The Best Dental Products For Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
Did you know that periodontal gum disease is one of the most common diseases found in dogs and cats in veterinary medicine? Or that most dogs have signs of periodontal disease by age three?
While these facts may rightfully feel scary, don’t worry yet. The good news is that you can significantly reduce your pet’s risk of disease through regular at-home dental care, according to veterinarians — and it’s never too late to start.
“Tooth brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and [tartar] buildup [in pets], just like in people,” Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at New York City’s Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, told HuffPost.
Minimizing plaque buildup is key to preventing periodontal disease, Fox noted, which can lead to issues like gum disease, tooth loss and decay, chronic pain and bad breath. It can even lead to issues like heart and kidney disease, according to Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with mobile pet service The Vets. This is because poor dental health can cause “bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth,” Savageau explained.
Importantly, tooth brushing is not a substitute for veterinary checkups; the key to good oral health is a combination of home care and veterinary treatment, Fox emphasized.
And should your pet require a professional dental cleaning by a veterinary dentist, be absolutely sure that they do so under anesthesia, Fox stressed. “Anesthesia-free dental cleanings are ineffective and … can actually put your pet at more risk.”
Below, Fox and Savageau recommended products to help you get your pet’s dental routine started — and detailed tips for effectively introducing your pet to teeth brushing.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Amazon
A soft, gentle finger brush
Amazon
A soft-bristled toothbrush made for pets, like the Petsmile brush
Amazon
Or a dual-sided toothbrush made specifically for cats and small dogs
Amazon
An enzymatic toothpaste for dogs and cats in an enticing meaty flavor
Amazon
Or a widely-recommended Petsmile toothpaste
Amazon
Some dental hygiene chews for dogs
Amazon
Some Greenies dental treats for dogs
Amazon
And some Greenies dental treats for cats
Greenies’ cat dental treats, made to clean teeth and freshen breath, also made VOHC’s list and sport thousands of 5-star ratings (43,000 to be exact). These are my cat’s favorite treats; she loves their crunch and clearly finds them exceptionally tasty since she bounds over to me whenever she hears the bag’s crinkling sound — or hears anything she thinks is the bag’s crinkle. They come in multiple pack sizes.
Amazon
A water additive formulated for dogs and cats
Amazon
Or a water additive with thousands of 5-star ratings
This bestselling water additive for dogs is also recommended by the VOHC. It’s formulated to control plaque and tartar buildup while minimizing bad breath and plaque-causing bacteria. It’s available in two sizes and in versions for puppies, digestive support, skin and coat health and more.
Amazon
A plaque-reducing powder you can add to food
link