Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose a toothbrush that fits your dog’s mouth and is easy for you to control, and use toothpaste formulated for pets—not human toothpaste. Aim for daily brushing; if your dog will not tolerate every tooth or surface, make a manageable routine and focus first on the cheek-facing surfaces of the upper teeth.
How to choose a toothbrush for your dog
The right brush is the one that can reach your dog’s teeth without being awkward for you or uncomfortable for your dog. Consider the size of the mouth, how well you can guide the handle, and which areas are difficult to reach. VCA describes pet toothbrushes with angled handles, multiple heads, small handles, and finger brushes; the best fit depends on both the dog and the caregiver’s dexterity. VCA’s guide to brushing a dog’s teeth explains the options.
- Brush size: Look for a head that fits comfortably inside your dog’s mouth and can reach the teeth you intend to clean.
- Control: Choose a handle or brush style you can maneuver steadily. A design that is easy to hold may matter as much as the brush head.
- Access: Angled handles or multiple heads may help reach difficult areas. Having more than one brush size or style can be useful if one does not reach comfortably.
- Finger brushes: These are an option, but can be difficult to fit into the mouths of very small dogs.
If you are unsure which style suits your dog’s mouth or anatomy, ask your veterinarian to recommend a brush or demonstrate a technique.
Which toothpaste is safe for dogs?
Use toothpaste made for pets. Do not use human toothpaste: dogs swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out, and VCA cautions that human formulas may contain fluoride that should not be swallowed, high sodium, or xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Depending on the ingredients, swallowing human toothpaste can cause illness or digestive upset. See VCA’s toothpaste safety guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- DOG TOOTH BRUSHING KIT: Keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy with our dog toothbrush and toothpaste kit; our toothpaste is made with aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes to keep you dog's mouth fresh
- DOG DENTAL CARE MADE EASY: Our dog tooth paste gently cleans away plaque and tartar, serving as an effective dog breath freshener; rid your dog of bad breath and gift them a healthier mouth with our dog tooth brushing kit.
- TRIPLE HEAD TOOTHBRUSH: Our dog dental cleaning kit features a triple-sided dog tooth brush that cleans all sides of your dog's teeth at once, making tooth brushing faster and more efficient; no more struggling to clean those hard to reach back teeth
- NATURAL FLAVORS: Our toothpaste for dogs has natural flavors that your furry friend will love, making dog tooth brushing a more enjoyable experience even for the pickiest of pups, so you can keep their dog breath fresh without any fuss
- DENTAL KIT FOR DOGS OF ALL SIZES: Regular teeth cleaning supports your pet’s health. Use our dog toothbrush and toothpaste between vet visits to maintain oral hygiene, reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and keep your dog’s mouth fresh and healthy.
Pet toothpastes come in flavors such as poultry, beef, fish, malt, and mint. There is no one flavor or formula established as best for every dog, so choose a pet-formulated option your dog will accept. A flavor the dog likes can make it easier to keep brushing part of the routine.
How to compare toothpaste claims and the VOHC seal
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) awards its seal to products intended to help retard plaque and tartar, but it separates those outcomes into distinct claims: “Helps Control Plaque” and “Helps Control Tartar.” A listing supports the claim shown for that particular product; it does not mean every accepted product controls both. Read VOHC’s accepted-products page and check the exact product and claim. Its listings can change, so verify the live entry rather than relying on an old package description or product mention.
Rank #2
- COMPLETE DENTAL KIT INCLUDED: This dog toothbrush and toothpaste kit includes enzymatic chicken-flavored toothpaste, a dual-sided toothbrush, and a rubber finger toothbrush for a full at-home oral care system in one pack.
- BAKING SODA DEEP CLEAN FORMULA: Dog toothpaste enzymatic formula with Arm & Hammer baking soda neutralizes bad breath at the source, breaks down odor-causing bacteria, and lifts plaque and debris from teeth and gumline for noticeable results.
- CHICKEN FLAVOR DOGS ACCEPT WELL: The chicken-flavored enzymatic toothpaste for dogs encourages cooperation during brushing; if your dog is sensitive to flavor intensity, start with small amounts to build a consistent daily habit.
- TARTAR CONTROL WITH DAILY USE: Consistent use of this enzymatic dog toothpaste actively breaks down tartar buildup along the gumline, helping reduce risk of gum disease and tooth decay when brushing becomes a regular routine.
- TWO BRUSH STYLES FOR FIT: The kit pairs a dual-sided toothbrush for standard brushing with a finger toothbrush for dogs sized for small mouths and hard-to-reach spots, so you can match the tool to your dog's comfort and mouth size.
VOHC’s current page includes dog toothpaste and other oral-care products, as well as toothbrush and wipe products. For example, it lists Tartar Shield PRO CARE Natural Pet Toothpaste under a tartar claim and Dentalis Canine Toothpaste under a plaque claim; it also lists a HealthyMouth toothpaste-and-brush kit for medium/large dogs. These are examples of listed claims, not a ranking or proof that one product is best for every dog.
Make brushing manageable
Daily brushing is the goal, ideally covering all teeth and surfaces. The VOHC and the American Veterinary Dental College recognize that some dogs will not cooperate with a complete routine. Their practical advice is that “Any brushing activity, used regularly, is better than no brushing activity.” Plaque and tartar build up fastest on the cheek-facing surfaces of the upper teeth, so prioritize those areas if your dog will not tolerate a full brushing session. See VOHC’s brushing guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- #1 BRAND CHOSEN BY VETERINARIANS: Proven effective and trusted for over 30 years, C.E.T. is the top recommended dental brand by veterinary professionals to reduce plaque & tartar buildup
- Dual-sided toothbrush designed specifically for canine mouths with soft bristles for comfortable brushing
- Long handle with reverse angle allows for easy use and soft bristles for comfortable brushing while the finger-brush slips over finger for ease of use and better control
- Great tasting poultry-flavored toothpaste is ideal for dogs and cats that quickly build up plaque and tartar
- Complete kit with everything pet owners need to start a program of regular oral hygiene for their dog or cat. Ideal to help acquaint dogs/cats and their owners with the tooth brushing experience
- Choose a pet toothpaste and a brush that you can control comfortably.
- Work toward brushing every day, extending the routine only as your dog tolerates it.
- If time or cooperation is limited, brush the cheek-facing surfaces of the upper teeth first.
- Ask your veterinarian for a different brush or technique if your dog resists brushing, has oral disease, or has anatomy that makes brushing difficult.
What brushing can—and cannot—replace
Plaque is a bacterial film that can harden into calculus, also called tartar. Cornell’s veterinary guidance identifies brushing as the most effective home-care approach; chews and water additives may be used alongside brushing, but should not be treated as substitutes for it or for veterinary care. Cornell also notes that evidence for some other home-care products is limited. In Cornell’s article, Lindsey Schneider, D.V.M. ’13, a former dentistry and oral surgery resident, says: “Daily tooth brushing is the most effective way of maintaining our pets’ oral health and minimizing the progression of periodontal disease.” Read Cornell’s guidance on keeping a dog’s teeth clean.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FOR DOGS AND CATS: Enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated using an enzyme system for dogs and cats to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth. Poultry flavor pets love
- 100% SAFE: Includes no foaming agents, so this toothpaste is safe for pets to swallow
- VET RECOMMENDED: Virbac is the #1 Recommended dental brand by Veterinary professionals; Made in the USA
- USE WITH A TOOTHBRUSH: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush such as the C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush. Apply daily or as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you specific directions; follow this professional advice closely
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Virbac is committed to your experience of great satisfaction with our products. Let us help with your questions and we would love to hear your comments at 1-844-484-7222
Rank #4
- ENZYMATIC PLAQUE AND TARTAR ACTION: Enzymatic gel formula targets plaque and tartar during brushing using enzyme activity and baking soda, supporting cleaner teeth and fresher breath for dogs and puppies with each use.
- FLUORIDE-FREE AND SAFE FOR ALL DOGS: Formulated without fluoride, dyes, or toxic ingredients, making this toothpaste appropriate for daily use on adult dogs and puppies, including breeds with known ingredient sensitivities.
- DOUBLE-SIDED TOOTHBRUSH FOR FULL COVERAGE: The included dual-ended toothbrush features a large head for molars and a small head for front teeth, helping reach all tooth surfaces without switching tools mid-session.
- BAKING SODA ODOR NEUTRALIZER: Baking soda in the formula dissolves into microscopic grooves on tooth surfaces during brushing to help neutralize odor compounds at their source rather than masking breath with flavoring.
- FINGER BRUSH FOR FIRST-TIME OR RELUCTANT DOGS: The included finger brush slides onto one finger for gentler introduction to brushing, helping dogs new to dental care or resistant to a full toothbrush accept the routine.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
