The Best Dog Dental Products for a Healthy Pup

Written by Marisa Wilson
Updated: March 21, 2023
© New Africa/Shutterstock.com

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Most dog owners know the importance of maintaining their pet’s dental health. Regular brushing and dental check-ups can help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems. Poor dental hygiene can severely impact a dog’s overall health. Studies have shown that dogs with dental issues are more likely to suffer from preventable conditions. In addition, bad teeth can also make it difficult for a dog to eat correctly, leading to malnutrition. 

This is why it is essential to ensure that your dog’s teeth are healthy and clean. Like humans, dogs need to care for their teeth to maintain good health. Plaque and tartar can build up on a dog’s teeth, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. If left untreated can lead to severe health issues, including organ damage. Fortunately, several ways help keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

Special foods and treats are also designed to promote dental health if your dog doesn’t let you brush your teeth. Taking care of your dog’s teeth can help prevent many serious health problems and give them a long and healthy life. This list is full of great products that will help your dog’s dental health, and we researched them, so you didn’t have to!

  1. Pet Toothbrush with Soft Bristles
    • Toothbrushes are the most effective way to clean your dog's teeth, remove tartar and bacteria, and prevent tooth decay
    • This toothbrush features two different-sized heads
    • Made with soft bristles that won't harm your dog's gums or teeth
    • The non-slip grip will make brushing easier for you both
    • Available in bright, fun colors
    Check Amazon
  2. DentaLife Daily Oral Care Small/Medium Dental Dog Treats
    • These treats feature a porous texture that helps to remove plaque and tartar as your dog chews
    • Can reduce tartar buildup by 57%
    • Cleans all the way down to the gum line
    • Chicken flavored
    • Channels chewing energy into a productive activity
    Check Chewy
  3. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste
    • Reduces plaque and is formulated to prevent the formation of future plaque
    • Recommended by veterinarians
    • Poultry flavored
    • Designed to be swallowed without harming your pup like some other kinds of toothpaste
    • Brightens teeth
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution Dog Dental Water Additive
    • Intended for dogs that resist having their teeth brushed
    • Add this product to their water and you'll start seeing results in two weeks!
    • Your dog will have cleaner teeth and fresher breath
    • Safe for dogs over 12 weeks old
    • You can also use this product in addition to brushing
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Dog Dental Products

#1 Best Overall: Pet Toothbrush with Soft Bristles

Our selection as the best overall dental product for your dog is the Pet Toothbrush with Soft Bristles.

A toothbrush designed for your dog is the most tried and true product that will work the absolute best. It is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay, clean tarter and remove bacteria from your pup’s mouth. If you need a great tool to clean your dog’s teeth, look no further than the this dog toothbrush.

This toothbrush features two different-sized heads for your dog’s specific needs and is made from gentle extra-soft bristles on their gums. It’s important to use soft bristles so you don’t cause their gums to bleed or cause harm the tooth’s surface. The non-slip grip handle means you can brush their teeth easily, and the bright colors will make brushing time fun for both of you. Show your pup you care by giving your furry friend the gift of a lifetime — healthy teeth.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the bristles do eventually begin to come out after a few months of regular use.

Pros and Cons of the Pet Toothbrush with Soft Bristles

ProsCons
This toothbrush has two different sized heads.The bristles start to come out after a few months of regular use.
It has extra soft bristles so they are kind to the teeth and gums.
It has a non-slip grip handle.
There are several bright colors available.
Best Overall
Pet Toothbrush with Soft Bristles
  • Toothbrushes are the most effective way to clean your dog's teeth, remove tartar and bacteria, and prevent tooth decay
  • This toothbrush features two different-sized heads
  • Made with soft bristles that won't harm your dog's gums or teeth
  • The non-slip grip will make brushing easier for you both
  • Available in bright, fun colors
Check Amazon

2. Best Dental Treats: DentaLife Daily Oral Care Small/Medium Dental Dog Treats

Looking for an easier way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy? The DentaLife Daily Oral Care Small/Medium Dental Dog Treats are specially designed to do just that!

These treats have a unique texture that helps to scrub away plaque and tartar build-up as your dog chews, keeping their teeth clean and healthy down to the gum line. On average, these treats can reduce your dog’s tartar build-up by 57%, which means cleaner doggie licks in the face! They also freshen the breath which is definitely a positive!

Plus, because of the chicken flavor, dogs love this treat, and they’ll love getting it every day! They keep your best friend’s smile sparkling and make your dog feel like the good boy or girl they are. Dental chews are a fantastic option for dogs who love to chew on items such as your sneakers. It can help them constructively channel all their chewing energy into something productive, like cleaning their teeth.

The only issue with this product is that not all dogs like these treats.

Pros and Cons of the DentaLife Daily Oral Care Small/Medium Dental Dog Treats

ProsCons
These treats have a unique texture that helps to remove away plaque and tartar build-up on teeth as the dog chews.Not all dogs like these treats.
They are a tasty chicken flavor.
They freshen the breath.
Best Dental Treats
DentaLife Daily Oral Care Small/Medium Dental Dog Treats
  • These treats feature a porous texture that helps to remove plaque and tartar as your dog chews
  • Can reduce tartar buildup by 57%
  • Cleans all the way down to the gum line
  • Chicken flavored
  • Channels chewing energy into a productive activity
Check Chewy

3. Best Toothpaste: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste

Do you need a toothpaste that does more than clean your dog’s teeth? Fool them into thinking that brushing their teeth is like getting a treat with the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste.

This toothpaste is the best toothpaste for reducing plaque and keeping your dog’s teeth looking great. This toothpaste is recommended by vets for keeping your dog’s pearly whites healthy.

One of the best features of this toothpaste is that it’s safe for your dog to swallow (so no more worrying about foamy residue). Plus, it poultry flavor which most dogs love. So if you’re looking for a better alternative to your dog’s regular toothpaste or looking to give them fresh breath, they deserve to try the enzymatic toothpaste. Picking a toothpaste can make or break attempts to brush your dog’s teeth. Finding one with a great flavor without sacrificing the function is always vital. It’ll be easier on you and your dog in the short and long run because they won’t be as hesitant with poultry flavor toothpaste.

Unfortunately, some pup parents had an issue with the tube itself and reported that it split when they tried to squeeze it.

Pros and Cons of the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste

ProsCons
This toothpaste helps to reduce the build-up of plaque.Some customers reported that the tube split when they tried to squeeze it.
It is recommended by vets.
This toothpaste is safe for dogs to swallow.
It is a tasty poultry flavor.
Best Toothpaste
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Dog & Cat Toothpaste
  • Reduces plaque and is formulated to prevent the formation of future plaque
  • Recommended by veterinarians
  • Poultry flavored
  • Designed to be swallowed without harming your pup like some other kinds of toothpaste
  • Brightens teeth
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Water Additive: TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution Dog Dental Water Additive

Has your dog been dodging the toothbrush? You’re not alone. Many dogs resist traditional brushing methods, making it challenging to keep their mouths clean and fresh. But there’s no need to despair as the TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution Dog Dental Water Additive can help!

This water additive is an excellent solution for dogs who don’t like to brush their teeth. Simply add it to your dog’s water bowl and you’ll start seeing results within two weeks! Their breath will be fresher, and their mouth will be cleaner — with no toothbrush required! Plus, this product will help to reduce the build up of plaque and tartar. This product is safe for dogs over 12 weeks old, and you can use it alongside brushing your dog’s teeth as well.

Unfortunately, not all dogs like this product so care must be taken to ensure they are still drinking their water

Pros and Cons of the TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution Dog Dental Water Additive

ProsCons
This product will freshen the breath within two weeks of beginning to use it.Not all dogs like this product so you must ensure they are still drinking their water.
It is suitable for dogs aged 12 weeks or more.
It reduces the build up of plaque and tartar.
Best Water Additive
TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution Dog Dental Water Additive
  • Intended for dogs that resist having their teeth brushed
  • Add this product to their water and you'll start seeing results in two weeks!
  • Your dog will have cleaner teeth and fresher breath
  • Safe for dogs over 12 weeks old
  • You can also use this product in addition to brushing
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When choosing dental care products for your dog, remember a few things. First, the FDA does not regulate water additives and toothpaste, so it’s essential to research and choose a product backed by veterinary experts. Secondly, dental chews are a great way to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but not all brands are created equal.

Look for chews made with quality ingredients and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. When choosing a food additive, the important thing is to ensure there are no additives or artificial preservatives.  Lastly, don’t forget to invest in a good toothbrush! Just like humans, dogs need regular brushing to maintain good oral health. A soft-bristled brush designed specifically for dogs is the best way to ensure a thorough clean. With these tips, you’ll be sure to find the perfect dental care products for your furry friend.

The Different Types of Dental Products: Pros and Cons Compared 

The types of dental dog products have different steps to use them. This means they will produce various levels of results. Some are good, while others are better. The way each of these products works is: 

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste: This is the traditional and most effective way of cleaning your dog’s teeth. 
  • Food/water additives: These get mixed in either food or water to help dogs breathe but aren’t as effective as other dental products. They do, however, help on days you skip brushing.
  • Chews: These are the next best thing from brushing your dog’s teeth as these can remove buildup significantly while also improving dental health.

The pros and cons can be viewed below for each type of item. 

Toothbrush

ProsCons
It provides a deep clean.Dogs tend to fight a toothbrush.
It allows for more precision.

Dental Dog Treats

ProsCons
They help to remove tarter.Too many treats can be fattening.
They help to prevent dogs chewing on objects.
They are easy to use.

Toothpaste

ProsCons
It freshens breath.Dogs can be picky about the flavor.
It protects against plaque build-up.It requires another tool to use (toothbrush).
It comes in several flavors.

Water Additives

ProsCons
They are easy to add to your dog’s water.It is not as effective as other dental products.
Some offer extra benefits.
It keeps bad breath away.

About the Author

Creepy-crawly creatures enthrall Marisa. Aside from raising caterpillars, she has a collection of spiders as pets. The brown recluse is her favorite spider of all time. They're just misunderstood. You don't have to worry about squishing the creatures as her catching, and relocating abilities can safely move stray centipedes or snakes to a new location that's not your living room.

The Best Dog Dental Products for a Healthy Pup FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

If I use dental chews, do I need to brush my dog's teeth?

It’s not recommended to use dental chews alone. Dental chews are best used between brushing their teeth daily or if you can’t brush them that day. If your dog fights against the toothbrush, then these are a great option.

Can I use human toothpaste for my dog?

No, it’s not recommended. Human toothpaste has ingredients made for people and not dogs. Since people know to spit out toothpaste, most human toothpaste isn’t safe for dogs to swallow, which they will do.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.