How to Brush a Pomeranian's Teeth (Step-by-Step Guide)

Your Pom's smile is adorable. But here's something a lot of new Pom owners don't find out until their first vet visit: those tiny teeth are in serious trouble if you're not actively taking care of them.

Dental disease is one of the most common (and most preventable) health issues in small dogs. By age three, most dogs — and especially small breeds like Pomeranians — already show signs of gum disease. The good news? A simple brushing routine can change everything.

This guide walks you through exactly how to brush your Pomeranian's teeth, what tools to use, and how to make it a bonding moment instead of a wrestling match.

Why Pomeranians Are So Prone to Dental Problems

Small dogs get the short end of the stick when it comes to dental health, and it comes down to anatomy. Pomeranians have all the same number of teeth as larger dogs — 42 adult teeth — but they're packed into a much smaller jaw. That crowding creates tight spaces where plaque and tartar love to hide.

On top of that, Poms tend to breathe through their mouths slightly more than larger breeds, which dries out the mouth and speeds up tartar buildup. Without regular cleaning, that tartar hardens into calculus, which irritates the gums and creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

The downstream effects aren't just bad breath. Untreated dental disease can lead to:

• Tooth loss — losing teeth early is painful and affects eating
• Gum infections — bacteria under the gumline causes real pain your Pom may hide
• Heart and kidney strain — oral bacteria entering the bloodstream has been linked to organ stress in dogs
• Jaw fractures in senior Poms — advanced bone loss weakens the jaw over time

The earlier you start brushing, the better. And if you've got an adult Pom who's never had their teeth brushed, don't panic — it's not too late.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Dog Toothbrush Options

Skip the human toothbrushes. The angle and bristle stiffness aren't right for dogs. For Poms, the best options are:

• Finger toothbrush — a soft silicone brush that fits over your fingertip. Great for beginners because your Pom can feel your hand, which is more familiar and less scary.
• Small-head dog toothbrush — a proper toothbrush with a long handle and small head designed for toy breeds. Easier to reach the back molars.
• Dual-headed toothbrush — brushes both sides of the tooth at once. Some Pom owners swear by these.

Start with a finger brush. Once your Pom is comfortable, you can graduate to a handled brush.

Dog-Safe Toothpaste (Never Use Human Toothpaste)

This is non-negotiable: never use human toothpaste on your dog. It contains xylitol (extremely toxic to dogs) and fluoride (also harmful if swallowed). Your Pom will swallow whatever's on the brush, so you need something designed for dogs.

Look for enzymatic dog toothpaste — the enzymes do some of the chemical work of breaking down plaque even between brushes. Most come in flavors like chicken, beef, or vanilla mint. Try a couple to find what your Pom likes. A flavor they enjoy makes the whole experience so much easier.

Step-by-Step: How to Brush Your Pomeranian's Teeth

Step 1: Get Your Pom Used to the Idea First

Before you introduce the toothbrush, spend a few days just getting your Pom comfortable with you touching their mouth. Gently lift their lip and praise them. Let them sniff the toothpaste. Let them lick a tiny bit off your finger.

The goal is to make mouth handling feel totally normal — not an event.

Step 2: Introduce the Toothbrush

Put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and let your Pom lick it off. No brushing yet — just positive association. Do this for a few days if needed.

Step 3: Start Brushing — Outside First

Once they're relaxed, angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gumline and make gentle circular motions on the outer surfaces of the teeth. Start with the front teeth (incisors and canines) since they're easiest to access.

Focus on the gumline — that's where plaque accumulates fastest.

Step 4: Work Your Way Back

The back upper molars are the highest-risk teeth in small dogs. They're hardest to reach but most likely to develop tartar. Gently pull back the lip and brush in small circles along the back teeth.

Don't force it if your Pom resists. End on a positive note and try again tomorrow.

Step 5: The Inside Surfaces (Optional, But Great)

The tongue naturally helps clean the inner surfaces of teeth, so this is lower priority. But if your Pom tolerates it, a quick brush on the inner surfaces of the front teeth rounds out the clean.

Step 6: Reward Immediately

End every session with praise and a dental-friendly treat or their favorite activity. You're building a routine — the reward at the end matters.

How Often Should You Brush Your Pom's Teeth?

Daily is the gold standard. Plaque hardens into tartar within 24–48 hours, so daily brushing is what actually prevents buildup.

That said, even 3–4 times per week makes a meaningful difference compared to never brushing at all. Work up to daily if you can — your vet will notice, and so will your Pom's long-term health.

Bonus: Other Ways to Support Dental Health

Brushing is the most effective tool, but these help too:

• Dental chews — look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval
• Water additives — tasteless liquids added to the water bowl that help reduce plaque
• Professional cleanings — your vet will recommend these based on your Pom's individual needs; typically once a year for higher-risk dogs
• Dental wipes — a good backup on days when a full brush isn't happening

When to See the Vet

If you notice any of the following, don't wait for the next routine checkup:

• Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown buildup at the gumline
• Difficulty chewing or dropping food
• Pawing at the mouth
• Loose or missing teeth

These can all signal active dental disease that needs professional treatment.