All the Best Dog Toothbrushes and Tools for Banishing Puppy Breath
All the Best Dog Toothbrushes and Tools for Banishing Puppy Breath
Few people think to brush their pet's pearly whites, but the state of your dog's teeth can actually affect their overall health. Just as you need to regularly clip your dog's nails, it's important to brush your dog's teeth to keep them in tip-top shape — and of course, you'll need the right tools to help you do that. Dental dog treats and teeth-cleaning chews can help, but the best dog toothbrushes will really allow you to give your canine's chompers a thorough cleaning, which in turn will help them avoid periodontal disease and possibly even tooth loss.
As Denise Rollings, CVT, VTS, of Pet Dental Education tells Woman's Day, "The goal of home dental care for dogs is to remove, reduce, and manage plaque." According to Rollings, plaque that isn't removed from the teeth eventually turns into calculus (or tartar), which cannot be brushed off and requires a professional (and costly) dental procedure to remove. "Plaque bacteria also causes an immune response in the body, which is responsible for halitosis, inflamed and possibly bleeding gums, gum recession, root exposure, and eventually tooth loss," she adds. Luckily, all you need is one of these top-rated dog toothbrushes to avoid all that.
The best dog toothbrushes to buy in 2022
Like dog strollers and dog sunscreens, a dog toothbrush is one of those unexpected pet products that's well worth the investment, especially since they can save you from costly surgery down the road. Read on for information on all the best dog toothbrush options, as well as everything you should know about brushing your pup's teeth.
A Dental Care Kit From a Favorite Toy Company
Nylabone
amazon.com
$9.99
You may already know Nylabone's durable toys, especially if your dog really loves to chew. The popular toy company also makes dental care kits, which save you from having to choose a toothbrush and a separate paste.
Turn Playtime Into Tooth-Cleaning with a Chew Stick
FULNEW
amazon.com
Dogs who already love gnawing on sticks can clean their own teeth with this chew toy that doubles as a toothbrush. Just squeeze some dog toothpaste in between the bristles, which are specially positioned to scrub a dog's teeth. Clean the bone either by hand or in the dishwasher before and after use, so residue doesn't collect on the rubber.
Supplement Dental Care with Cleaning Chews
Pedigree
amazon.com
$14.26
For dogs with dragon breath, Dentastix can serve as a breath-freshening supplement in between brushing sessions. Although vets don't recommend solely relying on dental chews for oral health, they can help keep plaque and tartar at bay as part of an overall regimen.
Stock Up with a Set of Six Brushes
Pet Republique
amazon.com
$8.99
Your dog's toothbrush needs to be replaced every month, or whenever the bristles start showing wear. This set of six dual-headed brushes means you can buy it once and forget about it for months. Rotate between the two heads for your dog's larger canine and back teeth and tinier front teeth, or pick the brush head that matches the size of your dog's mouth.
Treat Your Pet's Mouth with the Classic Dental Chew
Greenies
amazon.com
$36.98
Most pet owners have probably heard of Greenies, a well-known dental treat. They work great to keep dogs' mouths smelling fresh and clean their teeth in between brushings, and dogs seem to love them. Greenies also come in several sizes, so your dog can keep her teeth clean, whether she's a pocket pooch or a giant pupper.
Try Finger Brushes for Sensitive Mouths
tropiclean
chewy.com
$5.99
If you're just getting started brushing your dog's teeth, try a brush that fits over your finger. They can be less intimidating than the stick kind, and allow you to reach even your dog's back teeth. This set also comes with a brush that has soft silicone bristles for sensitive gums.
Get Your Dog Supplies From a Well-Known Brand
Arm & Hammer
chewy.com
$7.96
Baking soda-infused toothpaste helps penetrate those hard-to-reach spots, and an included finger toothbrush and traditional long-handle version gives you options when you brush your pet's teeth. The toothpaste also comes in chicken flavor, which tastes like a treat to your furry friend.
Give Yourself Options with a Full Brush Set
PoshWag
amazon.com
$12.39
You may not know which type of toothbrush works best for your dog's size and mouth sensitivity. Give yourself plenty of options with a set that includes four long-handled bushes, two plastic finger brushes, two silicone finger brushes, a flexible finger brush, and a brush with both a finger attachment and a handle.
Turn Toothpaste Into a Treat with a Yummy Flavor
sentry
chewy.com
$2.59
Remember to get your dog her own toothpaste. Not only is it a little gross to share with your pet, but many human varieties include xylitol, a toxic ingredient for animals. Vets like this enzymatic toothpaste with a tasty chicken flavor that dogs love.
Go For a Vet-Approved Dental Care System
Vet's Best
amazon.com
$9.90
As the name implies, veterinarians like the enzymatic toothpaste and triple-headed toothbrush this set contains. The unique toothbrush design cleans your dog's pearly whites from a number of angles to make brushing faster and more effective. Aloe, baking soda, and enzymes make the toothpaste both soothing and penetrating, for good oral health.
Add This to Your Dog's Water to Keep Their Teeth Clean
Dental Fresh
amazon.com
$9.99
Think of this dental water additive like mouthwash for your dog. Just add it to their water bowl once a day to help keep plaque and tartar at bay and freshen the dreaded "dog breath." While it should not substitute for brushing entirely, it can help address periodontal disease in your pet.
Sprinkle a Dental Powder on Your Pet's Food
Proden
amazon.com
$19.00
Help boost your pet's oral health at mealtime with a dental powder you can just sprinkle over your dog's food. It helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup as well as improve bad breath over a matter of weeks. Made from a strain of Scandinavian seaweed, it contains no chemicals or additives, and you can feel safe using it daily.
Baby Sensitive Gums with Silicone
FOMATE
amazon.com
Pets with sensitive teeth or gums may need a gentler brush, so try this long-handled silicone version. But vets caution that if your pet's gums are already red or inflamed, you should take them to the vet instead. Your pet's mouth is probably painful at that point, and you don't want to get bitten.
Spray Away Your Dog's Bad Breath
Pets Are Kids Too
amazon.com
$15.99
This tasty spray addresses plaque, tartar, and bad breath at the enzyme level, meaning it cuts off periodontal disease at the source. Pets also enjoy the taste, whether you spray it on their food, on a dish, or right on their gums. Consult your vet before replacing tooth-brushing with the spray alone, or making any health decisions for your pet.
Serve Treats with Toothpaste Inside
ARK NATURALS
amazon.com
$21.99
These brushless toothpaste treats feature a hard, tooth-scrubbing exterior and a soft center that fights plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Ingredients like clove, alfalfa, cinnamon, and vanilla will help freshen your dog's breath, for those puppy snuggles both of you love so much.
We asked vets for the best dog toothbrushes, dog toothpaste, and dental chews and treats for dog teeth cleaning. These expert recommendations will make brushing your dog's teeth easier.