Mix a tablespoon of hot water with two tablespoons of baking soda. To add freshness to the paste, add a pinch of cinnamon to the mix.

Bring some doggie treats with you so you can reward your dog for good behavior throughout the process.

This step is especially important if your dog has an adverse reaction to its mouth being touched. If your dog has an adverse reaction, stop what you are doing. Try again after a minute. Reward your dog with a treat for good behavior.

Hold down your dog’s lower lip and apply the same circular motion to its bottom teeth for 30 seconds. Practice doing this once a day for a week. Remember to give your dog a treat for good behavior afterwards.

You can do this either before or after you massage your dog’s teeth with your finger.

Make sure to reward your dog for good behavior afterward. [9] X Expert Source Osama MaghawriProfessional Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 9 September 2020.

When removing tartar and plaque, use downward strokes for the top teeth. Hold down your dog’s bottom lip and massage the outsides of the bottom teeth in the same circular motion. Use upward strokes to remove tartar from the bottom teeth.

Don’t forget to reward your dog for good behavior afterwards.

Healthy gums are pink, not cherry red or white, and show no signs of swelling or bleeding.

Reward your dog with treats that are specially formulated to keep your dog’s teeth healthy. Chew toys and soft chews should not replace regular brushing.

Take your dog to the vet immediately if it is suffering from any of these symptoms: inflamed or swollen gums, loose or decayed teeth, tooth pain, i. e. , pawing at the mouth, lumps in the gums, i. e. , mouth tumors, or fluid filled blisters under the tongue or near the corners of the jaw, i. e, salivary cysts.