Author
Dr. Cynthia Maro - Integrative Veterinarian, Cynthia Maro, DVM, CVA, CAC, VMRT, VNAET
Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh understands that when new pet parents bring a puppy home, their focus is often on training, feeding, and vaccinations—but dental health is just as essential. Early dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of oral hygiene and comfort. Most dog owners aren’t aware that dental disease begins silently during puppyhood. While those tiny teeth might seem harmless, they play a significant role in jaw development, future adult tooth alignment, and overall health. Starting a brushing routine during this early stage of life ensures puppies grow into cooperative adult dogs with strong, disease-free teeth.
Puppies typically begin teething at around three weeks of age, though owners don’t usually notice until about six weeks when they begin chewing and exploring more aggressively. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh explains that puppies have 28 deciduous (baby) teeth that erupt by eight weeks of age. These teeth are needle-sharp and serve as placeholders for their permanent counterparts. By the time the puppy reaches 12 to 16 weeks, these baby teeth start falling out, making way for the 42 adult teeth that begin to emerge.
Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh emphasizes that this phase of rapid change can be uncomfortable. Swollen gums, irritability, and a desire to chew are common signs of teething. During this time, brushing becomes both a dental hygiene tool and a behavioral aid. Introducing the brushing routine while the puppy is teething conditions them to tolerate—and eventually accept—oral care as part of their daily life.
Teething can be an uncomfortable process, and Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh notes that puppies often seek relief by gnawing on furniture, toys, or fingers. What many owners don’t realize is that while this behavior is natural, it can lead to infections or damage if foreign objects become lodged between teeth or injure sensitive gums. Soft rubber toys or cloths frozen in water can help soothe irritated gums. However, this is also the ideal time to introduce the puppy to the feeling of having their mouth handled.
Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh recommends starting with gentle finger rubs on the gums, progressing to a soft-bristled toothbrush and eventually enzymatic dog toothpaste. It’s crucial that owners never use human toothpaste, as ingredients like xylitol can be toxic to dogs. The goal is to make brushing a positive, bonding experience rather than a chore or punishment. Starting during teething helps reduce the likelihood of resistance later in life.
By the time a dog is three years old, most have some form of dental disease, yet this could be largely avoided with early intervention. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh warns that without brushing, plaque quickly hardens into tartar, which collects along the gumline and causes inflammation and infection. Over time, this progresses into periodontal disease, which can impact not just the mouth, but the kidneys, heart, and liver as bacteria travel through the bloodstream.
Establishing brushing as a routine during puppyhood—when their behavior is still malleable—makes it far easier to maintain consistency into adulthood. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh teaches that puppies that grow up with daily or weekly brushing don’t struggle with restraint or resist mouth handling at the vet, grooming salon, or at home. It’s a small investment of time with enormous long-term health benefits.
Once your puppy’s adult teeth begin to erupt—typically around four to six months of age—the brushing habits established earlier pay off. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh encourages pet parents to use tools made specifically for small mouths: puppy toothbrushes, finger brushes, and soft-tipped bristles. Enzymatic toothpaste formulated for puppies can help break down food particles and freshen breath without the need for rinsing.
She also explains that frequency is more important than intensity. A gentle, short brushing session several times a week is more beneficial than an aggressive scrubbing once in a while. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh teaches that it’s okay to start with short, five-second brushes on just one side of the mouth and work up to longer sessions. Positive reinforcement, treats, and praise help build lasting cooperation.
Diet plays a crucial role in oral hygiene. While brushing is the gold standard, what your puppy eats matters too. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh recommends crunchy kibble or dental-specific dog food, which helps remove debris from teeth surfaces as the puppy chews. Dental chews and rawhides can be useful as long as they’re appropriate for the puppy’s age and size.
But she also cautions against over-reliance on chews. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh notes that while these products support oral hygiene, they are not substitutes for brushing. Too many chews or poorly made products can result in fractured teeth or gastrointestinal issues. A balanced combination of proper brushing, healthy chewing options, and veterinary exams is the best approach to maintaining puppy dental health.
Puppies should have their teeth checked at every wellness exam, typically every few months during their first year. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh encourages pet owners to alert their veterinarian if they notice prolonged teething pain, retained baby teeth, foul odor, or signs of discomfort while eating. Retained teeth, in particular, can cause misalignment and should be addressed early.
These exams also provide a chance for your veterinarian to monitor brushing technique and offer personalized advice. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh advises that dental exams during the puppy’s formative months help identify jaw abnormalities, bite issues, and gum health problems before they become serious. Preventative cleanings under anesthesia may not be necessary in a healthy puppy, but routine monitoring is essential.
Establishing dental hygiene in a puppy isn’t just about oral health—it’s about building trust. Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh believes that gentle handling, consistency, and routine help create a dog that is easier to groom, more accepting of veterinary care, and healthier overall. The mouth is one of the most sensitive and communicative parts of a dog’s body. Training them to accept brushing opens the door to a cooperative and well-adjusted adult dog.
Moreover, Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh stresses that this early training doesn’t end with brushing. It teaches puppies how to accept care, how to respond to stress, and how to participate in their own well-being. It's a form of empowerment for both the puppy and the owner.
Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh knows from years of veterinary experience that the early weeks and months of a puppy’s life set the tone for future health and behavior. Dental hygiene should never be an afterthought. Starting brushing during the teething phase, understanding the development of the jaw and teeth, and creating a consistent, positive oral care routine are all crucial to raising a healthy dog. By taking these steps early, guided by the expertise of professionals like Cynthia Maro of Pittsburgh, dog owners can prevent dental disease, save money on future procedures, and strengthen the bond they share with their pets.
