The Best Dog Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

If you want to start brushing your dog’s teeth, a kit with a brush and dog toothpaste is the easiest way in. Our top pick is the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit. Below are five picks, plus how to choose and use them.

Our picks at a glance

• Best overall: Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit
• Best for picky dogs: C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste (Virbac)
• Best toothbrush on its own: C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush (Virbac)
• Best brush-and-gel set: Vet’s Best Dog Toothbrush & Enzymatic Toothpaste Set
• Best mint gel: TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental & Oral Care Brushing Gel for Pets

The best dog toothbrushes and toothpaste

Best overallPhoto: Nylabone

Dog dental kits

Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Kit

Best for: First-time brushers with adult dogs

This kit has an angled toothbrush, a finger brush and a 2.5 oz tube of toothpaste, so you can start with one box. Nylabone says it is made for adult dogs. Skip it for a very small dog or a puppy, since the brush has a larger head.

• Pro: Includes a toothbrush, a finger brush and a 2.5 oz tube of toothpaste
• Pro: Angled neck with nylon bristles to reach between teeth
• Pro: Toothpaste needs no rinsing
• Con: Made for adult dogs, so the brush may be too big for tiny mouths
• Con: Only one flavor listed on the brand's page

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Best for picky dogs

Dog toothpaste

C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste

Best for: Dogs that turn down the first flavor you try

Virbac makes this enzyme toothpaste in five flavors: poultry, vanilla mint, malt, beef and seafood. That helps if your dog refuses the first one. It has no foaming agents, so it can be swallowed. You will need to buy a brush separately.

• Pro: Five flavors: poultry, vanilla mint, malt, beef and seafood
• Pro: Made without foaming agents, so it can be swallowed
• Pro: Formulated with an enzyme system to reduce plaque and freshen breath
• Con: Toothpaste only, so you need to buy a brush separately
• Con: Trial packets are listed for just two flavors

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Best toothbrush on its own

Dog toothbrushes

C.E.T. Dual-Ended Toothbrush

Best for: Owners who already have toothpaste and want a simple brush

One end of this long-handled brush is larger and one is smaller, so you can reach big and small tooth surfaces. The bristles are soft. It comes without toothpaste, so pair it with one of the pastes here.

• Pro: One end for large tooth surfaces and one for small ones
• Pro: Soft bristles
• Pro: Long handle with a tapered head that fits the mouth
• Con: No toothpaste included
• Con: Sold as a single brush, with no size range listed

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Best brush-and-gel setPhoto: Vet's Best

Dog dental kits

Dog Toothbrush & Enzymatic Toothpaste Set

Best for: Owners who want a plant-based gel and a brush together

This set pairs a brush that has a three-sided head with a gel made with aloe, baking soda and enzymes. Vet’s Best says the gel is safe to swallow. The brand’s page doesn’t list brush sizes, so check the box if you have a toy or giant breed.

• Pro: Triple-sided brush head cleans several sides of each tooth at once
• Pro: Gel is safe to swallow and needs no rinsing
• Pro: Gel made with aloe, baking soda and enzymes
• Con: Brand's page doesn't list sizes or an age range
• Con: The page says brush several times a week, while the AKC suggests daily brushing

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Best mint gelPhoto: TropiClean

Dog toothpaste

TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental & Oral Care Brushing Gel for Pets

Best for: Dogs that accept a minty gel and a daily brush

This 2 oz spearmint gel is made for dogs and cats and has no sulfates, parabens or dyes. TropiClean says to put four drops on a brush and use it daily. It has no brush, so plan to buy one.

• Pro: Mint flavor from spearmint
• Pro: Free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and artificial colors
• Pro: Made in the USA
• Con: Brush sold separately
• Con: Needs brushing; the brand suggests daily use for best results

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How to choose a dog toothbrush and toothpaste

Pick toothpaste made for dogs

Never use human toothpaste. The AKC warns it can contain ingredients such as xylitol and fluoride that can harm dogs. Dog toothpaste often comes in flavors like peanut butter, beef and chicken, which makes brushing more fun for many dogs. The AKC suggests trying a few flavors.

Choose a brush that fits your dog’s mouth

The AKC says a dog toothbrush with an angled handle and soft bristles is easier to use, and some have more than one head to help reach the back teeth. A finger brush can be a gentler start for a dog that is new to brushing. Match the brush to your dog’s mouth. A big head on a small dog is hard to use.

Brush often, and know what else helps

The AKC says to brush every day if your dog allows it. Cornell calls brushing the most effective home care for preventing dental disease. If brushing is not possible, Cornell lists dental diets, chews, and water additives, gels and sprays as other options. The AKC also mentions dental wipes, but says they cannot reach tight spaces as well as a brush.

Cornell notes that the Veterinary Oral Health Council keeps a list of dental products it has accepted. The brands on this page don’t all say whether they are on that list, so check before you buy if that matters to you.

Get your dog used to it slowly

The AKC suggests a calm, quiet spot. First touch your dog’s teeth and gums with no brush. Then let your dog lick toothpaste off your finger. Brush the top teeth, then the bottom teeth. Do the outside first, and the inside once your dog is comfortable. Give praise and a treat as you go.

Safety tips

• Don’t swap in human toothpaste. It can contain xylitol and fluoride.
• Be gentle and stop if your dog is upset. The AKC suggests seeing a vet or behaviorist if your dog is aggressive or very fearful about brushing.
• Watch the chews too. Cornell warns that hard items such as bones, antlers, hooves, rawhide and hard manufactured toys can wear down or break teeth. Some can also hurt the gut or block it. See our guide to dog toys for aggressive chewers before you pick one.
• Don’t skip vet checks. The AKC says dogs need a professional cleaning at least once a year, and some breeds more often.
• Call your vet if you see warning signs. Cornell lists trouble eating, less appetite, bad breath, bleeding from the mouth, drooling, and swelling of the jaw or face.