Honestly I've only ever brushed my dogs teeth a handful of times. I used to give her dental sticks pretty often, and she used to love chewing bones (the kind you buy especially for dogs, not just any random bone). She could probably use a good professional cleaning now, she doesn't like to chew things anymore :/ Of course, she -is- 16 years old, so I guess its not that surprising her teeth aren't in top condition anymore. She will still eat kibble but prefers canned food.