One of the questions we hear regularly at Paddington Pups is whether a grooming appointment can help with a dog’s teeth. It is a fair question. You are already thinking about your dog’s coat, nails, ears, and overall comfort, so it makes sense to consider dental hygiene at the same time.
At Paddington Pups, we believe it is important to be clear about what each part of your dog’s care can do. A regular grooming routine can support good hygiene habits, and home brushing is one of the best things you can do between veterinary checks. But neither replaces professional veterinary dental care when your dog has pain, gum disease, tartar, or another oral-health concern.
Dental disease is common. The Australian Veterinary Association has reported that Australian veterinarians find some level of dental disease in four out of five dogs and cats over the age of three . That is why we encourage every dog owner to think of dental care as a regular routine, not something to address only when breath becomes unpleasant or tartar is easy to see.
Does Paddington Pups Offer a Teeth-Clean Grooming Extra?
Yes. Our published pricing page lists Teeth Clean under Grooming Extras. As our services and pricing can change, please check with our team for the current details, availability, and what is included when you book.
We also want to be very clear about the boundary. Our Teeth Clean extra is a non-veterinary grooming service. It is there to support your dog’s regular hygiene routine. It is not a veterinary dental procedure, a diagnosis, a scale and polish, treatment for gum disease, or a replacement for veterinary care.
Our grooming team is available Monday to Friday, and we are always happy to help you build practical care into your dog’s routine. If you would like to discuss the Teeth Clean extra for an upcoming appointment, contact us before booking so we can confirm the current options for your dog.
Why Do We Encourage Dog Owners to Make Teeth Brushing a Routine?
The simple answer is that small, consistent habits make a difference. Plaque builds up over time. If it is not managed, it can harden into tartar and contribute to gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Dogs can be remarkably good at carrying on with daily life even when their mouths are uncomfortable, so waiting until there is an obvious problem is not always the best approach.
The American Veterinary Medical Association describes regular brushing as the single most effective thing owners can do to keep their pet’s teeth healthy between veterinary dental procedures . Daily brushing is ideal, but several calm sessions each week can still be helpful when daily brushing is not realistic.
What matters most is finding a routine your dog can manage comfortably. We would always rather see a dog enjoy two or three short, positive brushing sessions each week than become worried by a longer session that feels forced.
How Does Grooming Fit into Your Dog’s Dental-Care Routine?
We think about your dog’s care as a team effort. Grooming, home care, and veterinary care each have a different role. When they work together, you are more likely to notice changes early and keep daily hygiene from becoming overwhelming.
Part of Your Dog’s Routine | What It Can Help With | What It Cannot Replace |
Home tooth brushing | Frequent plaque management, calm handling practice, and early awareness of changes in the mouth | Veterinary diagnosis or treatment |
Paddington Pups Teeth Clean extra | A grooming-supported hygiene routine and a useful reminder to keep dental care on your radar | A veterinary dental examination, dental x-rays, scaling below the gum line, or treatment for painful teeth and gums |
Veterinary dental check | Assessment of oral health and advice on the right next step | Regular plaque management at home |
Veterinary dental procedure | Clinical treatment where a veterinarian identifies a need | Your ongoing home routine after treatment |
Our grooming extra can be a useful part of that routine, particularly if it helps keep dental care on the list when you are booking grooming. However, we never want an owner to mistake a grooming service for clinical dental care. The Australian Veterinary Association explains that a complete dental examination and treatment cannot properly be performed while a dog is conscious
How Can You Make Teeth Brushing Easier at Home?
If your dog is new to brushing, give both of you time. You do not need to do a perfect job on day one. Start with handling, build trust, and keep the experience calm. Use dog-safe toothpaste, never human toothpaste, and choose a quiet time when your dog is settled.
Here is the gradual approach Paddington Pups recommend:
- Start with gentle touch. Briefly touch your dog’s cheek and lift their lip for a second or two, then reward calm behaviour.
- Let them taste the toothpaste. Offer a small amount of dog-safe toothpaste from your finger or the toothbrush.
- Brush only a few outer teeth. Keep the first sessions very short. The outer surfaces are the best place to begin.
- Build up slowly. Add more teeth only while your dog remains comfortable and relaxed.
- Finish on a positive note. Give your dog a reward and stop before the session becomes stressful.
There is no prize for rushing. A dog who feels safe with the process is more likely to accept regular brushing over the long term.
How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?
Daily brushing is the goal, but we know life in Brisbane can be busy. If daily brushing feels out of reach at first, aim for several consistent sessions each week and build from there. A routine you actually follow is more valuable than an ideal schedule that never happens.
| Where You Are Starting | A Practical Next Step |
| Puppy or dog new to brushing | Practise brief lip and muzzle handling several times a week, then introduce brushing gradually |
| Dog already comfortable with brushing | Aim for daily brushing, or several consistent sessions every week |
| Dog with a history of dental disease | Follow the home-care plan your veterinarian has recommended |
| Dog using our Teeth Clean grooming extra | Keep brushing at home. Our grooming extra supports the routine but does not replace it |
We also recommend asking your veterinarian to check your dog’s teeth and gums at least once a year. The AVMA recommends annual dental checks, with earlier assessment if you notice warning signs . Your veterinarian can tell you whether your dog needs additional care and what ongoing routine makes sense for their mouth.
When Do You Need a Vet Rather Than a Grooming Appointment?
This is the most important distinction in the whole article. Please book a veterinary appointment if you notice persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, swelling around the mouth, broken or loose teeth, heavy tartar, drooling, food falling from the mouth, reluctance to eat, or signs of pain.
These are not issues to manage through grooming alone. The AVA advises that anaesthesia-free dentistry is not appropriate for dogs and cats because it cannot provide a complete examination, diagnosis, or treatment below the gum line . A veterinary dental procedure may involve examination under general anaesthesia, dental charting, radiographs where needed, scaling and polishing, and other treatment depending on what the veterinarian finds .
My simple rule for owners: Use grooming and home brushing to support prevention. If your dog seems sore, distressed, or different around their mouth, call your veterinarian.
Which Dental Products Are Worth Using?
A soft dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste are the best foundations for most home routines. Your veterinarian may also recommend dental diets, chews, rinses, or other products based on your dog’s individual needs.
Be selective. Not every product marketed for dental health is equally useful. The AVA encourages owners and veterinarians to consider products with a Veterinary Oral Health Council acceptance seal where appropriate, as it recognises products shown to help control plaque and/or tartar . If your dog has a history of dental disease, tends to swallow chews quickly, has food allergies, or has another health condition, ask your veterinarian before adding a product to the routine.
You can also read our guide to at-home dog dental care for practical day-to-day tips. Use it as a starting point, then let your veterinarian guide the clinical decisions.
How Can We Support a Better Everyday Routine for Your Dog?
At Paddington Pups, we are here to make caring for your dog feel more manageable. A regular grooming visit helps you stay on top of the parts of care that are easy to miss when life is busy, and our listed Teeth Clean extra can be part of that conversation.
The most important work still happens over time, at home and with your veterinarian. Gentle brushing, regular checks, and prompt action when something looks or smells different can make a real difference to your dog’s comfort.
If you would like to ask about our current grooming options, including Teeth Clean, our team would be happy to help. Explore our grooming services or get in touch with us to discuss your dog’s next appointment.
FAQs
Is Teeth Clean included in every Paddington Pups grooming package?
Teeth Clean is listed under our Grooming Extras. Please ask our team about the current grooming options and inclusions when you book, as packages and availability can change.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Daily brushing is ideal, although several calm sessions each week can still be helpful. Start at a pace your dog can tolerate and build consistency over time.
Can a groomer remove tartar from my dog’s teeth?
A grooming appointment should not be relied on to remove tartar or treat disease below the gum line. If you see heavy tartar or notice bad breath, bleeding gums, mouth discomfort, or changes in eating, please arrange a veterinary dental check.
Do dental chews replace tooth brushing?
No. Chews can form part of a wider preventive plan, but regular brushing is still the most effective home measure for managing plaque between veterinary visits. Ask your veterinarian which products suit your dog.
What should I do if my dog will not let me brush their teeth?
Start again with brief, rewarded handling around the lips and muzzle. Never force the brush into your dog’s mouth. If the resistance is sudden, severe, or appears linked to pain, organise a veterinary check before continuing.
