Are you on the lookout for a means to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth? In this article, we’ve listed out the top 10 best dog teeth cleaning products in the market.
This list includes a variety of products such as toothpaste, toothbrush, dental sprays, dental gels, and water additives. All of them have been selected and shortlisted after thoroughly vetting the products and upon consultation with veterinary experts,
If you don’t take care of your dog’s teeth, you’ll eventually find that they develop bad breath. This makes it extremely difficult to get close to your furry friends and you have to end up spending hundreds of dollars at the veterinarian’s to treat their teeth. However, all of that trouble can simply be avoided if you dedicate yourself to maintaining your dog’s teeth much like you do your own.
There are various different dog teeth cleaning products that serve different purposes. A toothpaste and toothbrush helps with surface cleaning, water additives reduce tartar formation, and dental sprays help neutralize bad breath.
It’s difficult to decide which type of product to use for your dog. And, even if you figure that out, there are so many options in the market that the search can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive list of the 10 best dog teeth cleaning products in the market.
10 Best Dog Teeth Cleaning Products
Dog Toothpaste
Dog toothpaste are similar to human toothpaste in most ways except one they don’t have foaming agents. Dogs don’t have the ability to spit out the harmful foam, and they are likely to swallow them. That’s why it’s necessary to use specialized dog toothpaste on them.
A good toothpaste is the most crucial aspect of your dog’s dental care. Before buying a toothpaste, you should make sure that it’s safe for dogs and doesn’t contain any side effects.
Ideally, you should start by getting the dog used to the toothpaste by letting them lick it from your fingers. Once they do that, it will be easier for you to start applying it to their teeth and gums.
The following are the best dog toothpaste in the market.
Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste
The Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste is a USA-made dog toothpaste. It’s the best in the market because its flavor is ideal for dogs, it’s highly effective, and a single tube can last several months if you use it once a day.
Product Highlights
- No-Foam production
- Made specifically for dogs
- Poultry flavored
- Controls plaque
- Reduces redness of gums
- Fights bad breath
Benefits
This toothpaste helps control plaque buildup, thus preventing the dog’s teeth from decay. It also helps fight bad breath and deals with the redness in the gums.
Chemicals in this toothpaste help kill the bacteria in the dog’s mouth, which makes them smell fresh and lowers the risk of infection. It is completely foam-free, so there’s no need to rinse the dog’s mouth after brushing it.
It is a poultry flavored paste, and so it is likely to appeal to the dog’s taste buds. Because of the taste, dogs are generally quite eager to get their teeth brushed with this paste, thus minimizing the need for any struggle.
The Good
Customers say that their dog’s teeth became a lot whiter after just using the toothpaste regularly for a few weeks. This is the most powerful dog toothpaste out there.
The Bad
Some customers stated that it smells rancid.
- Safe for dogs to swallow it
- Tastes like poultry
- Fights bad breath and plaque production
- Might smell rancid
Virbac C.E.T. Dog Toothpaste
Benefits
This toothpaste works as a great dog plaque remover because of its antibacterial properties. It can be used on both dogs and cats, and it’s completely foam-free so it’s safe for them to swallow it as well.
It can also fight off bad breath and prevent the buildup of tartar, thus extending the dog’s dental health.
Product Highlights
- No foam production
- Safe to swallow
- Natural Antibacterial properties
- Available in 5 colors
This dog toothpaste is available in 5 different flavors — Vanilla-Mint Flavor, Beef Flavor, Malt Flavor, Poultry Flavor, and Seafood Flavor. Because of the range of flavors, you can select a toothpaste that your dog would enjoy, making it easier to brush their teeth.
The Good
Customers are happy that this toothpaste can whiten the teeth and get rid of tartar and sediments around the gum at a single go. Even customers who use it on dogs with sensitive gums praised how efficient it is.
The Bad
Some of the customers stated that the tube did not come with any safety seal.
- Safe for dogs to swallow
- Ideal for dogs and cats
- Lasts a long time
- Comes in a variety of flavors
- Has antibacterial properties
- No safety seal on the tube
Dog Toothbrushes
A toothpaste might be a cleansing agent, but a good toothbrush is the medium for it. Using a proper dog toothbrush is the best way to ensure that the toothpaste can thoroughly clean all of the dog’s dental crevices, reducing dental decay.
Many people use human toothbrushes on their dogs, but that’s not always advisable. Dogs have different teeth formations than humans.
Human toothbrushes also come with harder bristles that can cause a dog’s gums to start bleeding.
Even if they don’t bleed, they are likely to find the process painful. This necessitates the use of specific dog toothbrushes for enhanced efficiency.
You need to make sure that the toothbrush is meant for dogs, that the bristles are soft, and that the toothbrush head is the right size for your dog.
When you first start using the brush, start gently with the front teeth before making your way back to assure them that it won’t hurt. If they struggle considerably, then stop brushing their teeth.
Since there are a lot of dog toothbrushes in the market, we have shortlisted the two best ones.
GOLF Pet Dog Soft Toothbrush
GOLF Pet Dog Soft Toothbrush is a dual-headed toothbrush that’s ideal for both small and large dogs. This is one of the most popular dog toothbrushes in the market because it helps you effectively clean both the front set of teeth and the ones at the back.
Product Highlights
- The handle is 8.7 inches long
- Dual-ended toothbrush
- Has a small and a large end for the front and the back end of the teeth
- Keeps the teeth healthy
This toothbrush is dual-headed. One side comes with a small head, and the other comes with a larger head. This configuration can be used to clean the teeth of both small and large dogs.
You can also use this on the same dog, switching between the two heads depending on the size of the tooth you’re cleaning.
The bristles on this toothbrush are extremely soft so it doesn’t hurt the dog at all. It’s completely painless and can also clean between the teeth.
The handlebar of the toothbrush is extremely long so you can go deep into the dog’s mouth and also clean hard-to-reach areas.
The Good
Most people complain that dog toothbrushes can’t reach the deeper end of their dog’s mouth. This toothbrush has addressed that concern by creating this dual-ended long-handled toothbrush, which can reach deep inside and clean both larger and smaller teeth.
The Bad
Some of the users complained that the bristles started falling out of the toothbrush soon. However, you can replace the product and get new bristles from the vendor. This is a small price to pay for a toothbrush that’s painless and effective in dog dental care.
- Long handlebar
- Dual-ended toothbrush
- Small and large head
- Soft bristles
- Can be used on all kinds of dogs (big or small)
- Bristles start shedding soon
C.E.T DOg Toothbrush
CET Pet Toothbrush is one of the most reputable and best-selling dog toothbrushes in the market. Considering its cheap cost and amazing quality, it’s easy to see why it’s so well reputed. It’s ideally meant to be used by smaller dogs.
Product Highlights
- The handle is 6 to 7 inches long
- Perfectly positioned bristles
- Ideal for small dogs
This toothbrush has a single head with small and soft bristles. it’s ideally used on small dogs with weak gums.
The bristles on the toothbrush are positioned in a manner so as to be able to reach the back of the dog’s mouth and clean it thoroughly. The soft bristles don’t just clean the teeth but also massage the gum.
The toothbrush handle is 6 to 7 inches, and can fit perfectly into the pet’s mouth.
The Good
Customers loved that the bristles are extremely soft and painless for the dogs. They are also firm and do not start shedding easily.
The Bad
This toothbrush cannot be used on larger dog breeds because of the small size.
- Fits perfectly into the mouth of small dogs
- Soft bristles protect and massage the gums
- Can only be used on small dogs or cats
Dog Dental Sprays
Using dog toothpaste and toothbrush is the best means of cleaning a dog’s teeth. However, most pet parents don’t have the time to brush their dog’s teeth on a daily basis.
Many dogs are also extremely resistant to having their teeth brushed, and the activity can take several difficult minutes.
If you don’t have the time to brush your dog’s teeth, or if they are resistant to it, your next best dog teeth cleaning products are dental sprays. The right dental spray can serve as a dog plaque remover and it can also fight off bad breath.
All you have to do is spritz into their mouths a couple of times and that’s it! The formula used in the dog dental spray reacts with the dog’s saliva and moves all around their teeth and palette, thoroughly cleansing it.
Before purchasing a dental spray, you must make sure that it doesn’t contain alcohol content. You should also get it checked by your dog’s veterinarian doctor to make sure it doesn’t have any ingredients harmful to your dog.
There are a lot of dog dental sprays out there, and not all of them are reliable. We have shortlisted the two best and safest dental sprays in the market after consultation with several experts.
Aromatherapy Best Natural Breath Freshener For Dogs
The Gerrard Larriett Pet Care Aromatherapy Best Natural Breath Freshener is one of the most reputable dental sprays for dogs and cats.
It works wonders on both the teeth and the gums, while also fighting off bad breath. A single bottle contains 236ml of the solution.
Product Highlights
- Fights bad breath.
- Removes tartar buildup.
- No alcohol, paraben, or phosphates.
- Natural and biodegradable.
- Aloe Vera & Mint flavored, along with Baking Soda.
This dental spray has been formulated with natural ingredients. It’s completely non-allergic for all dogs and is the best tartar remover for dogs in the market.
It gets rid of plaque and tartar and leaves the dog with a fresher and cleaner mouth that is less likely to decay. It’s also sensitive to the gums and can clean them without causing any irritation.
There is no alcohol content in this product so it’s safe for all dogs. It’s also paraben and phosphate free, and is completely natural and biodegradable.
Ingredients
This dog dental spray contains the following ingredients:
- Aloe Vera: This ingredient is known for its ability to nourish skin. It’s an anti-inflammatory ingredient so it can reduce irritation on the gums and prevent redness. Its antimicrobial properties also help fight off microorganisms in the mouth.
- Mint:This herb is used to reinforce freshness. The leaves are highly anti-bacterial in nature, thus ideal for oral health. It can kill bacteria in the mouth, preventing the teeth from decaying and negating bad breath.
- Baking Soda: This has an abrasive quality that is necessary to remove plaque and tartar and to polish the teeth. Its antibacterial activity can kill Streptococcus, a bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
Instructions
This dental spray should be spritzed into the dog’s mouth 4 times, around the teeth and gums. There’s no need to brush the teeth afterward as it reacts with the saliva automatically.
If you want to speed up the process of fighting bad breath, you can use this dental spray in addition to a toothpaste. You can either alternate the days between dental spray and brushing, or you can use one during the morning and the other in the evening.
The Good
Customers report that this dental spray completely got rid of their dog’s bad breath in just a few days. They also state that their dogs enjoy the taste and willingly come for their spray sessions.
The Bad
Some customers stated that the spray range is extremely wide so it’s not ideal for small dogs as the solution might accidentally enter their eyes. Several customers suggested the bottle should be redesigned.
- Fights bad breath
- Removed plaque
- Tastes good
- No alcohol, paraben, or phosphates
- Made of all natural and healthy ingredients
- Bottle needs a redesign
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dental Spray for Dogs
The Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dental Spray for Dogs is an effective US produced dental spray. It’s highly recommended by veterinary doctors as it can refresh the dog’s breath and also get rid of gum irritation. A single bottle contains 4 oz of solution, which can last up to 45 days.
Product Highlights
- Made of Denta-C
- Fights bad breath
- Reduces plaque buildup
Benefits
This dental spray has been made with Denta-C which helps reduce plaque formation and kills bacteria. Its anti-bacterial properties also helps fight off bad breath and staves off tartar. It is one of the best tartar removers for dogs.
This dental spray uses one primary ingredient — Denta-C.
Denta-C is a scientifically-formulated series of ingredients such as Vitamin C and Sodium Hexametaphosphate. Vitamin C is clinically known to help reduce plaque formation and fight off bacteria. And Sodium Hexametaphosphate is a detergent, found naturally in the environment and completely safe for dogs.
These ingredients help kill bacteria, whiten teeth, remove plaque and tartar, all without causing any irritation even on the most sensitive of gums.
Instructions:
The solution should be sprayed directly on the dog’s teeth and gums twice a day. You can use it individually, or you can alternate its use with a toothpaste and brush treatment. The latter will be more efficient in fighting off bad breath and tooth decay.
The Good
Customers state that this is one of the only products in the market that their dogs don’t resist. After being hesitant at first, they grow to look forward to their dental spray moments.
The Bad
Some customers state that you have to press the nozzle extremely hard for the spray to come out. And when it does, the flow is extremely strong for small dogs.
- Efficiently reduces plaque and tartar buildup
- Strong ingredients
- Lasts a long time
- Hard to spray
Dog Dental Gels
Dog dental gels are some of the easiest-to-use and safest alternatives to cleaning a dog’s teeth. They help prevent bad breath and serve as great dental wipes for dog teeth.
The only thing you need to keep in mind while using dental gels is not to give your dogs any food or water for at least 30 minutes after application.
Doing so will negate the gel’s efficiency. You should also follow the instructions carefully before using the gel and consult your veterinarian doctor.
The following are two of the best dog dental gels in the market.
Tropiclean Fresh Breath Plaque Remover Pet Clean Teeth Gel
The Tropiclean Fresh Breath Plaque Remover Pet Clean Teeth Gel is one of the best dental gels in the market. It contains a healthy blend of natural and holistic ingredients that react with your dog’s saliva and refresh their mouth while also killing all bacteria. It can be used on dogs of all ages and breeds.
Product Highlights
- Tastes like Mint
- Uses decaffeinated Green Tea Leaf Extract
- Fights off bad breath and plaque buildup
- Helps with periodontal diseases
- All natural and biodegradable
- A single container has 4 oz of gel
Benefits
This is an all-natural dental gel that can fight periodontal disease and reduce plaque and tartar formation. It can also kill bacteria and thus fight off bad breath. The ingredients used are natural and gentle so it can also be used on dogs with weaker gums as it has a soothing effect on it.
All of the ingredients used are 100% natural and the packaging is biodegradable.
One of the prime ingredients in this product is decaffeinated Green Tea Leaf Extract. It is a natural source of fluoride and so it can fight of bacteria causing plaque and tartar development.
Instructions
Take 2 drops of the gel and apply it on either side of the dog’s mouth at night. Do so after they’ve had their dinner because you can’t feed them for at least 30 minutes after application. Improvements can be seen in a few weeks after daily application.
The Good
Customers have stated that this product is highly efficient and they could see massive improvements in just a couple of weeks.
The Bad
Dogs hate the minty flavor. Some customers even stated that the dogs will struggle greatly against you. And some recommended that you should be careful with your finger while applying it because the dog might accidentally bite you.
- All natural
- Powerful product and can remove plaque very quickly
- Easy to use
- Dogs don’t like the minty flavor
- You have to put your finger inside the dog’s mouth to apply it
Vet's Best Enzymatic Dental Gel Toothpaste for Dogs
The Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dental Gel Toothpaste for Dogs is yet another great US-produced dog teeth cleaning product. It can either be used directly as a toothpaste, or via a toothbrush.
Product Highlights
- Made of all-natural ingredients such as aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes
- Freshens the breath
- Removes plaque and tartar
- Natural flavors that the dogs will love
Benefits
This dental gel is made of all natural ingredients that are soothing to the dog’s gums and effective in killing bacteria.
It freshens the dog’s breath and gradually removes all plaque buildup over time. You can notice the dog’s teeth getting whiter over several weeks of daily application.
It is made of the following natural ingredients — aloe, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and enzymes.
Aloe and Neem Oil have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can kills bacteria while simultaneously soothing the gums as well. The Baking Soda acts as an abrasive agent to remove plaque and tartar formation.
Instructions
There are three simple ways to apply this dental gel:
- By applying a dap of the paste directly on the dog’s tongue to freshen their breath.
- Dap it on to your finger and scrub it over their teeth.
- Use a toothbrush to clean their entire mouth and scrub away at the plaque and tartar buildup.
The Good
Customers are amazed by how powerful it is in tartar removal. Some customers state that the tartar came off with their fingernails after using the product for just 2 weeks.
The Bad
Some customers complained that the brush offered with the set isn’t suitable for small dogs.
- All natural products
- Dogs love the taste
- Fight bad breath
- Removes plaque and tartar
- Comes with a brush as well
- The brush isn’t the right size for small dogs
Dog Water Additives
In this section of the article, I’ll list out the best water additives for dog teeth. These are generally used whenever you have a dog with a persistently bad and offensive breath.
These are extremely simple to use and surprisingly effective, as long as you choose the right product. You simply have to mix them into your dog’s drinking water and let them slurp it up. The additive will help fight off bad breath and also break down plaque over time.
If you have a dog that struggles against the use of toothpaste or dental gel, this is the ideal alternative.
The following are the two best water additives for dog teeth in the market, based on research, use, and veterinarian recommendations.
Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Liquid Tartar Remover
The Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Liquid Tartar Remover is the best water additive for dog teeth because it has been formulated by one of the most reputable companies for dog teeth cleaning products — Nylabone. It comes in two sizes, one containing 16 oz of liquid and the other with 32 oz.
Product Highlights
- Available in 16 oz and 32 oz bottles
- Removes plaque and tartar
- Fights bad breath
- Made of Denta-C
Benefits
This water additive alters the pH of the dog’s saliva and helps clean the teeth by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
Nylabone uses a scientifically-formulated ingredient called Denta-C which can help kill bacteria, fight off bad breath, and reduce plaque formation. This ingredient has been formulated with Vitamin C and Sodium Hexametaphosphate, both of which fight off bacteria and soothe the dog’s gums.
1 teaspoon of this water additive should be added to 32 oz. of water. There are no limitations on how many times you should use it. It’s completely safe so you can use it either once or several times a day.
The Good
Customers love how easy it is to use this product. You don’t need to fight or struggle with the dogs anymore, simply add a few drops to their water. It’s the most efficient means of keeping their teeth clean.
The Bad
If you accidentally mix too much of it, your dog might get diarrhea. You need to be extremely careful while using it.
- Easy to use
- Efficient in fighting bad breath and tartar production
- Risk of diarrhea if it’s not diluted enough
Emmy's Best Premium Dog and Cat Breath Freshener
Emmy’s Best Premium Dog and Cat Breath Freshener is another powerful and efficient means of cleaning your dog’s teeth and getting rid of foul breath. It’s available in a 16 oz. or a 32 oz. bottle.
Product Highlights
- Removes plaque and tartar buildup
- No-brush formula
- Available in 16 oz or a 32 oz bottles
- Freshens breath
Benefits
Foul breath is caused by bacteria buildup in a dog’s mouth. This water additive eliminates these bacteria, leaving a fresher mouth.
You only need to use a small quantity with water to get rid of bacteria, and if used on a regular basis, you can ensure that your dog’s teeth remains healthy and doesn’t decay.
Tartar and plaque buildup can cause periodontal diseases in dogs. Using this water additive can, over time, get rid of these buildups and prevent formation. It’s not as immediately effective as a toothpaste or a dental gel, but it works over time.
Using this additive is also a great preventative measure to keep your pets from developing oral problems. This product has been vetted by veterinary doctors and experts.
You need to add 1-2 teaspoons of it in the dog’s water. You shouldn’t add any more than that as it can lead to stomach issues, especially in smaller dogs.
The Good
Customers were very pleased with its effectiveness. Some even suggested that their dog’s tartar buildup was clinically proven to have reduced over time. Dog’s easily slurp up the water additive without putting up any fight.
The Bad
Some customers stated that the product had a negative reaction on their dogs and they started vomiting. Before using it, you should consult your dog’s veterinary doctor.
- Easy to use and no brush required
- Dogs easily drink it
- Tartar production is considerably reduced over time
- Completely eliminates bad breath
- Can have negative reaction with some dogs
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! You now have 10 different solutions for your dog’s dental issues. These were the 10 best dog teeth cleaning products, separated on the basis of the type of product — toothpaste, toothbrush, dental spray, dental gel, or water additives.
All of the different types of dog teeth cleaning products have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Some of them are difficult to apply on the dogs but extremely effective, and some might be easier to use but relatively inefficient. It’s up to you to decide which product is ideal for your dog.
You can try one of them, or use several of them in combinations. We have compiled these products after personally vetting them and consulting doctors.
But we recommend that before you use any one of them, you should also get them approved by your personal veterinarian because all dogs have a unique composition. What works for one dog might not work for another.
Now go ahead and get rid of your dog’s foul breath!
If you have any other questions about dog plaque removers, dental health, etc, you can mention it down in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you!
People also ask
My dog’s gums have become red, which teeth cleaning product should I use?
A dog’s gums should always be pink. If it has become red, it could be a sign of some periodontal disease. Instead of focusing on the teeth cleaning product, you need to take your dog to the vet for a surgery or for medical treatment.
Once your dog has recovered, you can consult your dentist to figure out which teeth cleaning product you should use. For dogs with sensitive gums, you should ideally use an all-natural dog toothpaste or gel.
Ideally speaking, a soft-bristled toothbrush is a great medium by which to apply the toothpaste or gel. But if your dog has recently had troubles with the gums, you might want to either dab the gel on their tongue or apply it on their teeth with your fingers.
What are some signs of oral decay in my dog?
The following are some common signs of oral decay:
- Bad breath
- Loose or discovered teeth
- Tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth
- Redness in the gums
- Constant drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
- If they are constantly scratching their snout
- Loss of appetite
- If they drop food from their mouth or can’t chew properly
What kind of cleaning solution is recommended for flat-faced dogs like a Pug or a Shih Tzu?
Some flat-faced breeds have teeth that are more vulnerable to tooth decay. They require special attention and you need the most powerful teeth cleaning product for them. You should use a toothpaste and toothbrush to scrub their teeth on a regular basis.
The toothbrush should have small and gentle bristles and you should scrub their teeth deliberately and softly.
What do I do if my dog is extremely resistant to toothpaste, brushes, or even my fingers?
If your dog doesn’t like you touching their mouth or scrubbing their teeth, you might want to switch to a more convenient alternative.
You can use a dental spray instead. These can just be spritzed a couple of times into your dog’s mouth and you don’t need to do anything else.
If they resist the spritzing as well, you can use water additives. You just have to add a few drops of these into their water and they will slurp it up. Over time, it helps break down plaque and tartar and gives them a fresh breath.
How do I toothbrush-train my dog?
Dogs are usually harder to train when they’re older. So you should inculcate the habit when they’re still young.
First, you can start with just your fingers. Dab a little toothpaste on your fingertips and let them smell and taste it. Now start applying it gently on their front teeth and make your way towards the end. Continue using your fingers as a brush for a while.
Once they have grown used to it, you can switch over to the toothbrush. Similar to a toothpaste, allow them to get familiarized with the brush first. Now start from the front teeth gently and move towards the end.
If you find that your dog is struggling excessively, don’t force them to use the toothbrush. Your dog might be struggling because they find the process painful or uncomfortable. In that case, you should look for some alternative.
