my puppies just licked down the doggy toothpaste, and closed their mouths while doing so. Must be yummy tasting stuff.

My previous dog had her teeth cleaned by the Vet at around age 5, and again at 8. If the gums are inflamed then it's time for the doggy hygienist to scrape the plaque off. This is done under anesthesia. It's a wise thing to consider since dental infections involving staph can easily spread to such places as the heart valves.