The 5 best dental care products for dogs in 2021
– These are the best dog dental products in 2021 – The best toothpaste – The best toothbrush – The best dental gel – The best dental water additive – The best dental treat – What else we considered – Our methodology – Tips for brushing your dog’s teeth – Glossary of dental products for dogs – FAQs – Who we consulted – It can be difficult to choose the best dog toothpaste or dental water additive for your dog. – We tested 23 dog dental care products, including toothbrushes, dental gels, and dental treats. – We selected the best ones based on the effectiveness of their ingredients and whether they are easy to use. – This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Karie Johnson, veterinarian and co-founder of VIP Vet Visit, a mobile vet service in the south suburbs of Chicago. I’ve long understood the importance of brushing my dog’s teeth. Years ago, I worked as a veterinary assistant where I saw firsthand what happens when a pet’s teeth are not taken care of. Sadly, it’s all too common to see teeth extracted during routine dental cleanings due to years of neglect. “Proper dental care is a vital component of your pet’s overall health and well-being,” said veterinarian Dr. Ashlee Redmond. “Bad breath isn’t just an unpleasant smell — it could be a warning sign of more serious dental disease.” There are many dog toothpastes and toothbrushes to choose from as well as no-brush gels, water additives, and dental chews. Redmond pointed out that home dental care products do not replace daily brushing or professional dental cleanings, but they can be supportive of overall dental health. Popular Reviews Dog dental products can help prevent the formation of plaque and tartar in between cleanings. Veterinarians recommend professional dental cleanings at least once a year. These are performed just like human dental cleanings, but dogs must be anesthetized so the veterinarian can clean under the gum line where plaque and tartar hide. For this guide, I tested 23 dental products with my dog, giving strong consideration to those that have received the seal of acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). All non-VOHC products we tested also got the okay from Redmond to rule out anything that could be potentially unsafe. Read more about how we selected and tested products at the end of this guide. These are the best dog dental products in 2021 – Best dog toothpaste: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste – Best dog toothbrush: Bodhi Dog Doggie Toothbrushes – Best dog dental gel: Pet::Essential Healthy Mouth Dog Topical Gel – Best dog water additive: Tropiclean Dental Health Solution for Dogs – Best dog dental treat: Greenies Fresh Regular Dental Dog Treats The best toothpaste Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is clinically proven to remove plaque and stains, eliminate bad breath, and prevent tartar buildup, and is the only dog toothpaste that’s VOHC accepted. Pros: Proven in clinical trials to remove plaque and stains, eliminate bad breath, and prevent tartar buildup; human-grade ingredients; brushing not required; VOHC accepted for plaque Cons: Expensive Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste is designed to work whether you use it with a toothbrush or just apply it to the teeth and sides of mouth with a swab or your finger, so it’s kind of like a toothpaste/dental gel hybrid. However, we recommend brushing with it to get the benefits of toothbrushing. Petsmile’s proprietary formula called Calprox, an encapsulated form of calcium peroxide and minerals, is clinically proven to remove plaque, stains, and bad breath, and prevent tartar buildup. Unlike some other toothpastes we tested, Petsmile is one of very few VOHC-accepted toothpastes, which ultimately moved it into the winner’s circle. The toothpaste comes in two dog-centric flavors: London Broil and Rotisserie Chicken. I tested the London Broil flavor. Meat-flavored toothpaste is not my favorite scent in the world, but my dog loved this toothpaste, which is the most important thing. $25.00 from Chewy $25.00 from Petsmile The best toothbrush Bodhi Dog Doggie Toothbrushes include six long-handled toothbrushes with dual brush heads to work for any size dog as well as six fingertip brushes, making this product a great value. Pros: Comes with 12 toothbrushes in two styles, long handles to reach the back of the mouth, extra soft bristles, best value Cons: No grip on the plastic handle When choosing a toothbrush for your dog, you have the option of two basic styles: long-handled, which has nylon bristles similar to your own toothbrush, or fingertip, which fits over your finger and has soft, plastic nubs on the end. You can also use an ADA compliant soft bristle flat head toothbrushes. However, fingertip toothbrush is a good option for puppies or adult dogs that are new to teeth brushing, as it can be a little less scary for the dog. I personally prefer to use a long-handled toothbrush, which allows me to reach all the teeth in the back of the mouth. Bodhi Dog Doggie Toothbrushes set offers both brush styles, and with six long-handled toothbrushes and six fingertip toothbrushes for under $10, it’s a fantastic value. Having extra toothbrushes is great if you have multiple pets, and it also means you can easily replace the brush when it gets yucky. As with human toothbrushes, pet toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months — and always rinse the brush after each use. The long-handled brushes feature very soft, gentle bristles, with a larger bristle head on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so they work for dogs of all sizes (and cats, too). The fingertip brushes are soft and flexible, for gentle cleaning. I found both types of brushes gentle, effective, and easy to use. $7.99 from Amazon The best dental gel Using natural ingredients, Pet::Essential Healthy Mouth Dog Topical Gel is proven to reduce bacteria in the mouth and break down plaque. Pros: Contains all natural ingredients like zinc gluconate and papain, clings to teeth to reduce bacteria in the mouth and break down plaque, VOHC accepted for plaque Cons: Expensive Pet::Essential Healthy Mouth Dog Topical Gel contains multiple natural ingredients to promote a healthy mouth, including zinc gluconate, papain — an enzyme extracted from papaya — pomegranate, yucca extract, blueberry, vitamin C, clove extract, cinnamon extract, and chlorophyll. This gel is easy to apply. Simply dip the included cotton-tipped applicators into the resealable jar and apply a thin layer of gel to the outsides of the teeth and gums. Use one applicator for the top teeth and gums and a second for the bottom. A little goes a long way and a container should should last at least three months. It is not necessary to apply the gel to the tongue side of the teeth. Use once a day every day at bedtime after your dog’s last meal. The gel smells wonderful — like cinnamon and clove. My dog accepted the gel readily and seemed to enjoy the flavor. Though the gel is bright green, it will not stain light-colored fur. If the gel gets on your dog’s fur, just wipe it off with a damp paper towel. This gel beat out the others thanks to its VOHC approval and multiple bacteria- and plaque-fighting ingredients. $68.22 from Healthy Mouth The best dental water additive Clear, odorless, and tasteless, Tropiclean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution uses zinc gluconate, cetylpyridinium chloride, and green tea leaf extract to defend against plaque. Pros: Odorless and tasteless, dye-free, brushing not required, VOHC accepted for plaque Cons: None Tropiclean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution for Dogs is VOHC accepted for plaque. It uses zinc gluconate, cetylpyridinium chloride, and green tea leaf extract to decrease bacteria in the mouth and inhibit plaque formation. Simply add it to your dog’s water bowl daily (1 tablespoon per 16 ounces of water). Each 33.8-ounce bottle contains approximately 67 tablespoons. The solution is clear, odorless, and mostly tasteless, so most pets won’t know it’s even in their water bowl. In addition to giving this water additive to my dog, I also sampled it myself and detected just the tiniest hint of flavor, which is likely from the green tea extract. TropiClean gets the nod over the other VOHC-accepted water additive we tested, Pet::Essential Healthy Mouth Anti-Plaque Water Additive, because more pets may accept the neutral Tropiclean solution compared to the green hue and mild cinnamon-taste of the Pet::Essential additive. $16.98 from Chewy $16.98 from Amazon $16.98 from Petco The best dental treat Greenies Fresh Dental Dog Treats clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, temporarily freshen their breath, and offer complete and balanced nutrition. Pros: VOHC accepted for plaque and tartar, contains natural spearmint to help freshen breath, nutritionally complete and balanced Cons: May cause gastrointestinal upset, not appropriate for dogs with grain or gluten intolerance I tested six different dental treats. Most were similar in that they have a firm, chewy texture and shape designed to clean teeth and gums as the dog chews. Although my dog loved all the dental treats he tried, Greenies Fresh Dental Dog Treats stood out as the best in the group. Greenies are dark green chews shaped like little toothbrushes. VOHC-accepted for tartar and plaque, Greenies also contain spearmint to help freshen breath. I detected a distinct minty odor as my dog was chewing, this effect wasn’t particularly long-lasting. Although Greenies are intended to be used just once daily as treats, they are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult dog maintenance. This is rare in treats, so it gives Greenies another edge over the competition. Although my dog has a strong stomach, Greenies may cause gastrointestinal upset in some pets or turn stools green. The first ingredient in Greenies is wheat flour, so it is not a good choice for dogs with grain or gluten intolerance. For dogs that cannot eat grains, Whimzees Brushzees Daily Dental Treats, which are VOHC accepted for plaque and tartar, are a good alternative. $14.98 from Chewy $14.98 from Amazon $14.98 from Petco What else we considered Toothpastes and gels – Virbac CET Vanilla/Mint Toothpaste: This toothpaste uses enzymes to inhibit the formation of plaque. Although it comes in more traditional pet toothpaste flavors like poultry, beef, and seafood, I personally liked the mildly scented vanilla-mint flavor (my dog did too). This toothpaste was a close contender for the category winner, but is not VOHC accepted like Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste. – Vetoquinol Care Enzadent Enzymatic Poultry-Flavored Toothpaste: This toothpaste uses enzymes to slow the formation of plaque. My dog enjoyed the poultry flavor. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste got the edge due to its VOHC-accepted status, which this paste doesn’t have. – Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Oral Care Toothpaste Gel: Oratene may be used with a toothbrush or simply applied to the teeth and gums with your finger. Oratene is not VOHC accepted. Our choice for best dental gel, Pet::Essential Healthy Mouth Anti-Plaque Gel, is VOHC accepted for plaque. – Tropiclean Brushing Gel: Using all natural ingredients like zinc chloride and green tea leaf extract, Tropiclean Clean Brushing Gel clings to the teeth to break down plaque and tartar and fight bad breath. Unlike our category pick, Pet::Essential Healthy Mouth Topical Gel, Tropiclean Brushing Gel is not VOHC accepted. – Bodhi Dog Pet Dental Gel: This gel uses a blend of peppermint, spearmint, and aloe vera to neutralize bad breath. It smells very nice, but it doesn’t contain zinc like Pet::Essential Healthy Mouth Topical Gel, and it’s not VOHC accepted. – Oxyfresh Dental Gel: This dental gel is clear and nearly odorless, which may appeal to some pets that object to strong tastes. However, it doesn’t contain any zinc like Pet::Essential Healthy Topical Gel, and it’s not VOHC accepted. Toothbrushes – Petsmile Professional Pet Toothbrush: This is a dual-ended, long-handled toothbrush with soft bristles and a nice rubber grip on the handle. Although it’s a really nice toothbrush, it’s hard to justify the price. If you want the Cadillac of pet toothbrushes and don’t mind paying the hefty price, this could be the toothbrush for you. – Virbac C.E.T. Pet Toothbrush: This toothbrush is soft, with two bristle heads for different size dogs and a long handle to reach the back teeth. It’s affordable, but it doesn’t beat the Bodhi Dog 12-pack. – Vetoquinol Care Enzadent Dual-Ended Toothbrush: This toothbrush is very similar to the Bodhi Dog Doggie Toothbrushes (it’s even the same color), but you only get one for $4. For just $3 more, the 12-pack from Bodhi Dog is a much better value. Water additives – Oxyfresh Water Additive: Using proprietary Oxygene and zinc acetate, Oxyfresh Water Additive eliminates bacteria that causes bad pet breath, removes plaque buildup, and protects gums. Oxyfresh is not VOHC accepted, unlike our category choice Tropiclean Fresh Breath Water Additive. – Pet::Essential Healthy Mouth Anti-Plaque Water Additive: Using natural ingredients, including zinc gluconate and papain, VOHC-accepted pet::ESSENTIAL healthymouth anti-plaque water additive is proven to reduce bacteria in the mouth and break down plaque. This product turns the water green and has a cinnamon flavor, which some dogs might not accept. Our category pick, Tropiclean Fresh Breath Water Additive, got the nod for being tasteless and odorless. – Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Oral Care Water Additive: This additive uses a patented LP3 enzyme system as well as zinc chloride to support periodontal health and keep teeth and gums clean. But it’s nearly triple the price of Oxyfresh Pet Water Additive, making Oxyfresh a far better value. Dental treats – Virbac C.E.T. Veggiedent Dental Chews for Dogs: These chews are plant-based (the first ingredient is corn starch). My dog loved these chews and they are VOHC accepted for tartar, but because the shape is somewhat flat, he chewed them much quicker than the thicker Greenies Fresh Dental Dog Treats, which are VOHC accepted for both plaque and tartar, and are nutritionally complete and balanced. – Whimzees Brusheez Daily Dental Treats: These grain-free chews are plant-based (the first ingredient is potato starch). My dog loved these chews, which have a similar texture to many other dental chews on the market, including Greenies, which like Whimzees are VOHC accepted for both plaque and tartar. Greenies gets the nod for being nutritionally complete and balanced, something rare in treats. – Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats: These chews contain plant and meat ingredients, including rice, wheat, barley and chicken by-product meal. My dog loved these chews, which have a chewy, porous texture that’s quite different from other dental chews on the market. They are VOHC accepted for tartar only, unlike Greenies, which are VOHC accepted for both plaque and tartar. – ProDen PlaqueOff System Crunchy Dental Bites: VOHC accepted for both plaque and tartar, these bite-sized crunchy treats contain algae ascophyllum D1070 as the active ingredient. They are very similar in appearance to small-size kibble. Compared to other dental treats like Greenies, which dogs chew slowly, these are chewed and swallowed quickly. Their small size makes them a good option for training treats. – ProDen PlaqueOff System Dental Care Bones Vegetable Fusion Flavor: These chews are grain-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan (the first ingredient is dried potatoes) and contain probiotics. One size accommodates either small or large dogs because the bones are designed to easily break in half. These chews were a hit with my dog but they are not VOHC accepted like Greenies. Our methodology For this guide to the best dog dental products, I tested 23 products with my dog five or more times during a three-month period. Products were provided as editorial review samples by their manufacturers, and any products not accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council got the okay from Redmond to rule out anything that could be potentially unsafe. Strong consideration was given to products that carry the VOHC seal of acceptance. The VOHC is an entity of the American Veterinary Dental College. “When choosing an at-home dental product, you should look for the VOHC seal of acceptance on the product’s package or website,” Redmond said. “The VOHC provides third-party assessment for dental products. A seal of acceptance means the product meets preset criteria for effectiveness in controlling plaque and tartar deposition in dogs and cats.” If a product is not VOHC accepted, it either means its manufacturer has not conducted clinical trials that show efficacy, or the manufacturer simply has not sought acceptance through the VOHC. In this guide, VOHC-accepted products were rated higher because the seal of acceptance demonstrates that the product’s claims are backed up by science. Since I am not a veterinary dentist nor a research scientist, I cannot make any claims regarding the efficacy of the products. Instead, I evaluated each product and rated them based on whether the product is accepted by the VOHC, product ease of use compared to manufacturer claims, and whether my dog seemed to enjoy or accept the product. Tips for brushing your dog’s teeth If you’re new to brushing your dog’s teeth, know that it is easier than you might think! Pet-safe toothpaste comes in dog-enticing flavors like chicken, duck, and beef, so most dogs get on board with brushing pretty quickly. “The best time to brush your pet’s teeth is when you are both relaxed,” Redmond said. “If your pet resists the brushing, growls, bites, scratches, or shows any other signs of aggression during toothbrushing, stop immediately and consult your veterinarian for advice.” Start out slow, giving your dog several days or weeks to adjust. It’s okay if you only brush a few teeth at a time for the first few sessions. Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth. Plaque and tartar generally do not accumulate much on the insides of the teeth since the dog’s tongue is constantly wiping them clean. Keep brushing sessions positive with treats or tummy rubs. Redmond offers these helpful tips for brushing your dog’s teeth: – When brushing with a toothbrush, keep the mouth closed and slip the brush in between the cheek and teeth. – Your pet may try to move backward when you open their mouth; be prepared. – Using pet toothpaste, brush on the outside of the teeth only. Do not worry about the inside of the teeth. – Praise your pet frequently during the brushing. – If your pet tolerates only brief brushing, don’t be discouraged. Some brushing is better than none at all. Glossary of dental products for dogs Toothpaste: The best thing you can do at home for your dog’s oral health is brushing their teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste for your dog—this can make them sick). “Pets that begin having their teeth brushed when they are young can learn to tolerate this activity sometimes better than older pets,” Redmond said. “However, pets of all ages can learn to accept having their teeth brushed.” Toothbrush: When choosing a toothbrush for your dog, you have the option of two basic styles: long-handled, which has nylon bristles similar to your own toothbrush, or fingertip, which fits over your finger and has soft, plastic nubs on the end. You can also use an ADA compliant soft bristle flat head toothbrush. However, a fingertip toothbrush is a good option for puppies or adult dogs that are new to teeth brushing, as it can be a little less scary for the dog. Dental gels: Dental gels are similar to pet toothpastes, but gels are designed to have prolonged contact with the teeth to deliver ingredients that help fight bacteria, plaque, and tartar. “Zinc ascorbate, gluconate, oxide, and chloride are often incorporated in dental gels and water additives as antibacterial agents to help decrease plaque formation and bad breath,” Redmond said. “After delivery into the oral cavity, the zinc remains in the mouth and helps with decreasing bacteria amounts.” Dental water additives: Water additives typically contain similar ingredients as dental gels, but instead of being applied to the teeth, they are added to your dog’s water. It truly doesn’t get easier to care for your dog’s teeth than to pour a capful of water additive into their bowl every day. Dental treats: Dental treats are designed to mechanically clean the teeth as the dog chews. “Although less effective than regular brushing at home and certainly not as thorough as a professional cleaning by a veterinarian, dental chews can help keep your dog’s teeth clean — if your dog actually chews them,” Redmond said. Observe your dog to make sure they’re slowly chewing on a dental treat rather than gulping down large chunks or even swallowing the entire chew, which could potentially cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. Dental wipes: Dental wipes are made from soft material similar to baby wipes and contain ingredients that fight bacteria and plaque and freshen breath. Use your finger to wipe the teeth and gums at least once a day, being sure to get all of the outside surfaces of the teeth. Dental diets: These special diets require a prescription from your veterinarian and are formulated to prevent plaque and tartar buildup when fed daily. FAQs We spoke to veterinarian Caroline Washington, dental resident and associate veterinarian at Barrington Animal Hospital in Barrington, Illinois, about the most common questions about brushing a dog’s teeth. How often should I brush my dog’s teeth? Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is the gold standard. Though you might think something is better than nothing, occasional brushing won’t do much for your dog’s oral hygiene. According to Washington, there isn’t much benefit to brushing your dog’s teeth less than every other day. Daily brushing is best. What if my dog doesn’t like having his teeth brushed? Getting your dog used to having their teeth brushed is best started in puppyhood. Introduce the toothbrush slowly and gently, using positive reinforcement. Adults can become accustomed to brushing using similar methods. If your dog really doesn’t like their mouth touched, ask your veterinarian for advice on what to do. Washington said that some dogs find the toothbrush intrusive. Those dogs may accept a soft rubber finger brush or medicated oral wipe wrapped around your finger. How often does my dog need a professional dental cleaning? Annual professional cleanings are recommended for most dogs. Small breeds and dogs with dental issues might need cleanings more frequently, every six to nine months. Larger dogs and those with owners who are very diligent about home care might be able to go two years in between cleanings. Your veterinarian can recommend the proper frequency for your dog. Why does my dog have to be anesthetized for a dental cleaning? For a professional cleaning to be effective, the veterinarian must be able to scale under the gum line. Dogs won’t lie back, open wide, and sit utterly still while their teeth are being cleaned. It’s much safer and more effective for them to be asleep during cleanings. It also allows the vet to take dental X-rays so they can check the root structures under the gum line and look for anything abnormal. Is it safe for my senior dog to have a professional cleaning under general anesthesia? Veterinarians tailor anesthetic protocols to each patient’s needs. Before recommending a dental cleaning, your veterinarian will make sure your dog is otherwise healthy and a good candidate for anesthesia. Most vets recommend bloodwork ahead of the procedure to make sure no health concerns are noted. “I see senior patients every day and they tolerate anesthesia very well,” Washington said. “I never tell an owner that their dog is too old.” Is anesthesia-free dentistry as good as dental cleanings under anesthesia? Washington does not recommend anesthesia-free dental cleanings because cleaning beneath the gum line while the pet is awake is difficult to do effectively, and is also potentially painful and stressful for the dog. The American Veterinary Dental College also has a statement against anesthesia-free dentistry, and instead recommended dentistry performed while the pet is anesthetized. My vet says my dog needs his tooth pulled. Why? A dog’s rate of dental disease is more accelerated than a human’s, especially when they don’t get their teeth brushed daily. Infection or tooth decay can be severe enough that it’s necessary for the veterinarian to extract one or more teeth. The good news is, dogs usually do just fine after having one or more teeth pulled. In fact, they often feel much better once the diseased teeth are removed. After having teeth extracted, dogs can still chew and eat. Washington said that in severe cases when dogs need all of their teeth remove, they do extremely well. “Some dogs can even chew regular kibble without any teeth at all,” she said.