Large Breed Dog Treats

The Pedigree DENTASTIX Original Large Treats for Dogs are tasty, X‑shaped daily dental chews designed specifically for adult large dogs that make everyday oral care easier. Their unique chewy texture and shape are clinically proven to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, freshen breath, and support overall canine oral hygiene as part of a regular care routine.

Benefits:

  • Beef & fresh flavor: Tasty treat your dog will love.
  • Cleans teeth as your dog chews: X-shape design reaches hard-to-clean areas.
  • Sized for large breeds: Longer chewing for more effective cleaning.

Why it’s beneficial: These treats are great for on-the-go dental care or dogs that resist brushing. Chewing massages gums and helps remove plaque naturally.

Fight Plaque While They Chew DENTASTIX

4. Milk-Bone Original Dog Biscuits For Large Dogs

The Milk‑Bone Original Dog Biscuits Large Sized Dog Treats are classic crunchy dog biscuits made especially for large breeds. Their crunchy texture helps freshen breath and gently reduce tartar buildup as your dog chews, making them a perfect complement to regular brushing to support cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and reward your dog at the same time.

Benefits:

  • Crunchy texture reduces plaque: Helps scrape away buildup as dogs chew.
  • Loved by dogs of all sizes: Classic flavor keeps them excited.
  • Supports daily dental care: Perfect addition to regular brushing routines.

Why it’s beneficial: Easy, tasty way to reinforce dental habits. Crunchy biscuits keep teeth cleaner and gums healthier over time.

Keep Teeth Clean With CLEANING BISCUITS

Professional Cleanings Still Matter

Even with consistent brushing at home, plaque can form below the gumline where a toothbrush can’t reach. Annual professional cleanings allow veterinarians to remove hidden tartar and check for other dental issues before they become serious. Large-breed dogs benefit the most from professional monitoring due to their size and jaw strength.

Regularly inspect your dog’s teeth and gums for changes such as redness, swelling, or bad odor. Maintaining a balanced diet and routine checkups is the best way to ensure long-term dental health for your large-breed dog. For more on feeding your big dog the right foods , check out our GUIDE TO THE BEST NUTRITION FOR LARGE-BREED DOGS. And to see the top supplements every large-breed dog should take, visit our TOP 4 SUPPLEMENTS EVERY LARGE BREED DOG SHOULD TAKE.

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