10 Best Dog Toothbrushes and Other Dental Tools in 2025, Vet Recommended
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
Just like us, our furry companions need routine oral care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Neglecting your pup’s dental health can lead to more than bad breath—it can cause serious health issues, including periodontal disease, weight loss, and even heart disease.
For devoted dog parents, finding the best dog toothbrush and other dog teeth-cleaning tools to incorporate dental care into a daily routine is not just an act of love; it also ensures a good quality of life.
Our panel of veterinary experts reviewed a wide array of dog toothbrushes and teeth-cleaning tools and selected their top choices for maintaining dental care for dogs with ease and effectiveness.
What To Consider When Choosing Dog Toothbrushes and Other Dental Tools
When it comes to dental health, a variety of canine toothbrushes, toothpastes, wipes, and additives help reduce plaque and/or tartar. Think about the following when shopping for the best dog toothbrush and teeth-cleaning tools for your dog.
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VOHC approved: Companies can submit dental products to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, which awards the seal of acceptance to those that are in compliance with safety and regulatory issues and that prove the product helps prevent the accumulation of plaque and/or tartar. Having this seal is especially important for teeth-cleaning agents such as toothpaste, water additives, and chews.
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Trusted brand: Look for a brand with a history of creating excellent canine dental health products that veterinarians trust. These companies continue to improve their products using research and feedback from veterinarians and pet parents.
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Appropriate size: Puppies and small dogs with a small mouth and teeth need a small toothbrush head, while large-breed dogs need a large toothbrush head for their bigger mouth and teeth. Your dog’s teeth will be better brushed if you use the best-size dog toothbrush.
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Personal preference: When it comes to getting their teeth brushed, every dog is an individual. Some dogs don’t mind dog toothbrushes, others prefer finger brushes, and others tolerate dog dental wipes. For dogs who refuse any type of dental-cleaning device going into their mouth, dental chews are the next-best option. When it comes to dog toothpaste, some dogs like chicken flavor, some like mint, some like no flavor, and some don’t tolerate dog toothpaste. There are also dental water additives, powders, and brushless dog toothpaste available to supplement brushing. Use whichever dog dental tool your dog tolerates to keep their teeth and gums in good shape.
How We Selected the Best Dog Toothbrushes and Dental Tools
This list of the best dog toothbrushes and other dog teeth-cleaning tools was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best dog toothbrushes, toothpastes, and brushless options in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
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Their knowledge and practical experience
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A review of information published by the manufacturers
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Attributes such as VOHC acceptance, trusted brand, appropriate size, and personal preference
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of vets and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decisions for their pets.
Dog Toothbrush FAQs
Q: Can I use a human toothbrush on my dog?
A: Human toothbrushes are not the best choice for your dog. If you must use a human toothbrush, make sure to use an ADA-approved, soft-bristle, flat head toothbrush that is appropriately sized for your pet’s mouth. Dog toothbrushes often have softer bristles and, generally, a smaller head than many human adult toothbrushes.
Never use human toothpaste, as it can upset your dog’s stomach or even contain ingredients toxic to dogs.
Q: When can you start brushing a dog’s teeth?
A: Start brushing your dog’s teeth when they are a puppy—after they have been fully weaned, around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Don’t jump right in. First, get them used to having their teeth and mouth touched and slowly move to brushing.
Q: How often should you brush your dog’s teeth?
A: Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily for at least one minute. If it’s not possible to brush their teeth daily, you should at least brush two to three times a week.
Q: Can dogs share a toothbrush?
A: Just like humans shouldn’t share toothbrushes, dogs shouldn’t share toothbrushes either. Dogs’ mouths contain billions of bacteria. You don’t want to spread bacteria from one of your dogs to another, as bacterial and viral infections can transmit through saliva.
Also, dog toothbrushes, finger brushes, or dental wipes should be chosen for the size, fit, and tolerance level of an individual dog for best oral health success.
