English Bulldog Teeth: How To Keep Them Healthy and Clean?

From the moment you bring a grumpy bulldog home, you take a great dose of responsibility to take care of them. Besides feeding them with the right diet and buying the appropriate gear, we also need to pay a special attention to their teeth. English bulldog teeth requires a special care because of their well-known underbite.

Unlike other dog breeds, bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have short, squished faces. This leads to crowded teeth, misalignment, and a higher risk of dental issues like tartar buildup, bad breath, and gum disease. If you own a bulldog (or are thinking about getting one), knowing how to keep their teeth clean and healthy is essential.

How Many Teeth Do English Bulldogs Have?

Like all adult dogs, English bulldogs have 42 teeth once they’ve lost all their puppy teeth. But here’s the problem—their mouths are way too small to fit them all properly. Because of their short skulls, their teeth often grow in crooked or too close together which means food gets trapped, plaque forms quickly and a higher chance of gum disease.

Bulldog puppies start out with 28 baby teeth which they begin losing around 12 to 16 weeks of age. By the time they are 6 months old all of their adult teeth should have come in. But since their little jaws don’t always have enough room, you may see some overlapping, rotated or misaligned teeth.

That’s why bulldogs need extra dental care compared to other breeds. If you don’t keep up with their dental hygiene, tartar will build up fast and you’ll get bad breath, inflamed gums and even painful infections.

What Healthy English Bulldog Teeth Should Look Like

So, what does a healthy bulldog mouth look like? Here are some signs that your pup’s teeth are in good shape:

White or slightly off-white teeth – Some natural discoloration is okay, but yellow or brown buildup means plaque is forming.
Pink, firm gums – Red, swollen, or bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis.
No bad breath – A little “doggy breath” is normal, but if your bulldog’s mouth smells rotten, there could be a problem.
Strong, intact teeth – No wobbly or cracked teeth.

Why Do English Bulldogs Have an Underbite?

So you’ve seen an English bulldog and noticed their lower jaw sticks out past their upper jaw. This is what’s called an underbite and it’s normal for the breed!

Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs, they have short skulls and flat faces. Over generations they were bred for these features and their lower jaw grew longer than their upper jaw. This gives them their tough guy look but it also causes dental crowding and alignment issues.

Is An Underbite A Problem?

For most bulldogs an underbite is cosmetic and doesn’t cause any real issues. However in some cases a severe underbite can lead to:

Difficulty eating – If their teeth don’t align well they might struggle to chew food.
Excessive wear and tear – Misaligned teeth can rub against each other and cause wear and even painful fractures.
Mouth injuries – Some bulldogs accidentally bite their own lips or gums, which can cause sores or infections.

If your bulldog is having trouble eating, drooling excessively or showing signs of pain when chewing it’s a good idea to have a vet check their bite alignment. In extreme cases dental correction might be needed but that’s pretty rare.

When Do English Bulldog Puppies Start Teething?

Just like human babies, English bulldog puppies go through a teething phase where they lose their baby teeth and grow in their adult set. This process starts at 3 to 4 weeks old and goes on until they’re about 6 months old.

Here’s what to expect during your bulldog’s teething timeline:

2 to 4 weeks old: Baby teeth start popping out.
5 to 8 weeks old: All 28 baby teeth are in.
12 to 16 weeks old: Puppy teeth start falling out to make room for adult teeth.
6 months old: Your pup should have all 42 adult teeth.

Signs Your Bulldog Is Teething

Teething can be tough for both puppies and owners. Some common teething symptoms include:

Chewing everything in sight – Shoes, furniture, your hands—nothing is safe!
Excessive drooling – More slobber than usual.
Red, swollen gums – This is normal but can be uncomfortable.
Whining or irritability – Your puppy might be a little grumpy.

What Helps a Teething English Bulldog

If your bulldog puppy is in the chewing phase, you’ll need to give them safe, effective relief so they don’t destroy your stuff. Here are some tips:

Frozen carrots or ice cubes – These soothe sore gums.
Rubber teething toys – Durable toys like KONGs can help.
Wet washcloth in the freezer – A simple but effective teething hack.

Avoid hard bones or rawhide at this stage since they can be too tough for developing teeth.

How to Keep Your English Bulldog Teeth Clean

Brushing your bulldog’s teeth is a nightmare, but it’s the best way to keep their mouth healthy. Here’s how to do it:

Start slow – Let your dog get used to you touching their mouth before you even get a toothbrush.
Use dog-specific toothpaste – Never use human toothpaste; it contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Pick the right one – Finger brush or soft-bristled dog toothbrush.
Circular motion – Target the gum line where plaque accumulates.
Treats or praise – Positive reinforcement!

How Often Should You Clean Their Teeth?

Ideally, you should brush your English bulldog teeth every day, but if that’s too much, aim for at least 3–4 times a week. Skipping too many brushings can lead to bad breath, gum disease, and serious dental problems.

Bulldog Dental Care Tips & Tricks

Taking care of your bulldog’s teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. If your pup hates brushing, don’t worry—there are other ways to keep their teeth clean and healthy!

Chew Toys That Promote Dental Health

One of the easiest ways to help your bulldog keep their teeth healthy is by giving them the right chew toys. Chewing naturally helps remove plaque and keeps their gums strong. But not all chew toys are created equal!

Here are bulldog-friendly chew toys that promote good dental health:

Rubber chew toys for bulldogs – These are perfect for bulldogs because they’re tough but gentle on teeth. You can even stuff them with peanut butter or treats to make them extra fun!
Rope toys – These act like dental floss, helping to remove plaque while they chew.
Textured dental chews – Some chew toys are designed with ridges and grooves that scrapes off plaque as your bulldog chews.

Don’t buy cheap or low-quality toys that can break apart easily—bulldogs are strong chewers and swallowing pieces of a toy can lead to serious health issues.

Dental Treats – Do They Work?

You’ve probably seen dental treats that claim to keep your dog’s teeth clean. But do they really work?

The short answer is: yes, but they’re not a replacement for brushing.

Dental treats help:
– Reduce plaque and tartar buildup
– Freshen breath
– Promote gum health

Some of the best dental treats for bulldogs include:

Greenies – These are one of the most popular dental treats and have been proven to help reduce tartar.
Whimzees – Made from all-natural ingredients and shaped to clean teeth as your dog chews.
Vet-approved dental chews – Your vet can recommend the best option based on your bulldog’s dental health.

The Importance of a Healthy Diet

Believe it or not, your bulldog’s diet plays a big role in their dental health.

Avoid too many soft, sticky foods – These can stick to your dog’s teeth and cause plaque buildup.
Feed high-quality dry kibble – Crunchy food helps naturally clean their teeth while they eat.
Consider adding raw bones (if recommended by your vet)- Raw bones (never cooked) can help scrape off tartar, but they must be given under supervision.

Common Dental Problems in English Bulldogs

Because of their underbite and crowded teeth, bulldogs are at high risk for dental problems. Here are some of the most common issues bulldog owners should watch out for:

1. Plaque & Tartar Buildup

This is the #1 dental problem in bulldogs. When food particles and bacteria mix, they form plaque on the teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

Signs of plaque buildup:

Yellow or brown stains on the teeth
Bad breath
Gums looking slightly red or irritated

If left untreated, this can lead to more serious dental issues, so regular brushing is key!

2. Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis)

Bulldogs are very prone to gum disease because of their crowded teeth. Gingivitis happens when bacteria infect the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. If it progresses into periodontitis, it can lead to tooth loss and infections.

Signs of gum disease:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Reluctance to eat hard food
Pus or abscesses in the mouth

3. Tooth Loss – Is It Normal?

Losing baby teeth is normal in puppies, but losing adult teeth is a problem. If your bulldog is losing teeth as an adult, it could be due to:

Advanced gum disease
Infections
Pregnancy and loss of calcium
Trauma from chewing on hard objects

Signs of Dental Problems in Bulldogs

Wondering if your bulldog has a dental issue? Here are some warning signs to look for:

Bad breath that doesn’t go away – If your bulldog’s breath smells rotting or foul, it’s a sign of infection. The English Bulldog Fresh Breath Spray can help in decreasing bad breath coming from your dog’s mouth. It also helps in decreasing tartar and plaque and heals inflamed, bleeding gums.

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums – Healthy gums should be pink and firm.
Difficulty chewing or dropping food – If they suddenly stop eating hard kibble or seem uncomfortable while chewing, something’s wrong.
Excessive drooling – Bulldogs drool a lot, but if it’s more than usual, it might be due to dental pain. To help you
Loose or missing teeth – Not normal in adult bulldogs! Only bulldog puppies can lose their baby teeth

Taking Care of Your English Bulldog Teeth: Wrapping Up

Taking care of your English bulldog teeth is not just about the breath – it’s about their overall health and happiness. With their underbite, crowded teeth and stubbornness, bulldogs are more prone to dental problems than other breeds. However, with regular brushing, the right chew toys, a healthy diet and occasional professional cleanings, you can prevent painful issues like gum disease and tooth loss. Therefore, start early, be patient and make it a positive experience. Your bulldog might not thank you in words but they will show it with a healthy smile, wagging tail and slobbery kisses!