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We all know the benefits of excellent oral hygiene for ourselves, but do our furry friends require it as well? Dogs, like humans, acquire tartar and plaque, requiring a consistent oral care regimen. That said, brushing your dogs’ teeth should be incorporated in the grooming process.
The most frequently asked question among dog owners is how to preserve their dog’s oral health. Choosing the perfect toothbrush for your dog’s specific needs, as well as your comfort level to make the experience of brushing dogs’ teeth much easier, is one step toward attaining this aim.
In this post, we’ll provide you with several ideas for dog toothbrushes to help you decide which is ideal for brushing dogs’ teeth.
Benefits of Brushing Dogs’ Teeth
Maintaining your dog’s oral health is extremely beneficial to their entire physical and mental well-being. It not only keeps their breath fresh and their teeth and gums clean, but it also prevents hazardous bacteria from spreading to the rest of their body.
Aside from feeding them high-quality dog food, brushing dogs’ teeth helps your dog to live longer and have a higher quality of life.
- Reduces tartar buildup
- Avoids tooth decay
Prevents gum disease - Reduces bad breath
- Prevents tooth loss
- Prevents heart, liver, and kidney disease
What Toothbrush To Use To Brush Dogs’ Teeth?
Choosing which toothbrush to use to brush dogs’ teeth is primarily determined by his or her age and mouth size. A toothbrush with a wide head can easily harm a little puppy’s gums if we put too much pressure on it, but angled toothbrushes are more effective in cleaning those hard-to-reach regions in larger dogs. So, using the right toothbrush is critical for successfully brushing dogs’ teeth.
Human toothbrushes with very soft bristles are OK, but it is much better to use one created specifically for your dog’s needs. Here are some examples of toothbrushes that are appropriate for dogs.
Finger Toothbrush
This is perfect for dogs with small mouths or squeamish dogs who dislike having a long toothbrush inserted into their mouths. It is easier to trace the gum line and teeth since you have more control with your fingers.
Angled Handle Toothbrush
Brushing dogs’ teeth has never been easy with angled toothbrushes designed to clean the hard-to-reach areas in the back of the mouth.
Multiple Head Toothbrush
Some toothbrushes include double or triple heads that allow you to clean two sides of the teeth at once, making it easier and faster.
Top 4 Best Toothbrush For Brushing Dogs’ Teeth
1. Virbac C.E.T. Dual-Ended Dog & Cat Toothbrush
C.E.T. is an acronym for Customizable care, Easy to use, and Trusted by veterinarians, the C.E.T. brand has been around for more than 25 years now and they are one of the pioneers of dental care for pets. It’s not surprising then that they develop, educate, and deliver great products that promise dental wellness for dogs that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
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Pros
- Brushing dogs’ teeth is more fun because the long handle allows to reach the corners of the mouth with ease
- The tapered or angle-end guarantees plaque-free for a cleaner mouth
- Dual-headed toothbrush to accommodate small to largemouths
- Soft bristles that are gentle yet effective in cleaning the teeth
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Cons
- The soft bristles tend to wear off quickly.
Reviews:
Willie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is the best toothbrush I’ve found in 5 years, I use both ends. Surprisingly, the toothpaste seems to be working! I’m thrilled!!”.
Alison | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“his toothbrush and the Virbac paste were recommended by our vet and our aussie shepherd loves have his teeth done”.
2. Pet Republique Dual-Headed Toothbrush
Take advantage of this budget-friendly pack that comes with 3 dual-headed toothbrushes. And what’s so special about a toothbrush with large and small heads? Well, it deep cleanses a dog’s mouth thereby reducing the accumulation of tartar and plaque.
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Pros
- 8.5” long and slim handle to reach the premolars and the back molars
- The bristles are guaranteed not to hurt the dog’s gums and teeth
- Available in 2 colors that work well for households with multi-pets
- To help abused animals, 15% of the profit is donated to the American Animal Rescue Society which houses abandoned dogs and cats
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Cons
- Some dog owners noted that the handle is made with not-so-durable plastic material.
Reviews:
Programming Princess | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“…They are a bit longer than I thought, but they still do a great job and don’t seem to bother my two dogs when brushing. Bristles…”.
Stephanie L. Kee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The small head is the perfect size for my 15 and 20 lb dogs. The slight angle makes it easy to get to the back molars”.
3. Woobamboo Large Breed Dog Toothbrush
Brushing dogs’ teeth is undeniably a necessity for oral health. If you want to shy away from plastic materials, then a toothbrush made from sustainable materials like bamboo should be your choice. What’s to love with Woobamboo dog toothbrush:
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Pros
- The handle is constructed with bamboo while the bristles are recyclable, making this an earth-friendly product
- Ergonomic handle makes brushing dogs’ teeth less of a chore
- When it’s time for replacement, pull out and recycle the bristles, and then place the bamboo handle in your garden compost
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Cons
- Some users hope the bamboo handle lasts longer.
Reviews:
Julie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
” We have been working with our lab on tooth brushing since he was a puppy. I have tried several types of tooth brushes in that time from the folded “three surface pet tooth brushes”, finger tooth brushes, to actual human tooth brushes. This one seems durable and the right size. My dog likes to try to pull the bristles out, but has not been able to do so yet with this tooth brush”.
4. Jasper Finger Dog Toothbrush
Searching for a more convenient way of brushing dogs’ teeth? Then a finger toothbrush is the answer. Sometimes maneuvering a toothbrush deeper into a dog’s mouth can be an issue. A finger toothbrush offers more control so you can clean your Fido’s teeth and gums thoroughly which is why we highly trust Jasper finger toothbrush to do an amazing job.
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Pros
- Patented finger toothbrush design that allows cleaning gums and teeth with just a few swipes
- Has 12x more BPA and Phthalate-free bristles for healthier gums and teeth
- Made of silicone bristles which are softer and gentler on the gums
- Good for all dog sizes
- Comes with a finger toothbrush case
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Cons
- Some users find the bristles too soft.
Reviews:
Mark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This silicon finger brush is incredibly easy to use – and so EFFECTIVE (more on that in the last paragraph this review). At first, it seemed a little hard to get on my finger but I simply got my finger wet first under the faucet and it slipped right on with virtually no effort…”.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate toothbrush for brushing dogs’ teeth is critical to maintaining oral health. It not only keeps their teeth and gums clean, but it also saves you money over time. Maintaining a proper dental routine for your dog prevents harmful bacteria from migrating to their internal organs, saving you money on medical procedures and veterinary visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, human toothpaste has ingredients that can cause stomach issues if your dog swallows it. Plus, some human toothpaste is made with artificial sweeteners that are toxic for dogs.