🦷 Best Dental Care Tips for Shih Tzus: Daily Routine Every Owner Must Know

Keeping your Shih Tzu’s teeth healthy isn’t just about a pretty smile — it’s one of the most important parts of their overall wellbeing. Many Shih Tzu owners in the USA don’t realize that dental problems can lead to heart issues, painful infections, and even early tooth loss. Because of their small mouths and flat faces, Shih Tzus are more likely than many other breeds to develop plaque, tartar, and gum disease. If you’ve ever noticed bad breath or difficulty chewing, it could be a sign that your dog needs better dental care.

In this guide, you'll learn practical, vet-approved dental care tips that you can start using today. No complicated routines. No expensive products. Just simple steps that will help keep your Shih Tzu healthier and happier for many years.

Why Dental Care Is So Important for Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed — meaning they have flat faces and shortened jaws. While this gives them their cute and unique look, it also creates some dental challenges:

1. Crowded Teeth

Their small jaws cause teeth to sit close together, making it easy for food and bacteria to get stuck.

2. Higher Risk of Gum Disease

Shih Tzus are one of the top breeds vets see with periodontal disease because plaque builds up quickly when teeth overlap.

3. Difficulty Cleaning Themselves

Unlike bigger breeds, they can’t chew bones hard enough to scrape plaque naturally.

4. Long Hair Around the Mouth

Food, bacteria, and moisture get trapped in their face hair, contributing to bad breath and germs.

The good news? With the right daily routine, you can prevent most of these problems.

Signs Your Shih Tzu May Already Have Dental Problems

If your Shih Tzu shows any of these signs, it may be time for a check-up or dental cleaning:

• Bad breath (strong smell)

• Red or swollen gums

• Yellow or brown tartar buildup

• Drooling more than usual

• Chewing on one side

• Pawing at the mouth

• Loss of appetite

• Loose or missing teeth

Dental disease often goes unnoticed because dogs hide pain. Regular care prevents discomfort and costly vet visits.

Daily Dental Care Routine for Shih Tzus (Easy & Effective)

1. Brush Their Teeth Daily

Daily brushing is the number one way to prevent tartar and bad breath.

Tips for success:

• Use dog toothpaste — never human toothpaste

• Use a soft-bristle brush or fingertip brush

• Start slowly: let them lick the toothpaste first

• Brush in gentle circular motions

• Focus on the outer surfaces of teeth

• Make it a calm and positive experience

Even two minutes of brushing each day can prevent 90% of dental problems.

2. Choose the Right Dental Chews

Not all dental treats are safe for Shih Tzus. Avoid hard bones or thick rawhide that can break their teeth.

Instead, choose:

• Vet-approved dental chews

• Small, soft chews for toy breeds

• Treats with ridges that scrub teeth gently

Chews should help their teeth, not harm them.

3. Use Water Additives

Dental water additives are great for busy owners.

They help:

• Reduce plaque

• Freshen breath

• Kill oral bacteria

Just add a small amount to their drinking water daily. It’s an easy step that supports your brushing routine.

4. Dental Wipes for Quick Cleaning

Dental wipes are perfect for Shih Tzus who don’t like brushing.

Benefits:

• Remove bacteria

• Reduce plaque

• Safe for daily use

• Gentle on gums

Wipe around teeth and gumlines — especially the molars, where plaque hides.

5. Feed a Dental-Friendly Diet

Kibble helps scrape teeth more than soft foods. If your Shih Tzu eats wet food, mix in some crunchy kibble to help reduce plaque.

Look for kibble made for:

• Small breeds

• Dental health

• Sensitive stomachs

Avoid sticky foods that cling to teeth.

6. Regular Grooming Around the Mouth

Because Shih Tzus have facial hair, food and bacteria can easily get stuck around the mouth.

You should:

• Trim hair around the mouth weekly

• Clean the beard after meals

• Use a mild pet-safe facial wipe

A clean face = a cleaner mouth.

7. Schedule Professional Cleanings

Even with great home care, Shih Tzus still need professional dental cleanings.

Most vets recommend:

• Once per year for healthy dogs

• Twice per year for seniors or dogs with dental issues

This is the only way to remove deep tartar under the gumline, where brushes can’t reach.

How to Train Your Shih Tzu to Enjoy Dental Care

Most dogs don’t like brushing at first. But with patience, even the stubborn ones learn to enjoy it.

Step-by-step training:

1. Start slow: Just touch the mouth and reward.

2. Let them taste toothpaste like a treat.

3. Use your finger first before using a toothbrush.

4. Keep sessions short: 10–20 seconds at the start.

5. Reward heavily with treats and praise.

Make it fun, gentle, and positive.

Natural Home Remedies for Better Dental Health

These natural additions can help support oral hygiene:

1. Coconut Oil Rub

Coconut oil helps reduce bacteria.

• Rub a tiny amount on gums

• Or mix a small amount into food

2. Parsley Water

Acts as a natural breath freshener.

3. Carrot Sticks

Soft enough for Shih Tzus
Hard enough to gently clean teeth

Always supervise chewing.

Foods to Avoid for Dental Safety

Some foods can damage teeth or stick tightly between them.

Avoid:

• Sugary human food

• Sticky treats

• Hard bones

• Rawhide

• Ice cubes

• Ribs, pork bones, or cooked bones

These can break small dog teeth.

Best Dental Products for Shih Tzus (USA Availability)

• Small-breed toothbrush

• Enzymatic dog toothpaste

• Dental water additive

• Soft dental chews

• Dental wipes

• Coconut oil (organic)

• Small-breed kibble specially designed for dental care

Always choose products labeled for toy breeds.

How Often Should You Brush a Shih Tzu’s Teeth?

Daily brushing is ideal.
Minimum: 3–4 times a week
Less than that will allow plaque to build quickly.

Common Dental Problems in Shih Tzus

1. Periodontal Disease

Inflammation of gums and bone — extremely common in the breed.

2. Retained Baby Teeth

Puppies often keep baby teeth, causing crowding.

3. Tooth Decay & Fractures

Happens easily due to small tooth size.

4. Tartar Buildup

Shows as yellow or brown hard deposits.

5. Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Usually caused by bacteria, not food.

Identifying these early can save your dog pain and prevent surgery.

When to See a Vet Immediately

Seek immediate attention if your Shih Tzu:

• Stops eating

• Cries while chewing

• Has blood on gums

• Has loose or missing teeth

• Has one-sided face swelling

• Shows foul, rotten-smelling breath

Dental infections can spread to major organs if untreated.

Final Thoughts

Dental care is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of caring for a Shih Tzu. Their flat faces, small mouths, and crowded teeth make them especially vulnerable, but the right daily routine can prevent almost all dental problems.

With brushing, proper chews, healthy diet, and regular vet care, you can keep your Shih Tzu smiling, comfortable, and healthy for many years.

Your little fur baby depends on you for their dental health… and they’ll thank you with fresh kisses and a longer, happier life.