Dental home care is an essential part of caring for your pup. It can also help you avoid expensive dental treatment in the future and keep your dog alive for longer. Veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily to prevent dental disease. If you’re wondering which toothbrush you should use, the choices can be overwhelming. I help you find the best toothbrush for your dog, depending on their needs. And because every dog is different, I review several options for all needs, owner budgets, and alternative best dog teeth cleaning products. I also share which toothbrush I use for my two dogs, Bonkers, my marvelous mixed mut, and my sassy Doxie, Chips. So, let’s take a closer look.
Learn More About Dog’s Teeth
Contents
Before I discuss the best dog toothbrushes, it’s important to ask yourself, how much do you know about your dog’s teeth and the importance of doggy dental cleaning? Understanding your pup’s dental needs is crucial to keeping their teeth healthy. Learn how to brush your dog’s teeth with our step-by-step guide. Doing this several times weekly (daily is ideal) is essential to protect their teeth and gums and prevent periodontal diseases. We also have a guide on the best toothpaste for dogs, too.
We also have a dental guide that answers how many teeth dogs have, providing other important information on your dog’s dental health. Once you grasp the basics and know what’s going on in your dog’s mouth, you can keep their teeth in tip-top shape. Watch this short video for more information on doggy dental hygiene and tips on how to brush their teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Did you know that periodontal disease is the most common disease affecting pet dogs? Research shows between 80 and 90% of dogs over the age of three have some form of periodontal disease. Plus, good dental health plays a significant role in your dog’s overall health and well-being and can extend their lifespan by several years.
A build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to periodontal disease, which affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease can lead to infections that sometimes enter the bloodstream, damaging vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Finding the best toothbrush for your dog can help keep periodontal disease at bay.
10 Best Toothbrushes For Dogs
Now that you know that keeping your dog’s teeth clean is crucial to their health, you need to pick the best dog toothbrush. I have chosen a wide range of dog toothbrushes to suit all dogs, from tiny to large, nervous to seasoned pups; there’s something here for everyone. I have chosen these options based on their quality, good value for the money, high customer reviews, our team’s personal experience, and more.
Best Toothbrush For Dogs Overall: Petsmile Dual-Ended Toothbrush Review
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For various reasons, I’ve chosen Petsmile’s dual-end toothbrush as my number one dog toothbrush. The patented 45-degree brush head removes debris and bacteria from your dog’s teeth & gums from hard-to-reach places that other standard brushes might miss. The angled bristles help polish and clean, too. There is a small and large brush on either end, which is handy for finding the best fit for your small or large pup. Or, if you have two pets, you can use the smaller end for your smallest pet and the larger side for your largest pup.
This toothbrush has a comfortable and ergonomic handle with textured grips. This provides owners with a secure hold, which means better cleaning for their dogs. Only a few owners found that the large end was too large for their pup, but thankfully, the smaller end means this shouldn’t be an issue. It’s also great value for money. You can pair this with Petsmile’s toothpaste, the only toothpaste recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Patented 45-degree brush head | Reviews mention the larger head is quite big |
| Angled bristles help polish teeth | |
| Dual-end | |
| Ergonomic, textured handle | |
| Suitable for all sizes |
Our Experience With Petsmile Toothbrush & Paste
I’ve tried many teeth cleaning methods over the years on our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Our dog Georgie loved the experience with Petsmile. Petsmile’s dual-ended toothbrush is at a 45-degree angle, making it easier to use than any other toothbrush we’ve tried. The bristles are super soft and triangular, so you can get into hard-to-reach places like the back of his mouth.
The middle of the brush head has a tiny hole, so the toothpaste squirts in without it coming off. The “Say Cheese” toothpaste flavor excites him, so he opens his mouth and lets us brush his teeth. He licks the toothbrush afterward (and drinks the entire cup of water we dip it in.) The toothpaste doesn’t smell, and Georgie loves the taste.
– Sadie Cornelius, Dog Mom & Marketing For Canine Journal
Price
Best Electric Toothbrush: Loobani Sonic Electric Toothbrush Review
Loobani’s sonic electric toothbrush uses sonic technology to remove plaque and tartar from their teeth effectively. This electric dog toothbrush vibrates 12,000 times per minute, which is ideal for dogs with sensitive teeth. It also has three modes: soft, normal, and massage, which is excellent for different cleaning needs. The inclined bristles help to reach around your dog’s entire tooth.
This toothbrush has two heads, which is great for multi-pet households or when you need to update your pup’s toothbrush. It also comes with a tooth scraper, a silicone finger brush, and a USB charger. This fast-charging toothbrush has great reviews and is IPX7 waterproof. Only a few reviews mention that some pups found the humming sound off-putting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uses sonic technology for thorough cleaning | The humming sound made some dogs nervous |
| Electric brush vibrates 12,000 per minute | |
| Three cleaning modes | |
| It has two heads with inclined bristles | |
| It comes with a tooth scraper | |
| IPX7 waterproof |
Price
Best Toothbrush & Paste Kit: Beaphar Toothbrush and Toothpaste Kit Review
If you’re looking for the best dog toothbrush and paste, this dog toothbrush and toothpaste dental kit is my top choice. I use this for my dogs, and they both get on well with the toothbrush heads, which has been an issue with other toothbrushes. It has two ends, one with a larger brush and the other with a smaller head, so it’s suitable for all dog sizes. The handle is ergonomic and comfortable, with a raised rubber grip, so it’s easy to use.
Each head has different-length bristles, which help to get into the gaps between each tooth, giving you extra cleaning power. Beaphar’s toothpaste is liver-flavored, and most dogs enjoy the taste. Thanks to the enzyme action, the paste fights against plaque and prevents the formation of tartar, resulting in fresher breath. It’s great value for money, too. Some reviews mention that although it’s great that it doesn’t smell of liver, their dog didn’t show any interest in it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual end with different brush sizes | Some reviews state their dog didn’t show much interest in the toothpaste |
| Different length bristles for better cleaning | |
| Comes with an enzymatic toothpaste | |
| Ergonomic & non-slip rubber grip | |
| Good value for money |
My Experience With Beaphar Toothbrush
Photo by Emma Braby for Canine Journal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024.
My older dog, Bonkers, has never enjoyed having his teeth brushed, but he has allowed me to brush his teeth since buying the Beaphar toothbrush and paste kit. The bristles are slightly softer than other brushes I’ve tried but stiff enough to provide a thorough clean. The head is angled, and the bristles are different lengths, too. I use the larger side for Bonkers and the smaller head for my younger dog, Chips. She loves the taste of the toothpaste and gets super excited when she sees the tube. The rubber grip makes it easy for me to use, too, and it’s great value for money.
– Emma Braby, Dog Mom & Author
Price
Best Toothbrush For Puppies: Vet’s Best Puppy Dental Kit Review
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I know there’s so much to consider when raising a puppy, so I have chosen a puppy toothbrush and paste kit. The triple-headed toothbrush cleans your pup’s teeth from all angles, making teeth cleaning much more effective than a flat toothbrush. This 3D pet toothbrush soothes irritated teeth and gums during the teething stage. The rubber brush with raised grips makes handling and brushing your excitable pup’s teeth easier for you, too.
This toothpaste has a natural peanut butter flavor, which most dogs go crazy for. It uses nature’s best ingredients with a hint of baking soda for a deep clean and contains no artificial colors or flavors. The paste freshens their breath and gently cleanses them to help remove plaque and tartar. Only a few owners report that their pup had an upset tummy after using this product. However, this is a rare side effect, and most other users say their dogs love it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dental kit made specifically for puppies | Very few reports of upset tummy |
| The triple-headed toothbrush cleans the entire tooth | |
| Soothes irritated puppy teething | |
| Non-slip rubber grip | |
| Uses natural ingredients with baking soda | |
| Comes with natural peanut butter flavor toothpaste |
Price
Learn more about a puppy’s teething schedule with our recommendations on the best dog toys for teething.
Best Toothbrush For Small Dogs: Pet Republique Mini Toothbrush Review
Pet Republique’s mini toothbrush is one of the smallest brush heads on the market, so I have picked it as the best dog toothbrush for small dogs. It is designed for pets weighing under 20 pounds with smaller mouths and cramped teeth. The brushes can also be used for cats and puppies. Each pack, either three or six, offers yellow and black brushes so you can color-coordinate for different pets. The bristles are tough enough to remove plaque but soft enough to keep your small dog comfortable.
The plastic handle has grooves to help you grip the brush. If you aren’t happy with your purchase, the seller states they will replace your toothbrush or offer you a full refund within 60 days. Plus, they donate 15% of their profits to dog shelters nationwide. So, you are improving your dog’s dental health and helping other dogs in need, too. Pet Republique sells an extra-small toothbrush kit if you need an even smaller toothbrush.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the smallest toothbrushes on the market | The handle doesn’t feature a rubber grip |
| Different colors make it ideal for multi-pet households | |
| Bristles are soft but firm | |
| Offers a 60-day refund | |
| Gives 15% of profit to dog charity |
Price
Best Toothbrush For Large Dogs: Orgrimmar 3-Sided Large Dog Toothbrush Review
Orgrimmar has designed these three-sided brushes with quality and ease of use in mind. The bristles on the toothbrush are stiff enough to clean your furry friend’s teeth effectively but soft enough to be comfortable. The 3D design means you can effectively clean their teeth with fewer brush strokes. The high-quality, non-slip handle features an ergonomic design that is easy to grip.
These toothbrushes come in a pack of two or four, each in a different color, to help you distinguish between pets. Each brush tip features a hole to hang it for easy and hygienic storage. Some reviews mention that these brushes were too big for their smaller pups, which is one of the reasons why I have chosen this option as the best dog toothbrush for large dogs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extra large toothbrush head for large breeds | Some customers felt the toothbrush head was bigger than expected |
| Three-sided toothbrush | |
| High-quality, non-slip handle design | |
| Multiple brushes in each pack (3 or 6) | |
| It comes in a variety of colors |
Price
Best Ultrasonic Toothbrush: Ni-Shen Pet Ultrasonic Plaque Remover Review
Ni-Shen’s ultrasonic plaque remover isn’t a traditional toothbrush but an alternative for owners needing a deeper dental cleaning kit. It contains a teeth cleaner, three cleaning heads, a mouth mirror, a dental tweezer, two dental scrapers, a charging cable, and a mini wrench for changing heads. You must take care when using this more professional teeth-cleaning kit and always follow the manual.
The cleaning head is medical-grade 316 stainless steel for your dog’s safety and longevity. The ultrasonic scaler has a built-in USB-rechargeable battery that lasts up to five hours and comes with a one-year warranty. The ultrasonic technology makes almost no sound or vibration, which is great for sensitive pups struggling with a traditional electric toothbrush. However, a few customers report a slight noise when in contact with the teeth.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides multiple tools for a thorough dental clean | Extra care must be taken when using this kit |
| Made with 316 stainless steel for durability | Some users report a slight noise when in contact with teeth |
| It uses ultrasonic cleaning technology | |
| Fast charging, rechargeable battery | |
| Low sound | |
| It comes with a 1-year warranty |
Price
Best Dog Finger Toothbrush: Jasper Dog Finger Toothbrush Review
The Jasper Store sells a patented 360-degree dog finger toothbrush that lets you clean your dog’s mouth with a few rubs. These toothbrushes are a great way to introduce a dental regime into your dog’s life before reaching for a traditional toothbrush. They are suitable for any dog size and age and can be used for other pets. These finger toothbrushes are made with safe BPA-free and phthalate-free silicone.
The silicone bristles help remove plaque and are less abrasive than traditional toothbrush bristles, which is why some dogs are more accepting of these. Jasper finger brushes have 12x more bristles than other finger toothbrushes. The packs come in various sizes, from two to ten, and are in multiple colors, which can help in multi-pet households. Some reviews mention that the finger brushes were too small for their fingers, but the instructions tell you to put water inside for a custom fit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 360-degree dog finger toothbrush | Not a substitute for a dog toothbrush |
| 12x more bristles than a standard dog finger toothbrush | |
| Suitable for any size dog | |
| Made with safe silicone material | |
| Ideal for sensitive dogs or puppies | |
| It comes in multiple pack sizes (between 2 & 10) |
Price
Best Dental Wipes: Vetnique Dentabliss Finger Mitt Cleaning Wipes Review
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If your dog runs at the sight of a toothbrush or doesn’t like the taste of toothpaste, these Dentabliss dental wipes could be a great alternative in between vet cleans. They are also an ideal starting point for anyone looking to introduce teeth brushing, as it allows your dog to become accustomed to you putting something in their mouth. But please note that they are not a replacement for dental cleaning.
One side of the finger mitt has beads that clear plaque from the surface of teeth. The other side has a quilted texture that helps to polish, control tartar, and whiten teeth. These natural dog teeth-cleaning wipes contain peppermint, neem, and grapefruit seed extract, which support a healthy oral microbiome. These teeth-cleaning wipes are handy for short vacations when you want to freshen your dog’s breath on the go.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Features beads for surface cleaning | Not a substitute for a dog toothbrush |
| The quilted side helps to polish and whiten teeth | |
| Uses natural ingredients | |
| Ideal for traveling with | |
| Easy to use |
Price
Best Toothbrush Alternative Chew: Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews Review
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My pick for the best toothbrush-alternative treats is Oravet dental hygiene chews. Although chews never replace brushing, they are the only dental product for dogs that contains delmopinol and are VOHC accepted. Delmopinol forms a barrier to help protect teeth against harmful bacteria and cleans down to the gum. Delmopinol spreads through the mouth to remove existing plaque, and it has been used for years in oral rinses for humans to help improve dental hygiene.
Each chew helps to keep your dog’s teeth cleaner, fight bad breath, and reduce plaque and tartar build-up. The chews are easy to digest for most dogs, although a few reviews mention that they upset their dog’s tummy for the first few days. They are suitable for dogs aged six months and older and weighing 3.5 pounds or more. They are poultry-flavored and come individually wrapped for freshness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dental care alternative for dogs that hate toothbrushes | Not a substitute for professional dental cleaning |
| Contain delmopinol | Some reviews mention upset tummy shortly after |
| Prevents bacterial build-up and tackles existing plaque | |
| VOHC approved | |
| Individually wrapped | |
| Suitable for dogs aged 6 months and over |
Price
Learn more about the best dental chews for dogs and why they are important for their overall dental hygiene and wellness.
Talk To Your Vet About Dental Health
Despite common beliefs, bad breath is NOT normal for dogs. It can signify some form of periodontal disease or another health issue altogether. Your dog’s annual checkup is a great time to ask your vet about their dental health. A dental exam is a routine part of the checkup, so be sure to ask them about any dental concerns you may have and how to care for your pup’s teeth. If your dog fears teeth cleaning at home, ask them for advice on handling this, too. If your dog’s teeth aren’t in good shape, they might recommend sedating them to clean their teeth.
Dental Emergencies & Pet Insurance
Finding the right toothbrush your dog accepts can be the best way to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and avoid expensive dental treatments. However, even with proper home care from an early age, dental emergencies and tooth infections can occur, which can be costly. If you want to ensure that you can care for your dog’s teeth throughout their lifetime, you should consider pet dental insurance as a proactive measure before your dog experiences dental issues. Pet dental insurance doesn’t protect all things dental, but in this guide, our insurance experts give you the information you need to understand it and what it covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our readers still have questions about dental health and finding the best toothbrush for their dog. If you don’t see your question below, ask us in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
Can Dogs Use A Human Toothbrush?
If you’re wondering whether you can use your electric toothbrush on your dog, there is no need to, and it’s super unhygienic. Dog toothbrushes are readily available, low cost, and designed to clean dog teeth better than human toothbrushes.
How Do I Clean My Dog’s Toothbrush?
Most dog toothbrushes can go into the dishwasher cutlery drawer, which is how I clean my dog’s toothbrush. However, some aren’t dishwasher safe. Check the instructions, and if there is no mention of it being dishwasher safe, wash it by hand. Run it under warm water and remove debris with your fingers or a toothpick.
Dog Toothbrush Vs. Dog Finger Toothbrush?
Brushing your dog’s teeth with a dog toothbrush is the best way to keep them healthy. Toothbrushes are more effective than finger brushes for dogs. However, some dogs do not let anyone near them with a toothbrush. In these cases, using a dog finger toothbrush is better than not doing anything at all. You should use dog toothpaste when using either of these options.
Taking Care Of Your Dog’s Overall Health
Canine dental hygiene is crucial for a healthy pup. But taking care of your pooch doesn’t stop at their teeth. A high-quality diet is vital for your dog’s overall health and can improve their dental health, so check out our guide on the best fresh dog food. You should also consider giving them probiotic dog supplements, which can help with various issues and boost their immunity, gut health, coat, and more. In addition to daily exercise, keep them entertained with the best interactive dog toys that stimulate their mind.
Does your pup use any of these dog toothbrushes? Perhaps they used to run away every time you got the toothbrush out, but you’ve found a way to encourage them. We love hearing our readers’ experiences, so please share your doggy dental stories in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is the proud mom of two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. She brushes their teeth several times a week, and as a professional dog walker and sitter, she has seen a wide range of canine dental health. Emma loves sharing her decades of doggy experience with her readers. She works with an experienced team at Canine Journal, and they are a trusted source for everything dog.