Bad breath. Bleeding gums. Loose teeth. These are signs of periodontal disease in dogs. The best way to prevent tooth and gum disease in dogs is to brush their teeth on a regular basis and get annual check-ups from your veterinarian. Using a dog toothbrush to clean your dog’s teeth regularly can help to decrease the likelihood of developing serious periodontal disease.
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Related: Best Dental Water Additive For Your Pup, Best Dog Dental Spray For Cleaner Teeth
How Often Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth once a day. If you are not able to brush their teeth once a day, 2-3 times a week should suffice.
What Kind Of Toothbrush Is Best For Dogs?
When looking for a dog toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles that won’t be too rough on their gums.
Other things you may want to look for in a dog toothbrush include:
- A long handle. This will help you reach the back teeth easier.
- Non-Slip Grip. Helps to keep your hand from slipping while you are brushing.
- Head Size. The size of the head should be comparable to your dog’s mouth. A smaller head size is best for small dogs, while a larger head size is best for larger dogs.
What Are The Different Types Of Dog Toothbrushes?
There are different types of dog toothbrushes available to choose from. If you are unsure which would be best for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Regular Toothbrush
This looks like a human toothbrush with a head of bristles and a handle.
Finger Toothbrush
A finger toothbrush is made to go over your finger. Some have a section that contains bristles, while others contain bristles all around.
Dual Headed
These toothbrushes have a head at either end. One end has a large head and the other has a small head. This is helpful if you have difficulty getting to an area of your dog’s mouth. One size head may be good for one area and the other may be better for other areas. A dual headed dog toothbrush is also good to use if you have multiple dogs of different sizes, where one head is better than another for each dog.
360 Degree Toothbrush
A 360 degree dog toothbrush has a long handle with bristles on the head that go all around it. This is good if your dog does not let you brush their teeth for too long. Having the bristles all the way around means you will brush more surfaces in a shorter amount of time.
Ultrasonic Toothbrush
This type of dog toothbrush uses high speed ultrasound technology, similar to human ultrasonic toothbrushes. Human studies have shown that ultrasonic toothbrushes remove plaque better than a manual toothbrush, so if your dog already has some plaque build up, this may be a good option.
Is A Finger Brush Or A Toothbrush Better For Your Dog?
This really depends on your dog and how they respond to your brushing.
Some people feel finger toothbrushes give them better control when brushing their dog’s teeth.
If your dog tends to bite down when you are brushing, a regular toothbrush would be better to avoid any bites to your finger.
Are Silicone Toothbrushes Good For Dogs?
Silicone toothbrushes are safe for dogs, as they are non-toxic.
Can I Use A Human Toothbrush For A Dog?
You can definitely use a human toothbrush for a dog. If you opt to do so, try a baby toothbrush with soft bristles, as adult toothbrushes may be too abrasive.
How Do I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
Chances are, your dog is not going to enjoy having their teeth brushed. It is best to start brushing their teeth when they are puppies, but you can start at any time.
First, get your dog used to having your hand by their mouth. Gently touch their mouth with your hand and gradually start to touch their teeth. Then, lift their upper lip and pull down gently on their lower lip to touch the teeth.
Praise your dog at every step and even give them a favorite treat as a reward.
Once your dog is comfortable with you touching their teeth, introduce your dog toothbrush. Start with getting your dog used to its presence. Then, gradually begin to touch your dog’s teeth with the bristles. When your dog is okay with the bristles touching their teeth, start to move the brush over the teeth in both horizontal and circular motions.
If your dog is comfortable with the toothbrush touching their teeth, you can now introduce toothpaste. Only use dog toothpaste and not human toothpaste. Toothpaste made for humans contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs,i.e. Xylitol. Dog toothpaste also comes in flavors that dogs love, like beef, chicken, and peanut butter.
Put some toothpaste on your finger and let your dog smell and taste it. If your dog likes it, you are good to go! You are now ready to start brushing your dog’s teeth.
Brush your dog’s teeth as you would your own: wet the dog toothbrush, add dog toothpaste and gently brush your dog’s teeth.
The process of getting your dog comfortable with having their teeth brushed can take a few days, a few weeks, or a few months. It all depends on your dog. Be patient and give plenty of praise.
For dogs that just won’t let you brush their teeth or tend to snip at you when you go near their mouth, you can also try dental chews, dental water additives and dental sprays to help clean their teeth.
Best Dog Toothbrush For A Clean Mouth
These are some of the top rated dog toothbrushes, according to users. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Dog Finger Toothbrush
Jasper Finger Dog Toothbrush
- Available as a 2 or 4 count.
- 360 degree design.
- Silicone bristles.
- BPA free.
- Phthalate free.
- Fits thin and thick fingers by adding water to either create a seal or expand the toothbrush.
- Helps remove plaque.
- Comes with a storage case for each toothbrush.
Pros/Cons:
- Doesn’t slip off.
- Gentle.
- Easy to reach back teeth.
- Some users had difficulty using this on small dogs.
Best For Small Dogs
H&H Pets Small Dog Toothbrush
- Made to be used on small dogs.
- Polished bristles.
- Helps remove plaque.
Pros/Cons:
- Good size for small mouths.
- Able to reach the back teeth.
- Depending on the user: too hard or too soft.
Best Dual End Toothbrush
Pets And Pupps Pet Toothbrush For Dogs
- Soft bristles.
- Large head for brushing teeth and massaging gums.
- Small head for hard to reach areas.
- Non-slip, easy grip handle.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to grip.
- Helps get to hard to reach places.
- Has soft bristles.
Best Eco-Friendly Toothbrush
Oh Rigby Dog Toothbrush
- Ultra-soft bristles.
- Biodegradable Natural Bamboo handle.
- Designed for medium to large dogs.
- Wavy bristles for deep cleaning.
Pros/Cons:
- Soft Bristles.
Best 360 Degree Toothbrush
Emours 360-Degree Pet Toothbrush
- Designed for puppies and small dogs under 10 lbs.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Can brush teeth from any angle.
Pros/Cons:
- Easily fits in dog’s mouth.
Origrimmar Three-Sided Pet Toothbrush
- Soft bristles.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Non-slip, rubber handle.
- Dishwasher safe.
Pros/Cons:
- Too big for small dogs.
Best Ultrasonic Dog Toothbrush
Emmi-Pet Electric Toothbrush
- Uses ultrasound technology.
- Deep cleans.
- Completely silent.
- No vibration.
- Brushing is not needed.
- Removes plaque.
Pros/Cons:
- Takes a while for plaque to lessen.
- Hard to know if working.
- Some users had trouble charging it.
Best Dog Toothbrush Kit
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Dog Dental Kit
- Poultry flavored toothpaste.
- Contains a dual sided toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Includes a finger brush.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Dogs like the taste.
- Users liked both the finger brush and dual sided dog toothbrush.
No one wants their dog to suffer from periodontal disease, not to mention the cost of dental work to be done on your dog. Brushing your dog’s teeth with a dog toothbrush is a good way to keep gum disease at bay and avoid costly dental procedures.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.