The Best Oral Care Products for Dogs: Keep Your Dog's Teeth Healthy and Clean

The Best Oral Care Products for Dogs: Keep Your Dog's Teeth Healthy and Clean

Published on November 22 by Julia

Poor oral hygiene in dogs can lead to a host of issues, from bad breath to painful gum disease, and even tooth loss. The good news is that there are many excellent oral care products on the market designed to help prevent these problems and keep your dog’s mouth fresh and healthy.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of oral care for dogs, the benefits of regular brushing, and review some of the best oral care products available to keep your dog’s teeth in top shape.

Why Is Oral Care Important for Dogs?

Dental health is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being. Here’s why:

Prevents Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Just like people, dogs can develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. If not addressed, this buildup can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and more severe gum disease (periodontal disease). These conditions can cause pain, tooth loss, and other serious health issues.
Reduces Bad Breath: Bad breath (also known as halitosis) is often a result of bacteria in the mouth. Brushing your dog’s teeth or using oral care products can significantly reduce bad breath and help keep your dog’s mouth smelling fresh.
Promotes Overall Health: Oral health is connected to the rest of your dog’s health. Untreated dental disease can lead to systemic problems, including heart disease, kidney issues, and even diabetes. The bacteria that accumulate in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs.
Prevents Tooth Loss: Dogs are prone to dental issues like tooth decay and fractures, especially if they don’t get regular dental care. Preventing plaque buildup and maintaining healthy teeth helps avoid painful tooth loss.

Key Types of Oral Care Products for Dogs

There are various types of oral care products you can use to maintain your dog’s dental health. The most common options include:

Toothpaste and Toothbrushes: Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the best ways to prevent dental disease. Dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrushes are designed to safely clean your pet's teeth without causing harm.
Dental Chews: These are tasty treats that help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Many dental chews contain ingredients that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while promoting gum health.
Water Additives: Water additives are a simple way to help reduce bacteria in your dog’s mouth. You add them to your dog’s water bowl, and they help freshen breath and reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Dental Sprays and Gels: These products are applied directly to your dog’s teeth and gums to help fight plaque, reduce bad breath, and support gum health. Some dental sprays also have antibacterial properties to fight the bacteria that cause oral issues.
Dental Toys: Some toys are specifically designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and massage their gums as they play. These toys can be a fun and effective way to improve your dog’s dental health while giving them a satisfying chew session.

Top Oral Care Products for Dogs

Here are some of the best-rated oral care products for dogs, selected based on effectiveness, safety, and customer reviews:

1. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste

Best For: Daily brushing and plaque control.

Why It’s Great: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste is a highly recommended option by veterinarians for cleaning your dog’s teeth. It’s made with a safe, dog-friendly formula that doesn’t require rinsing. The enzymes help break down plaque and tartar, keeping your dog’s teeth clean and fresh.
Key Features:
- Safe and non-foaming formula (no rinsing needed).
- Available in flavors like poultry, peanut butter, and vanilla-mint that dogs love.
- Contains enzymes to break down plaque.
- Helps prevent the buildup of tartar and promotes healthy gums.

2. Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste

Best For: Professional-grade oral care at home.

Why It’s Great: Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste is a veterinary-approved product that’s formulated with safe ingredients for your dog’s oral care. It’s designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while freshening breath. Petsmile is the first toothpaste approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Key Features:
- VOHC approved.
- No fluoride, making it safe if swallowed.
- Available in different flavors like peanut butter and vanilla-mint.
- Helps reduce tartar and plaque and freshen breath.

3. Greenies Dental Chews

Best For: A tasty, chewable option for cleaning teeth.

Why They’re Great: Greenies Dental Chews are one of the most popular dental treats for dogs. These chews are specially designed to clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, with a unique texture that helps reduce plaque and tartar. Greenies also freshen your dog’s breath and come in a variety of sizes for different breeds.
Key Features:
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar.
- Freshens breath.
- Comes in different sizes for small, medium, and large dogs.
- Approved by the VOHC.

4. TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive

Best For: Easy and convenient breath-freshening.

Why It’s Great: TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive is a simple, effective way to improve your dog’s oral hygiene without brushing. You just add a small amount to your dog’s water bowl, and it works to reduce plaque and tartar, freshen breath, and support gum health.
Key Features:
- Convenient and easy to use—just add to water.
- Freshens breath and supports oral hygiene.
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Safe, natural ingredients (contains no artificial colors or flavors).

5. Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Dental Gel

Best For: Targeted plaque and tartar removal.

Why It’s Great: Vet’s Best Enzymatic Dog Dental Gel is a gel-based product that helps break down plaque and tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. The formula includes natural ingredients like aloe, neem oil, and enzymes, making it a safe and effective option for routine oral care.
Key Features:
- Natural ingredients like aloe and neem oil.
- Helps remove plaque and tartar buildup.
- Freshens breath.
- Suitable for dogs of all ages.

6. Nylabone DuraChew Textured Ring Dog Toy

Best For: Chew toy that also promotes dental health.

Why It’s Great: Nylabone’s DuraChew Textured Ring is a chew toy designed to help clean your dog’s teeth while providing hours of entertainment. The toy’s textured surface helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup as your dog chews, and it’s made from durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for dogs of all sizes.
Key Features:
- Promotes healthy teeth and gums.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Great for aggressive chewers.
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar.

Tips for Maintaining Your Dog’s Oral Health

Brush Regularly: Aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week. Daily brushing is even better if your dog will tolerate it.
Use Dental Treats: Dental chews and treats are an easy way to maintain your dog’s oral health between brushings. Make sure the treats are formulated to help with plaque and tartar reduction.
Schedule Regular Vet Checkups: Just like humans, dogs need professional cleanings. Schedule regular veterinary checkups, and ask your vet to examine your dog’s teeth during their annual visit.
Monitor for Signs of Dental Problems: Keep an eye out for signs of dental issues such as bad breath, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating, or excessive drooling. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian.

Discover More Content