If you want your Lab to have healthy teeth and fresh breath, you need to brush his teeth frequently. Daily is best, but even two or three times a week is helpful. Periodontal disease caused by tartar buildup is a common problem in dogs, but regular brushing keeps the dentist away.

Get your Lab used to having his teeth brushed while he's still a puppy. Puppy teeth are too sensitive for a toothbrush, but you can gently scrub the teeth with a soft gauze pad that's been moistened with water. When the permanent teeth come in, you can start using a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs.

Brush the front teeth first, and then move to the upper and lower teeth in the back. Get down into the crevices where teeth and gums meet, because this is where food is most likely to get stuck, causing bad odor and infection.

If your Lab's teeth develop a heavy buildup of tartar, he may need a veterinary cleaning. He'll be anesthetized with a short-acting anesthetic so the veterinarian can probe the gumline, remove tartar, and polish the teeth.