Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

How to clean my dog's teeth: Are dental chews or water additives best?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 14 lbs

15 mo. old Cavapoo. Try to brush her teeth often, are ate dental chews & spray for water effective? What's best?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 10th, 2017

Daily brushing with a pet approved tooth paste and toothbrush and dental chews are more effective than a water additive. When looking at dental products, search for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval. Use the chart at the link below to find acceptable dental chews. http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_dogs.html

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 20th, 2019

    Dental treats don't really work that well. I personally think they are a waste of money. I think your best option is using Oratene products. The water additive is the best and easiest to use in my opinion. ( https://www.allivet.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=oratene )

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Grooming
I know this isn’t a substitute for brushing but what can I give my dog that can help maintain good oral hygiene in between brushes? Dental treats? Toys? If so please be specific. Thank you.
Dental treats don't really work that well. I personally think they are a waste of money. I think your best option is using Oratene products. The water additive is the best and easiest to use in my opinion. ( https://www.allivet.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=oratene )
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
For dental care, are these products valuable or a waste of money and I should just focus on brushing my puppy’s teeth daily? Any recommended toothpaste brands?
Brushing teeth has been shown to be much more beneficial than any water additive, supplement, or chew. I would focus on training Korbyn to like having his teeth brushed and get in a habit of daily brushing now! If he starts to develop significant periodontal disease and you want to start a supplement or water additive I would recommend using a product with the Veterinary Oral Health Council stamp of approval (http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Dogs.pdf).
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Do you have a recommended dental chew bite brand for dogs? For fresh breath
My own preference, and what I use for my dog, is C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews (by Virbac). These chews, in conjunction with daily brushing, keep his teeth clean and his breath fresh. Be sure that any chew or dental product you choose has the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Approval on the package.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Which home remedy can i use to brush stela's teeths?
The most important part of a home dental care program is actually just brushing the teeth at all and does not seem to make a difference which toothpaste is used unless you use a proven toothpaste. There are actually only 2 toothpastes on the market that have been proven to help improve dental health in dogs. I am attaching a list of approved dental products below. http://www.vohc.org/VOHCAcceptedProductsTable_Dogs.pdf So, I would recommend purchasing PetSmile or Essential Healthy Mouth if you are going to use a toothpaste. I have found that homemade toothpastes are not very good tasting (so it makes it harder for you to brush the teeth) and would recommend using a good brush without any toothpaste instead of making a homemade toothpaste. I am attaching a link to a handout below which includes a detailed discussion on home dental care including products for cleaning the teeth. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=640 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thank
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
how do you brush a dog teeth
I would try to find a dog finger brush or a small tooth brush and you will want to use dog tooth paste as it doesn't have fluoride, no foaming and not mint flavored so it makes it more favorable to the dog. You can slow start by just do a small section and work your way around the whole mouth over a matter of a few days. It is best to try and brush their teeth at least every other day to may a difference. Also remember that their large chewing teeth are further in the back past where their lips end. I would not try to open the mouth to get the inside of the teeth as most dogs don't appreciate that. If he doesn't like it or resists you, then it may be best just to give him dental chews like C.E.T chews and start using a water additive for dental health. Also, if the teeth already have a lot of tartar build up, he will likely need a dental cleaning from your vet. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Grooming
What dog bones are the best for teeth cleaning purposes?
Hello! I personally love the Greenies brand dental chews for my dogs! You can also smear some dog toothpaste on their other toys, like a nylabone for example, to make a fun teeth brushing treat for him. :) I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I would like to know what is the best product to use on my shih tzus teeth? If to use toothpaste or special chewing treats?
Hello, and thank you for using Boop by Petco. It's great that you're thinking about Teddy's oral health! It is best to brush Teddy's teeth daily using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. There are lots of good options, so try a few out and see what flavors Teddy likes, but I recommend an enzymatic toothpaste. Here's an example: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/sentry-petrodex-enzymatic-toothpaste-for-dogs-5000644--1 It's also beneficial for Teddy to chew on things that are meant to massage his gums and help work tarter off his teeth. I prefer rawhides that are coated in enzymes to help combat tarter, such as these: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/virbac-cet-oral-hygiene-rawhide-dog-chews?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o1&scid=scplp1438999&sc_intid=1438999&cm_mmc=PLA-GG-_-PTC_P_BND_PLA-GG_FY17_SCShopping-TM-_-Non+VIP-_-92700027187667220&kwid=p27187667220&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2PLt-eSv1wIViLrACh0JkwyJEAQYASABEgLS3PD_BwE My own opinion
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Could you please recommend some good dog dental products?
Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! Here is a list of the products I typically recommend: 1. CET oral rinse 2. CET enzymatic toothpaste 3. Oravet chews 4. Plaque off 5. CET chlorhexidine chews Not all of these will work but I have had some mixed success using all of these. My favorite is the Oravet chew as it employs an additive known as Delmopinol to prevent tartar formation. Oravet chews are only available in veterinary clinics so you may have a hard time finding this one online. All of the other products you can find online. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Grooming
Hi. I know I should have started doing this before, but I've been living my dog winston Greenies, and I think I should be brushing his teeth. I have a few questions: -Ideally it shot be daily, but is 2 or 3 times a week still ok? -are there any speci
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Winston. The teeth should be brushed daily if possible. However, this can be difficult to achieve. If 2-3 times per week is more feasible for you, it is still helpful. You will need a tooth paste for animals as the human forms have too much fluoride. Pick a flavor that he would like (chicken, beef, etc). You can look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Concil (VOHC). I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What is the best and easiest way to routinely clean my dog's teeth? Are the chew sticks beneficial? She has great teeth and I would like to keep them healthy. Any specific recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Sasha. Good on you for caring about her dental health! The best thing I can recommend is daily brushing with a canine toothbrush and canine toothpaste. I love the CET brand of dental products for dogs, they are excellent. Chew sticks are ok, and you can use something like Dentasticks as a daily treat, but they won't have as good effects as brushing. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored