Yes, You Should Be Brushing Your Dog's Teeth (2024)

If you don't already brush your pet's teeth as part of their routine grooming and care (including trimming your dog's nails!), now is the time to start. Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disorder affecting dogs and cats worldwide — as many as 85% of our furry dog and cat friends. It ranges from mild plaque and gingivitis to painful swelling of the gums and even tooth loss.

Most importantly, the state of your pet's teeth doesn't just impact their mouth, although dental pain can cause your pet to eat dog treats more gingerly or stop chewing on their favorite dog toys. Dental disease has been linked to kidney, liver and even cardiac problems. Some breeds also have worse teeth than others; small breeds have especially high risk of dental disease, and prevalence increases as all pets get older. Like so many medical concerns, early intervention at home can save your pet from needing veterinary dental procedures, which often require sedation. Brushing your pet's teeth at home, just like yours, can help stave off periodontal issues. Daily is best, but if you can brush their chompers a few times a week, that's better than nothing.

You'll also want to use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste when cleaning their teeth. That's because human toothpaste can include xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Our top picks:

Read our reviews of the best dog toothpastes that are veterinarian recommended, pet-tested and animal-approved.

This professional-grade pet toothpaste has the stamp of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, so you know it works. Dogs tend to like the London Broil taste (anyone getting hungry?) and you don't need to brush vigorously to make it work.

If your dog loves their peanut butter Kong, they won't turn up their nose at this peanut-flavored toothpaste. It fights tartar and plaque with a blend of ingredients called Denta-C, to keep your dog's smile bright.

This veterinarian-approved toothpaste is safe for both cats and dogs, and is antibacterial, plaque-removing and tartar-preventing. It also comes in poultry, vanilla mint, malt, beef and seafood flavors so you can find one your pet will like.

This USDA-certified organic toothpaste has no added chemicals, dyes or preservatives, and will fight plaque and tartar while freshening your pet's dog breath. It also comes with a toothbrush, so you don't have to buy a separate one.

Lots of dogs like the poultry flavor of this popular enzymatic dog toothpaste — my pup licked it off my fingers after we finished brushing. Dogs also like the non-foaming formula that doesn't require any rinsing afterward.

Start brushing your dog's teeth early with this puppy-safe toothpaste from a brand you may even use on yourself. Dogs like the poultry flavor, while the mint scent won't bother the humans as much as other meat-flavored toothpastes might.

Not every dog likes their mouth handled, although starting when they're young can help with that. If yours gets skittish, try this no-brush dental care gel. Just rub a little on their mouth daily and the product takes care of the rest.