15 Effective Ways to Treat Your Dog’s Gum Disease at Home

Does your furry friend have bad breath that makes you turn away? Or maybe you’ve noticed redness and swelling in their gums? Your dog might be suffering from gum disease, but don’t worry – there are plenty of effective home remedies you can try before rushing to the vet.

As a dog owner for over 10 years, I’ve dealt with my fair share of canine dental issues. Through trial and error (and lots of research), I’ve compiled these 15 proven methods to treat your dog’s gum disease at home. These remedies are natural, affordable, and most importantly – they actually work!

Understanding Dog Gum Disease

Before jumping into treatments, it’s important to understand what we’re dealing with. Gum disease in dogs (also called periodontal disease) is incredibly common and starts when bacteria mix with food particles and saliva to form plaque on the teeth. If not removed, this plaque hardens into tartar, causing inflammation and eventually infection.

The scary thing about dog gum disease is that it often shows no symptoms in the early stages By the time you notice bad breath, bleeding gums, or difficulty eating, the condition might already be advanced.

Signs your dog might have gum disease include:

• Bad breath (beyond normal dog breath)
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Difficulty picking up food
• Drooling or bloody saliva
• Reluctance to let you touch their head
• Loose or missing teeth
• Nasal discharge

Home Remedies for Dog Gum Disease

1. Regular Teeth Brushing with Baking Soda

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the single most effective way to prevent and treat mild gum disease. Baking soda is a natural, safe option that can significantly reduce plaque.

How to use:

• Get a soft-bristled toothbrush (designed for dogs)
• Wet the brush and dip it in baking soda
• Gently brush your dog’s teeth without applying pressure
• Aim to do this daily, but 3-4 times a week will still help

Remember to use toothpaste specifically designed for dogs, as human toothpaste contains ingredients that can be harmful if swallowed

2. Salt Water Rinse

A simple saltwater solution can work wonders for reducing inflammation and killing bacteria.

How to use:

• Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water
• Use a syringe or squirt bottle to gently rinse your dog’s mouth
• Be careful not to let your dog swallow too much of the solution

3. Coconut Oil Treatment

Coconut oil is a fantastic natural remedy thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

How to use:

• Dip a toothbrush in coconut oil and brush your dog’s teeth
• Alternatively, add a small amount (1/2 to 1 teaspoon, depending on your dog’s size) to their food daily
• For extra effectiveness, mix coconut oil with baking soda for brushing

4. Dental Chews and Toys

Providing your dog with appropriate dental chews can help remove plaque through natural chewing action.

How to use:

• Choose dental chews specifically designed to clean teeth
• Provide raw bones (uncooked) under supervision
• Offer dental toys that clean while they play
• Avoid chews that are too hard as they could damage teeth

5. Calendula Treatment

Calendula flowers have amazing healing properties for wounds and infections, making them great for treating gum disease.

How to use:

• Steep 1 tablespoon of dried calendula flowers in a cup of boiling water
• Cover and let cool
• Apply the mixture to your dog’s gums using a cotton swab
• Repeat 2-3 times daily until improvement is seen

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in your dog’s mouth.

How to use:

• Add a small amount to your dog’s water (1 part ACV to 8 parts water)
• Use as a mouth rinse by diluting with water and applying with a cotton ball
• Don’t overdo it as too much can be harmful

7. Manuka Honey

Manuka honey has excellent anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that can help heal dog gum infections.

How to use:

• Mix equal parts baking soda and manuka honey
• Brush your dog’s teeth with the mixture
• You can also mix manuka honey with cinnamon and kefir and feed it to your dog

8. Warm Compress

For dogs with swollen gums, a warm compress can provide relief.

How to use:

• Soak a washcloth in warm (not hot) water
• Gently apply to your dog’s face near the affected area
• Hold for 10-15 minutes
• Repeat several times daily to reduce swelling and discomfort

9. Soft Diet

Feeding softer foods can make eating less painful for dogs with gum disease.

How to use:

• Temporarily switch to soft foods like boiled chicken and rice
• Soak dry kibble in warm water to soften it
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods that might hurt inflamed gums

10. Probiotics

Probiotics help create a healthy bacterial environment in your dog’s mouth, boosting the good bacteria that help control harmful ones.

How to use:

• Add a high-quality canine probiotic supplement to your dog’s food
• Consider giving kefir, which is rich in probiotics (1 tablespoon for small dogs, 2-3 for larger dogs)

11. Bone Broth

Bone broth is packed with minerals that strengthen teeth and gums.

How to use:

• Make homemade bone broth by simmering bones for 24+ hours
• Feed a few tablespoons several times a week
• Can be used to soften kibble or as a treat

12. Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste

This DIY toothpaste can help strengthen your dog’s teeth and prevent cavities.

How to use:

• Mix 1/4 cup ground eggshells (baked and finely ground)
• Add 1-3 tablespoons MCT oil
• Add 1 tablespoon (or less) baking soda
• Optional: a pinch of peppermint powder or one drop of peppermint essential oil
• Store in a small jar and use daily

13. Ozonated Oil

Ozonated oils have powerful antibacterial properties and promote healing.

How to use:

• Purchase ozonated oil (sunflower oil holds the most ozone)
• Apply to teeth and gums using a Q-tip
• This helps remove plaque and manage gum infections

14. Bee Propolis

Bee propolis is sticky, resin-like substance with antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties.

How to use:

• Apply bee propolis tincture to problem areas in your dog’s mouth
• It’s particularly useful for covering exposed roots or potential abscess areas
• Let the tooth dry before applying to help it stay on longer

15. Aloe Vera for Pain

Aloe vera gel can soothe pain and inflammation in your dog’s mouth.

How to use:

• Use natural, organic aloe vera gel without additives
• Apply directly to teeth and gums
• For best results, use fresh aloe from a plant if possible

Preventing Dog Gum Disease

Prevention is always better than cure! Here are some tips to keep your dog’s gums healthy:

1. Feed a natural diet – Dogs fed natural diets with chewy muscle meat and raw bones typically have healthier mouths
2. Avoid kibble-only diets – Studies show kibble can cause dental problems surprisingly quickly
3. Regular mouth checks – Examine your dog’s mouth weekly to catch problems early
4. Fresh water always – Clean water helps wash away bacteria
5. Regular vet check-ups – Even with home care, professional exams are important

When to See a Vet

While these home remedies are effective for mild to moderate gum disease, some situations require professional veterinary care. See your vet if:

• Your dog has severe bleeding from the gums
• You notice multiple loose or missing teeth
• Your dog refuses to eat due to pain
• The gum disease is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or fever
• Home remedies don’t show improvement after 1-2 weeks

My Personal Experience

When my Labrador Retriever, Max, started having terrible breath last year, I noticed his gums were red and swollen too. Our vet confirmed he had early-stage periodontal disease but said we could try home treatment first.

I started brushing his teeth with coconut oil and baking soda every day, gave him raw bones to chew (supervised), and added probiotics to his food. Within two weeks, the redness was gone, and his breath smelled much better!

The key was consistency – I made these treatments part of our daily routine, and it paid off. Max’s last vet check-up showed his gums were healthy, and we avoided an expensive dental cleaning under anesthesia.

Treating your dog’s gum disease at home is possible with these natural remedies. The most important thing is to be consistent and patient – dental health doesn’t improve overnight. Combine several of these approaches for the best results, and remember that prevention is always better than treatment.

Have you tried any of these remedies for your dog? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Remember: While these home remedies can be very effective, they aren’t a substitute for veterinary care if your dog has severe dental disease. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.

Gum disease in dogs can significantly shorten their lifespan, potentially reducing it by one to three years if left untreated due to chronic pain and the risk of systemic infections like endocarditis or kidney disease.

For swollen gums, a veterinarian should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment, which may include a professional dental cleaning or antibiotics. Home remedies like applying a cold compress, a warm salt water rinse, or rubbing coconut oil or aloe vera gel on the gums can provide temporary relief for your dog. However, these are not substitutes for professional veterinary care.