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The Best Dog Toothbrushes to Keep Your Pup's Teeth Clean
No more bad dog 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.
Pets & Pupps Pet Toothbrush for Dogs, 2 Pack
Pets & Pupps Pet Toothbrush for Dogs, 2 Pack
Pros
- dual-ended with two different-sized brushes
- has extra-soft bristles
Cons
- doesn't have an angled handle
Extra-long and specially designed with two different-sized heads to accommodate pets of all sizes, this ergonomic toothbrush is your best bet. It's also equipped with extra-soft bristles, which are specially created to be gentle on your pup’s gums while still helping to remove debris and plaque.
Vet's Best Fingerbrush Dog Toothbrush, 10 Pack
Vet's Best Fingerbrush Dog Toothbrush, 10 Pack
Pros
- made to form to your finger
- ultra-soft for sensitive gums
Cons
- not as effective at removing plaque
Just getting started brushing your dog's teeth? Try a brush that fits over your finger, like this option from Vet's Best. They can be less intimidating than the stick kind, and they allow you to reach even your dog's back teeth. However, according to Rollings, "Since there aren't any bristles, just little plastic nubs, finger brushes don't remove the plaque from under the gumline, where it's most important to remove it."
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit
Pros
- includes toothpaste and finger brush
- brush head is angled for optimal brushing
Cons
- brush isn't dual-ended
You may already know Nylabone's durable toys, especially if your dog really loves to chew. However, what you may not know is that the popular toy company also makes dental care kits. This set comes with both a toothbrush and a finger brush, so you have options, plus a tube of toothpaste, which is made with Denta-C to help keep plaque at bay.
Orgrimmar Three-Sided Pet Toothbrush, 2 Pack
Orgrimmar Three-Sided Pet Toothbrush, 2 Pack
Pros
- three-sided brush makes brushing time shorter
- ergonomic handle is easy to grip
Cons
- can take some practice to get technique right
While you can use this innovative brush on dogs of all sizes, it's a great option for large, heavy-duty teeth, since the design allows you to brush the front, back, and in between spaces of their teeth all at once. You'll also love that the handle is made with non-slip rubber to give you a firm grip, so between that and the three-sided bristles, you'll be done with brushing in no time.
Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit
Pros
- dual-ended and ultra-thin for versatility
- includes toothpaste and finger brush
Cons
- long handle can be a bit awkward to use
With its thin, angular handle and extra-long bristles, this dual-ended toothbrush is a great fit for both cats and smaller dog breeds. It also comes with an easy-to-use finger brush for inexperienced brushers or sensitive pups, as well as poultry-flavored toothpaste that's sure to be a hit with your pooch.
Pet Republique Pet Dental Hygiene Brushes, 6 Pack
Pet Republique Pet Dental Hygiene Brushes, 6 Pack
Pros
- great value
- dual-ended with angled handles
Cons
- may wear out more easily than other brushes
Your dog's toothbrush typically needs to be replaced every three to four months, or whenever the bristles start showing wear. This set of six dual-headed brushes means you can buy it once and forget about restocking 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.
Arm & Hammer Fresh Spectrum Puppy Dental Kit
Arm & Hammer Fresh Spectrum Puppy Dental Kit
Pros
- includes toothpaste and finger brush
- 360-degree brush helps clean all angles
Cons
- brush is a bit fragile and easy to break
Since puppy teeth are extra-sensitive, you'll want a brush that'll get their chompers and gums clean without causing any irritation. This kit is specifically designed with puppy teeth in mind, and it includes a soft-bristled 360-degree toothbrush, baking soda-enhanced toothpaste, and a silicone finger brush.
EasyHonor Extra Soft Toothbrush for Sensitive Gums, 6 Pack
EasyHonor Extra Soft Toothbrush for Sensitive Gums, 6 Pack
Pros
- great value
- has micro-fine bristles for sensitive teeth
Cons
- brush head a little trickier to clean than other brushes
Pets with sensitive teeth or gums may need a gentler brush, so try this long-handled version with ultra-fine bristles. But vets caution that if your pet's gums are already red or inflamed, then 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.
What to look for when shopping for dog toothbrushes
✔️ Brush size: While many dog toothbrushes are dual-ended, so you can choose between larger or smaller bristles, you'll want to make sure the brush you buy is an appropriate size for your dog. Brushes that are too short won't be able to reach the back of a larger dog's mouth, while a brush that's too thick may be cumbersome to maneuver in the mouth of a smaller dog.
✔️ Bristle type: Dog toothbrushes tend to have gentler bristles than typical human toothbrushes, but if you have a puppy or a dog with extra-sensitive teeth, then you'll want to look for a brush with micro-fine bristles or a finger brush with plastic nubs (though, again, finger brushes aren't as effective as cleaning gums).
✔️ Ease of use: Brushes with angled handles make it much easier for pet owners to clean those hard-to-reach teeth in the back, so these may be a better choice for inexperienced brushers. You can also look for brushes with multiple heads if you're looking for a way to brush your dog's teeth as quickly and efficiently as possible.
FAQ
- How often should you brush a dog's teeth? While dog teeth don't need to be brushed quite as often as human teeth, they do require pretty frequent cleaning. "The gold standard is to brush every day," Rollings says. "Plaque forms within a few hours and tartar forms within a few days. So, if you are only brushing a couple days a week or month, there is going to be a lot of buildup in between." She suggests coming up with a routine and brushing your dog's teeth at the same time every day.
- How can you calm a dog before brushing their teeth? Like with anything you're introducing to your dog for the first time, you'll want to start slow. "If using toothpaste, put some toothpaste on your finger and let your pet lick it off," Rollings suggests. "Next time, touch a tooth or couple teeth with the toothpaste on your finger. After that, touch a few more teeth." Each time you brush, try to increase the amount of time, teeth, and pressure that you are using until you can brush the entire mouth. Also, keep in mind that you don't need to open your dog's mouth and brush the inside of their teeth. "Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth," says Rollings. "It helps to gently hold the mouth closed with one hand, slide the toothbrush under the cheek, and move the toothbrush in a circular motion."
- Can you use a human toothbrush on a dog? Technically, you don't have to get a pet-specific toothbrush to clean your dog's teeth. According to Rollings, a soft-bristled human or pediatric toothbrush is all you need to get the job done as long as you "find a size and shape that you can use and that your pet tolerates." However, you do need dog-specific toothpaste. "Pets do not spit out the toothpaste, and the fluoride in human toothpaste can be harmful if swallowed," Rollings explains. "Pet toothpaste is safe for them to ingest." And if you get toothpaste in an appealing flavor, like poultry or peanut butter, then it can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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