The Best Dog Toothpastes for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Brushing your dog's teeth is an important part of regular pet care.

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If you don't already brush your pet's teeth as part of their routine grooming and care (including trimming your dog's nails!), now is the time to start. Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disorder affecting dogs and cats worldwide — as many as 85% of our furry dog and cat friends. It ranges from mild plaque and gingivitis to painful swelling of the gums and even tooth loss.
Most importantly, the state of your pet's teeth doesn't just impact their mouth, although dental pain can cause your pet to eat dog treats more gingerly or stop chewing on their favorite dog toys. Dental disease has been linked to kidney, liver and even cardiac problems. Some breeds also have worse teeth than others; small breeds have especially high risk of dental disease, and prevalence increases as all pets get older. Like so many medical concerns, early intervention at home can save your pet from needing veterinary dental procedures, which often require sedation. Brushing your pet's teeth at home, just like yours, can help stave off periodontal issues. Daily is best, but if you can brush their chompers a few times a week, that's better than nothing.
You'll also want to use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste when cleaning their teeth. That's because human toothpaste can include xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Our top picks:
Read our reviews of the best dog toothpastes that are veterinarian recommended, pet-tested and animal-approved.



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