10 Best Dog Toothbrushes and Other Dental Tools in 2025, Vet Recommended

Our vets chose Virbac’s dual-ended toothbrush as the top-rated dog toothbrush for pet parents seeking easier brushing sessions. This long-handled toothbrush features a versatile dual-ended design, with a large head that’s ideal for bigger breeds and a smaller head tailored for petite ones. 

It serves as an excellent dental companion for your pup throughout their growth stages, adapting to their changing dental needs. Equipped with soft bristles and a reverse-angled brush head, this top-rated dog toothbrush efficiently accesses hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, ensuring a thorough cleaning. 

Veronica Higgs, DVM, points out that C.E.T. is a trusted line of dental products from Virbac, which “takes a whole-mouth approach to dental care with toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental chews, water additives, etc.”  

For large dog breeds with big teeth, our vet team recommends Vetoquinol’s Enzadent dog toothbrush. It has a dual-sided design that features a larger end perfectly suited for the bigger teeth at the back of a large dog’s mouth and a smaller end for the front teeth. 

Our expert panel particularly likes the soft bristles and long, sturdy handle that effectively reaches into the grooves and crevices to remove food and debris while providing easier control.  

“This toothbrush is designed ergonomically,” says Heather Zarrella, DVM, “which makes it easier to maneuver the brush around in large dogs’ mouths.”  

Puppies are new to teeth cleaning, and brushing quickly is key. Our veterinary experts picked the Tripleflex as the best puppy toothbrush for its three sides of bristles, durable neck, and comfort-grip handle so puppy parents can quickly brush squirmy puppies’ teeth. 

The brush is designed specifically for smaller teeth and mouths, which makes it a good dog toothbrush for small dogs. 

“This toothbrush is good for small dogs because it is a trusted brand and has bristles on three sides for excellent cleaning,” Dr. Higgs says. “This 360-degree clean approach is especially helpful in tiny mouths.” 

For its unique 360-degree bristle design, our panel of veterinary experts recommend this dog finger toothbrush from Jasper. It features an adaptable design for accommodating various finger sizes, which helps prevent slippage and enhances control for easier toothbrushing. 

The bristles are made from soft silicone that is free of BPA and phthalates, making it gentle on sensitive mouths yet highly effective for plaque and debris removal. This finger toothbrush for dogs is also easy to clean and disinfect for repeat use.  

“Sometimes pets can be sensitive to the idea of a toothbrush being used to clean their teeth. In those cases, I really like to use small finger brushes to do the trick,” says Amber Souza, LVT. “The Jasper finger brush is made with silicone, which can be less abrasive to our pets who may also have mouth sensitivities.” 

Finger brushes are best used with pets who are agreeable to having things put in their mouths, and they are not recommended for heavy chewers or pets who are prone to nipping. 

The soft bristles of a finger brush are not as sturdy as the bristles on a toothbrush. It is best to use a finger brush with a VOHC-approved toothpaste daily. 

The Jasper finger brush comes in clear, blue, and multicolor and in two-count and four-count packages. 

For pet parents looking for dog teeth-cleaning tools in one purchase, this dog toothbrush and toothpaste kit from Virbac includes everything you need for your dog’s dental hygiene. The kit contains both a reverse-angled toothbrush and a poultry-flavored enzymatic toothpaste that dogs will enjoy. 

The dog toothpaste is free from any foaming agents, which means it’s safe for dogs to swallow. From Virbac, a trusted name in pet oral health, this dog dental kit is your all-in-one solution for maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene at an affordable price. 

“This enzymatic, poultry-flavored toothpaste is well liked by most dogs,” says Barri Morrison, DVM. “Combined with the angled toothbrush, you have everything you need to keep up with your pup’s dental health.” 

Our vets pick Petsmile toothpaste as the best dog toothpaste due to its effective formula and variety of palatable flavors. This vet-recommended dog toothpaste uses its unique Calprox formula to combat plaque and tartar buildup, promoting fresh breath, bright teeth, and healthy gums. 

Our veterinary experts like that it carries the VOHC seal of acceptance for controlling plaque.  

“While brushing is best, this product will still help keep teeth healthy without the mechanical action of brushing,” says Stephanie Howe, DVM. Simply wipe the toothpaste onto each of your pets' teeth to provide easy oral care for your pet. Brushing with this product will provide even better results. 

The no-brush formula is also a vegan, dog-safe toothpaste that’s free from animal proteins, sulfates, parabens, gluten, BPA, and silica, making it a great choice for dogs with food allergies. 

Besides London broil, it also comes in cheese and rotisserie chicken flavors. 

If your dog isn’t a fan of toothbrushing, Vetnique Labs’ finger mitt dental wipes offer a supportive alternative.  

Made to fit on your finger, these wipes have a bumpy side for scrubbing away plaque and a smooth side for polishing, making them a good dental supplement alongside brushing or for dogs with oral sensitivities.  

These wipes are made and sourced in the U.S. and safe for dogs 12 weeks or older. While the wipes do not carry the VOHC seal, Vetnique’s products are vet-formulated and come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  

“Dental wipes may be a good alternative for dogs who do not tolerate traditional toothbrushing and also do not like water additives,” says Dr. Higgs. “These finger mitts are nice for ease of use because they fit on your finger and have a peppermint scent for fresh breath.” 

The dog dental finger mitts also come in chicken flavor for pups who don’t care for peppermint.

If your dog is averse to brushing and doesn’t like dental treats, this VOHC-accepted water additive can serve as an effective addition to your dog’s regular dental routine.  

Simply add it to your dog’s water to help control tartar (2 teaspoons per cup of water). This tasteless and odorless water additive breaks down the biofilm that harbors harmful bacteria—the culprits behind bad breath.  

“Vetradent uses new patented biotrate technology that works by altering the mouth’s environment to fight oral bacteria,” Dr. Higgs says. “This is based on bacterial biofilm—the active ingredients bind to magnesium, calcium, and iron found in dental biofilm to weaken tartar and prevent bacteria.”

Another teeth-cleaning tool for dogs who dislike toothbrushing is ProDen’s PlaqueOff Powder. While it doesn’t replace brushing, it significantly contributes to maintaining healthy gums, clean teeth, and fresh breath. 

Recommended for use when a pet’s permanent teeth have come in (for dogs, that’s at about 6 months of age), it’s easy to administer. Simply sprinkle the recommended amount onto your dog’s wet or dry food. 

This VOHC-accepted formula, made from select North Atlantic seaweed, controls plaque and tartar and is free from additives, artificial preservatives, gluten, and added sugar, making it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or specific dietary needs. 

“This is a good second option for pets who don’t enjoy the texture of toothpaste,” says Tiffany Tupler, DVM, adding that it’s easy to apply and, in some cases, less mess. 

Some dogs just can’t stand traditional toothbrushes. If this applies to your pet, Vetoquinol’s Dentahex rinse might be a good addition to your dog’s teeth-cleaning tool box. It’s a liquid you squirt onto your pet’s gumline, and it does not require a water rinse after usage.  

Its unique formula offers anti-plaque and anti-tartar benefits, crucial in preventing tooth and gum disease. Chlorhexidine gluconate, a key antiseptic ingredient, is particularly beneficial for pets prone to oral infections. 

While our vets don’t recommend this as a substitute for brushing, it can be an effective addition to your dog’s regular dental routine.  

“It’s well-tolerated by most dogs and helps with oral hygiene as well as breaking down tartar on the teeth to help prevent periodontal disease,” Dr. Morrison says. “Perfect for multi-pet households, as it’s safe for both dogs and cats.”