Dental home care is an essential part of caring for your pup. And veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily to prevent dental disease. But how do you know which toothpaste you should use? The choices can be overwhelming. I help you weed through the products to find the right dog toothpaste and the best puppy toothpaste for your pup. However, not every dog is the same, so I review several options for every need and budget. Let’s take a closer look.
| For Bad Breath | Brushless | Monthly Dental Kit | Toothbrush |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Virbac CET | Petsmile | Bark Bright | Petosan |
| View on Chewy | View on Chewy | Visit Website | View on Chewy |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Learn More About Your Dog’s Teeth
How much do you know about your dog’s teeth? The first step to understanding your pup’s dental needs is to learn more about their teeth. We have a dental guide answering how many teeth dogs have and other important information on the basics of your dog’s mouth. Once you grasp that, it helps to understand the concerns that can occur in your dog’s mouth. For instance, did you know periodontal disease is the most common disease affecting pet dogs? If you know what’s going on in your dog’s mouth, that information can guide you to choose the right toothpaste.
Talk To Your Vet About Dental Health
Does your dog have bad breath? Despite common beliefs, bad breath is NOT normal for dogs. It likely means they have some form of periodontal disease. Taking your pup to their annual checkup is a great time to ask about their dental health. A dental exam is a routine part of the checkup, so use this opportunity to ask your vet about any dental concerns you may have and how to best care for your sweet pup’s teeth.
Dental Emergencies & Pet Insurance
Finding the right toothpaste your dog loves can be the best way to keep your dog’s teeth healthy. However, even with proper home care, dental emergencies and tooth infections can occur, and they can be costly. If you want to ensure that you can care for your dog’s teeth throughout their life, you may want to consider pet dental insurance as a proactive measure before your dog has issues. While it doesn’t protect all things dental, our insurance experts give you the info you need to understand pet dental insurance and what it covers.
8 Best Dog Toothpastes
It’s essential that your dog likes the taste of the toothpaste you are using if you want them to let you brush their teeth. Luckily, there are many flavors to choose from, from mint to meat, cinnamon to vanilla. Whatever you decide, just make sure your pup likes it so they get excited when it’s time to brush. I’ve examined all the brands on the market to determine which products work best. I’ve picked the top choices and put them into categories. But remember that every dog is different, so read through each dog toothpaste review to see which toothpaste works best for your dog.
Best Toothpaste For Bad Breath: Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste Review
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Virbac is my first choice when seeking the best dog toothpaste for bad dog breath. This toothpaste uses enzymes to quickly break down food and bacteria, reducing the amount of plaque in your dog’s mouth. Virbac is made in the USA and safe for cats, making it an excellent option for multi-pet households.
The vanilla mint flavor is a bonus that leaves your dog’s mouth feeling and smelling fresh. It also comes in other dog-friendly flavors (poultry, beef, seafood, and malt). You can buy the toothpaste alone or get it as a set with a toothbrush. Vibrac also makes oral hygiene chews that can help reduce plaque and bacteria.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Virbac is vet-recommended | Some users mention that the tube is stiffer than other brand’s tubes |
| It uses a dual enzyme system to fight periodontal disease and freshen breath | |
| It comes in 5 tasty flavors | |
| No foaming agents | |
| It is also safe for cats | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
If your pup has stinky breath, check out our guide on other ways to get rid of bad breath.
Our Personal Experience With Virbac CET Toothpaste
We have used the poultry flavor of Virbac enzyme toothpaste for years. While they did not take to teeth brushing the first few times, now, our dogs come running when we take the Virbac tube and brush set out. To say they enjoy the taste and, thus, the toothbrushing experience is an understatement.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent & Co-Founder Of Canine Journal
Best Brushless Toothpaste: Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste Review
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Veterinary dentists recommend Petsmile, the only toothpaste accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). This propriety Calprox formulation is clinically proven to stop plaque and tartar buildup and prevent gingivitis, all while whitening your pet’s teeth. It’s also an excellent option if your pup isn’t a big toothbrush fan. You can apply this brushless toothpaste on your dog’s teeth with your fingers or a dog finger toothbrush.
This toothpaste has three tasty flavors: London broil, rotisserie chicken, and “say cheese.” Petsmile uses hypoallergenic, human-grade ingredients sourced from the USA, so you know it is safe for your pup. It also states this formula gives dogs “kissable fresh breath,” but we can’t comment on that! If you have a very fussy pup, you can put the toothpaste on a treat and let their tongue brush for you. Only a few reviews mention that it might have caused an upset tummy, but it could have been something else.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| VOHC accepted | More expensive than some other formulas |
| Clinically proven to stop plaque & tartar | Only a small number of reviews mention upset tummy |
| Clinically proven to reduce gingivitis by 28% | |
| Eliminates bad breath | |
| Available in 3 tasty flavors | |
| Hypoallergenic, human-grade ingredients | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Our Personal Experience With Petsmile
I’ve tried many teeth cleaning methods over the years on our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Our dog Georgie loved the experience with Petsmile. The “Say Cheese” flavored toothpaste excites him to open his mouth and let 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.
Petsmile’s dual-ended toothbrush is at a 45-degree angle, making it easier to use than any other toothbrushes we’ve tried. The bristles are super soft, and in a triangle shape, so you can get into hard-to-reach places like the back of his mouth. And the middle of the brush head has a tiny hole, so the toothpaste squirts in without it coming off.
– Sadie Cornelius, Dog Mom & Marketing For Canine Journal
Best Monthly Dental Kit: Bark Bright Dog Dental Care Toothpaste & Dental Chews Review
The Bark Bright subscription-based service delivers high-quality dog toothpaste and grain-free dental chews every month, so you always have your pup’s daily dental needs on hand. Another bonus, the chicken-flavored toothpaste requires no brushing. All you have to do is squeeze it into a groove on each dental stick, and your pup’s chewing applies the toothpaste to their teeth.
The toothpaste contains special prebiotic cultures to rid your dog’s mouth of harmful bacteria. It also contains other natural ingredients to reduce plaque and tartar, combat periodontal disease, and freshen breath. I love that they offer a choice of regular chews or durable, long-lasting dental sticks for aggressive chewers. You can add the Bark Bright Dental Kit to the company’s BarkBox or Super Chewer subscription for regular dog toy delivery.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality toothpaste & chews | More expensive than other options |
| Offer a selection of flavors | |
| Delivered to your door | |
| Tailor to your dog’s size & chewing strength | |
| You can add other subscription boxes to your order | |
| Free delivery |
Our Personal Experience With BARK Bright
Daisy loves the taste of Durable Chews with the chicken toothpaste. She happily gobbles them down, and we noticed a significant change in her breath. The effects on her breath last, even after just a few days of use. Unlike other dental chews, it does not feel like the product is simply covering up bad breath. Overall, her mouth seems much cleaner. Daisy has also tried the Original Chews and chicken toothpaste, but she likes the flavor of the Durable Chew better. However, my smaller dog, Falkor, a Poodle Beagle mix, enjoys the Original Chew, which has a different smell. I have also not noticed as much improvement with the breath as the Durable Chew.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent & Writer For Canine Journal
Price
You can sign up for a month-to-month, 6-month, or 12-month subscription. It comes in three sizes, but all products are the same price regardless of the size your dog needs.
- Starts at $26.25 per month (annual subscription)
Read our in-depth Bark Bright Dental Kit review and discover their other products.
Best Toothbrush: Petosan Silent Power Sonic Electric Toothbrush Review
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This is my top pick for dog toothbrushes because it uses advanced sonic technology to thoroughly clean. At 20,000 bristle strokes per minute and a double head, the brush allows you to ensure your dog’s teeth and gums are squeaky clean. The brush has a large and small head that fits most canine mouth sizes.
Although the toothbrush’s name is “silent power,” some users report that the vibration makes a slight noise, which some pups didn’t like. However, most dogs, especially those with prior brush experience, accepted this toothbrush. If your pooch is sensitive to noise or anxious about dental cleaning, I don’t think this is your best choice. However, it offers an exceptional clean for most dogs and keeps their mouths healthy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It uses sonic technology for an advanced clean | More expensive than standard toothbrushes |
| Double head to clean both sides of the tooth at once | Some dogs don’t like the vibration sound |
| It has a small and large head for different size mouths | |
| Features an ergonomic handle with grips |
Price
Best Dog Enzymatic Toothpaste: Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste Review
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Dog enzymatic toothpaste is popular for cleaning dog teeth and fighting periodontal diseases because the enzymes break down food and bacteria. Sentry Petrodex uses patented enzymes to set itself apart from other brands, so I have chosen it as my pick for the best enzyme toothpaste for dogs. It reduces the plaque and bacteria that can cause oral disease.
This safe, non-foaming formula has a delicious poultry flavor that most dogs love. Most customers comment that this toothpaste is great. However, a few mention that it smells like chicken gravy, which isn’t that appealing to them. But this is probably why most dogs enjoy it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enzymatic toothpaste tackles plaque and bacteria | Some pet owners found the smell unpleasant |
| Tasty chicken flavor | |
| Reasonably priced | |
| Made in the USA |
Our older dog Lily LOVES this toothpaste. As soon as I take it out, she starts sniffing the air and following me around! She is always ready for teeth cleaning time when this toothpaste is used and even asks for a second brushing after her brother is done. We do not indulge this request, but she is definitely a fan of this non-foaming, poultry-flavored paste.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent & Co-Founder Of Canine Journal
Price
Best Baking Soda Toothpaste: Arm & Hammer Enzymatic Toothpaste Review
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If you’re wondering, “Can I brush my dog’s teeth with baking soda?” The answer is yes because Arm & Hammer’s enzymatic toothpaste is infused with baking soda. Baking soda is an effective cleaning agent due to its abrasive nature and its ability to whiten and brighten teeth. It also effectively neutralizes odor. Arm & Hammer dog toothpaste leads the pack as the best baking soda toothpaste for dogs.
This enzymatic toothpaste is available in three options that each target different dental areas. The fresh breath option comes in both chicken and vanilla-ginger flavors. The gum health toothpaste comes in beef and chicken, and tartar control is available only in beef. So you can choose which option and flavor best suits your dog’s needs. Each type is available for all life stages, so puppies can use it, too. The only minor complaint from customers is that it is a small tube, and many would like a larger option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Three options: fresh breath, gum health, tartar control | Small size tube |
| It is an enzymatic toothpaste | |
| Comes in a variety of flavors | |
| Infused with baking powder | |
| Safe for all ages |
Price
Best Toothpaste For Puppies: RADIUS USDA Organic Dental Solutions Puppy Kit Review
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Puppies’ mouths constantly change, losing baby teeth and growing adult ones. These changes can leave puppies’ mouths feeling tender. I recommend the RADIUS puppy kit as my choice for the best toothpaste for puppies. This toothpaste is gentle and soothing for a puppy’s tender mouth while also being strong and effective at fighting plaque and preventing cavities and periodontal disease. The flavor is cinnamon sweet potato with coconut oil, which might sound strange, but the reviews say most pups love it. It is made in the USA with USDA organic ingredients.
This product does not contain harmful chemicals, xylitol, preservatives, dyes, GMOs, gluten, fluoride, saccharin, artificial additives, sweeteners, or flavors. It is also latex, SLS and SLES, BPA, and BPS-free. In addition to the paste, the kit includes a puppy toothbrush that is extra soft so that it doesn’t hurt or scare them. This option also comes with a free storage case, and it is recommended for puppies up to 18 months. If you’re happy with this product, Radius also sells toothpaste for adults, with either a soft or firm bristles toothbrush. Customers state that the tube is quite small compared with other options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A gentle formula specifically made for puppy mouths | Small tube |
| The toothbrush has soft bristles for tender puppy gums | Only one flavor |
| Made with USDA organic ingredients | More expensive than other options |
| Most pups like the cinnamon sweet potato flavor | |
| Comes with a free storage case | |
| Adult version available |
Price
Best Dental Wipes: Vetnique Dentabliss Finger Mitt Cleaning Wipes Review
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Dentabliss dog teeth cleaning wipes are a natural dog dental care choice for owners looking for an easy way to keep their dog’s mouth clean in between more thorough teeth cleaning. They are also a great choice for anyone looking to introduce a dental regime, as it allows them to become accustomed to you putting something in their mouth. However, knowing these wipes are not a replacement for brushing your dog’s teeth is important.
The finger mitts have a bumpy side with beads that clear plaque from the surface of teeth. The other side has a quilted texture that helps with natural polishing, tartar control, and teeth whitening for dogs. They contain natural ingredients such as peppermint, neem, and grapefruit seed extract, which support a healthy oral microbiome. The peppermint flavor freshens breath, and they are suitable for all ages and cats, too.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient dental wipes | Not a replacement for brushing |
| Features cleaning and polishing sides | Difficult to get into the nooks and crannies |
| Tasty peppermint flavor also freshens breath | |
| Suitable for all lifestages | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Can I Make Homemade Dog Toothpaste?
If you’re curious about making a DIY dog toothpaste recipe, you might be surprised to learn that you can. In this five-minute video from Veterinary Secrets, Dr. Jones shows you how to make a homemade dog toothpaste recipe and treat gingivitis naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have many questions about dog toothpaste, so I’ve put together a list of questions that I think our readers want to know. If you don’t see your questions, let us know in the comments below and we’ll find the answer for you.
Can Dogs Use Human Toothpaste?
No, dogs can’t use human toothpaste. The reason is that you are not supposed to swallow human toothpaste. Brushing your dog’s teeth and rinse their mouth is nearly impossible. So, there is a good chance they will ingest whatever toothpaste you put in their mouths. This is why you must use dog-safe toothpaste when brushing your pup’s teeth.
What’s The Best Dog Toothpaste?
There are lots of different types of dog toothpaste on the market. Different brands and products may be available to meet your pup’s specific needs. Some toothpaste helps to curb bad breath or to get plaque under control. Others may target stain removal or help dogs of different ages. All should be dog-safe toothpaste (not human toothpaste).
What’s The Best Dog Toothbrush?
When it comes to dog toothbrushes, you have many options. There are regular brushes like the Woobamboo pet toothbrush or a sonic toothbrush that use sound waves and fast bristle movement to remove plaque which is really effective at keeping your dog’s mouth clean. You could also try a finger toothbrush if that’s more effective and makes your dog more comfortable.
Can Dogs Eat Toothpaste?
Since dogs can’t rinse or spit their toothpaste out, they often ingest some dog toothpaste. You still don’t want them to eat a whole tube, but swallowing a little dog toothpaste is ok.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate My Toothpaste?
If you find that your dog ate human toothpaste, you want to take action right away. Separate your dog from the toothpaste so they can’t eat anymore. Next, call your vet or use our “Ask A Vet” feature to get quick guidance on how to proceed.
What Is Dog Tooth Gel?
If your dog doesn’t like having its teeth brushed, you can use a dog tooth gel. You apply the gel to the dog’s teeth, and the dog naturally rubs it around with its tongue. Brushing is better at fighting plaque build-up, but if you can’t brush the dog’s teeth, the gel is a great backup plan.
Do I Need A Dog Tooth Cleaning Kit?
If you feel like brushing alone isn’t cutting it, you may want to get a tooth-cleaning kit. This teeth-cleaning kit has several cleaning tips to help you combat periodontal disease and keep their mouth healthy. This ultrasonic dog teeth cleaning tool helps remove plaque, tartar, calculus, and stains. It can be more efficient than a regular toothbrush. But you need to take care when using this product and introduce your dog to it slowly to avoid scaring them.
What Is Brushless Toothpaste?
Brushless toothpaste for dogs is another option for dental homecare when toothbrushing just isn’t working. Petsmile is the only vet-recommended dog toothpaste awarded the seal of acceptance by VOHC. Rub this beef-flavored toothpaste on your dog’s teeth instead of brushing and let it do its thing.
Can Dogs Use Mouthwash?
Since dogs can’t rinse and spit, there isn’t a traditional mouthwash for dogs. However, there is a product called dental wash that you can add to your pup’s water to help fight plaque-causing bacteria. I recommend Virbac as the best dental wash for dogs.
Are There Treats I Can Give My Dog To Help Clean Their Teeth?
Some treats can help your dog improve their dental health. Dental chews for dogs, rawhide bones, or safer rawhide alternatives can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup and improve gum health. However, avoid giving your pup natural bones because they’re hard enough to fracture teeth and cause internal blockages.
Can I get Plaque Off My Dog’s Teeth?
The best way to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth is to establish a daily dental routine from a young age. Brush your dog’s teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste and a dog toothbrush. Brushing your pup’s teeth every now and then won’t prevent plaque buildup or dental disease. Regular teeth brushing helps keep their teeth and mouths healthy and fight periodontal disease.
Taking Care Of Your Pup’s Overall Health
Dog dental hygiene is crucial for a happy and healthy pup. But taking care of Fido doesn’t stop at their teeth. A better quality diet can do wonders for your dog’s health, so check out our guide on the best fresh dog food. Not only are they full of top-quality ingredients and nutrients for your dog, but they are also delivered directly to your door, so you don’t have to think about it. You should also consider staying up-to-date with flea and tick prevention methods to keep pesky parasites and the diseases they carry at bay. Lastly, giving your pooch probiotic supplements can help with various issues and boost their health in many ways.
Does your pooch use any of these dog toothpastes? Perhaps they aren’t keen on having their teeth brushed, but you’ve found a way to encourage better dental health. We’d love to hear your doggy dental stories and experiences in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. She understands the importance of taking care of her dog’s teeth, for their health and her nostrils! Before becoming a writer specializing in canine content, she worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years. She has undergone various canine care courses and has looked after several breeds with different needs. Emma dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible.
