At what age should I start brushing a puppy's teeth?

Baby teeth themselves do not need the same level of dental care as adult teeth, but the habit and comfort you build during this stage carries forward once the permanent teeth arrive around 4 to 6 months old. A puppy that has had its mouth handled regularly from 8 to 10 weeks rarely fights brushing later.

Keep it extremely light: a few seconds of lifting the lip and touching the gums with a finger, a taste of dog toothpaste, and lots of praise. There is no need for a full brushing motion yet, since the goal at this stage is comfort, not cleaning.

Once the adult teeth have settled in, usually by 6 to 7 months old, shift toward a real brushing routine with a soft bristled brush and 3 to 4 sessions a week minimum, since this is when long term dental habits, good or bad, really start to take hold.

Between about 3 and 6 months old, you may notice small baby teeth on the floor or occasional light bleeding from the gums as adult teeth push through, which is a normal part of teething rather than a sign brushing is causing harm. Gums can be a little more sensitive during this stretch, so a gentler touch for a few weeks is reasonable.

Vets often recommend scheduling a first general puppy checkup around 6 months old partly to assess how the adult teeth have come in, which is also a convenient moment to ask about your specific puppy's dental care needs going forward.