Many dogs dislike having their mouths handled. Cleaning the teeth of a Chihuahua can be extremely exhausting since he can be especially stubborn. It may require a few weeks of daily practice to get him accustomed to having his teeth cleaned, but any dog can be trained to accept this through behavior modification. Adequately cleaning a Chihuahua’s teeth involves close detail work, and that is virtually impossible without the dog’s cooperation.

Teaching your Chihuahua puppy to have his mouth examined and his teeth cleaned will minimize the need for dental cleaning under anesthesia. This procedure is far easier if the dog is introduced to it at a young age.

He is more likely to accept this as a normal part of his grooming and will continue to do so as an adult. An adult Chihuahua may require three or four weeks of short, daily practice sessions to become accustomed to dental cleaning.

At first, hold him on your lap and simply rub his teeth and gums with your finger. Stop frequently to reassure him and offer him a treat. After a few days, put a bit of canine toothpaste or baking soda on your finger to get him accustomed to the taste.  Once he has learned to tolerate this procedure, switch to a soft-bristled doggy toothbrush or a gauze pad to clean his teeth. Use a circular motion to wipe each tooth. Pay special attention to the gum line and spaces between the teeth where plaque will readily accumulate.

Dental plaque is a sticky mixture of saliva proteins, bacteria, and food debris. It can be easily wiped off of his teeth when it’s first deposited. If it is allowed to accumulate, it will calcify into a brownish substance known as tartar. As the layer of tartar accumulates, it will cause infection and damage the roots of the teeth. By then, the dog will have noticeably bad breath and may become reluctant to eat due to dental pain. Tartar can be removed only with dental tools or an ultrasound scaler.