All the Best Dog Toothbrushes and Tools for Banishing Puppy Breath

Few people think to brush their pet's pearly whites, but the state of your dog's teeth can actually affect their overall health. Just as you need to regularly clip your dog's nails, it's important to brush your dog's teeth to keep them in tip-top shape — and of course, you'll need the right tools to help you do that. Dental dog treats and teeth-cleaning chews can help, but the best dog toothbrushes will really allow you to give your canine's chompers a thorough cleaning, which in turn will help them avoid periodontal disease and possibly even tooth loss.

As Denise Rollings, CVT, VTS, of Pet Dental Education tells Woman's Day, "The goal of home dental care for dogs is to remove, reduce, and manage plaque." According to Rollings, plaque that isn't removed from the teeth eventually turns into calculus (or tartar), which cannot be brushed off and requires a professional (and costly) dental procedure to remove. "Plaque bacteria also causes an immune response in the body, which is responsible for halitosis, inflamed and possibly bleeding gums, gum recession, root exposure, and eventually tooth loss," she adds. Luckily, all you need is one of these top-rated dog toothbrushes to avoid all that.

The best dog toothbrushes to buy in 2022

Like dog strollers and dog sunscreens, a dog toothbrush is one of those unexpected pet products that's well worth the investment, especially since they can save you from costly surgery down the road. Read on for information on all the best dog toothbrush options, as well as everything you should know about brushing your pup's teeth.