Thousands of Pet Owners Swear These Top Dog Toothpastes Work Wonders (2024)

Made in the U.S., Petsmile's toothpaste is the only one that bears the Veterinary Oral Hygiene Council Seal, which evaluates a product’s ability to reduce plaque and tartar through real-life studies (you can learn more about the VOHC Seal process at the end of this guide). Petsmile's trials showed a 62% reduction in plaque and a 28% reduction in gingivitis.

This toothpaste contains Calprox, a proprietary form of calcium peroxide that dissolves the biofilm that forms on your pet’s teeth to re-mineralize enamel. In addition to having clinical data backing its effectiveness, it's also available in several flavors that appeal to most dogs, including London broil, chicken, and cheese, so you’ll have options if your pup is picky.

This toothpaste is designed to help break down plaque and tartar in your pet's mouth. The flavorless gel formula contains aloe and chamomile and can be applied in a few different ways. You can use the brand's silicone brush, apply it with your finger, or even put it on your pet's paw for them to lick off.

This tooth gel is gentle enough to use on dogs of all ages, including puppies and senior dogs. The brand also makes a pet dental spray and water additive to combat odor and fight plaque and tartar.

This enzymatic dog toothpaste has hundreds of five-star reviews on Chewy from pet parents. Many say that their dog loves the poultry flavor so much that they see getting their teeth brushed as getting a treat. The non-foaming formula helps prevent bad breath and gum disease in dogs of all ages.

The recommended frequency of use is two to three times per week, though it can be used daily.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced option, this gel toothpaste designed by veterinarians contains baking soda and enzymes to help combat plaque and tartar.

Its fresh scent may also appeal to dogs who don’t like the food flavors (beef, chicken) that many other dog toothpastes feature. With over 19,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, pet owners rave that it freshens breath and whitens teeth and that their dogs love the taste.

Often recommended by vets, this brand is formulated for both dogs and cats and contains enzymes that generate hydrogen peroxide while brushing to dissolve the plaque that clings to teeth (it also keeps working in their mouth even after you’re done brushing).

With over 20K five-star Amazon reviews, pet owners say the variety of flavor options (poultry, beef, vanilla-mint) is ideal for picky dogs, and it's not foamy so pets tolerate it well.

✔️ Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance: Look for products that have earned the VOHC Seal for reducing plaque (the soft, bacteria-filled layer that forms on teeth) or for reducing tartar (calcium salts in salvia that are deposited on teeth; they harden and become resistant to brushing). Some products are proven to reduce both plaque and tartar.

While the VOHC isn’t a regulatory agency and doesn’t test the products itself, it does review data from trials conducted by the companies in accordance with VOHC standards. A product that passes the VOHC's evaluation for safety and effectiveness based on these trials can display the VOHC Seal on the packaging.

✔️ Enzymes: Toothpastes and dog oral hygiene products that contain enzymes help dissolve plaque so it can’t adhere to teeth. Another benefit is that enzymes also remain on teeth surfaces to continue reducing bacteria in your dog’s mouth even after you’re done brushing.

✔️ Flavor: Just like people, pets have preferences. If your pet doesn’t seem to enjoy the minty-fresh flavor you purchased, try a different formulation (or product). Many products have beef, chicken, or cheese flavors that dogs like. But be aware: Most toothpastes are rather smelly to us humans, though that’s likely what’s attractive from your dog’s point of view.

• Is it difficult to brush a dog’s teeth? Generally no, but it does take patience and practice! “It’s best to start your dog when a puppy so he or she will get used to it, but you can train dogs at any age,” says Dr. Phillip. The key is to start slowly and reward your dog after so that it becomes something he or she looks forward to, rather than dreads.

• How do I brush my dog’s teeth? Take several weeks to introduce your dog to this new experience. Start by offering your dog to lick a dab of dog toothpaste off your finger once or twice a day for a week or more; the toothpaste should seem like a treat. Next, place a small amount on your finger and place it in your dog’s mouth, rubbing your fingers gently on the teeth. Eventually, you’ll put it on the brush and let your dog lick it off. Don’t forget to offer lots of praise at every step!

  After several weeks, slide the toothbrush with toothpaste up under your dog’s upper lip; you can use either a fingerbrush, dog toothbrush, or baby toothbrush. “The biggest mistake is trying to wrench your dog’s mouth open," says Dr. Phillip. "They don’t like that." (Think about it: What if your dentist did that to you?).

  Once you’re in there, brush all the way back for a few strokes. Do the other side and the front teeth, and you’re done. You actually only need a few seconds per section. You also only need to brush the outside of the teeth because plaque rarely accumulates on the tongue side of your dog’s teeth, says Dr. Phillip. Finally, wipe any excess toothpaste off your dog's lips or chin.

• How often should I brush my dog’s teeth? Unfortunately, Dr. Phillip says it’s the rare pet parent who brushes their dog’s teeth every day — but that should be your goal. “Think about how filmy your mouth would feel if you didn’t brush for several days,” suggests Dr. Phillip. “Now imagine your dog going for weeks, days or years without brushing.” While he admits that something is better than nothing, the most effective method is to brush daily, or at the very least, several times a week. Less often that that isn’t helpful.

• Can I use human toothpaste on my dog? No. According to the ASPCA, many human toothpastes contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol. In addition, most dog toothpastes are specially formulated with enzymes that will keep working even after you’re done brushing. Finally, unique dog-friendly flavors, such as beef and cheese, make dog toothpaste more palatable to most pups.

• Why do little dogs have such bad teeth? It’s not in your imagination: Small dogs are notorious for having bad teeth, says Dr. Phillip. It’s mostly due to structural problems because little dogs have the same amount of teeth as big dogs, but they’re jammed into a smaller space. That’s why it’s doubly important for little dogs to have their teeth brushed.

• Is there anything else I can do to keep my dog’s teeth healthy? Dr. Phillip says many pet parents ask if they can use chews or other methods to clean their dog’s teeth instead of brushing, but the answer is no. “Brushing every day is the optimal method, and everything else is a distant second,” says Dr. Phillips. Other things — such as chews or additives — can help, but they shouldn't replace the mechanical action of brushing.

  One more important doggie dental point: If you give your dogs chews, make sure you can dent them with your thumbnail. That’s because products that are too hard, such as some rawhides and other chew toys, can break dog teeth.