To use, first add a little bit of water to the inside of the brush to create a more secure fit on your finger. The water will help the silicone stretch or shrink depending on the size of the finger you are using. Then apply toothpaste to one side and gently insert into your dog's mouth. With bristles on all sides, the 360 Pet Finger Toothbrush makes it easier and faster to reach more sections of your dog's mouth and their tongue, removing buildup and freshening their breath. Regular brushing prevents the progression of periodontal disease. “Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by accumulation of plaque, a film that develops after eating meals. When minerals and bacteria start to accumulate on this plaque, tartar develops and further damage to the teeth and tooth roots occur which can lead to pain, infection and loss of teeth,” explains Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club, based in New York City.

Regular brushing is key to maintaining good oral hygiene, says Dr. Klein. “Brushing once a day is ideal, as plaque develops within hours of a meal.Once it becomes part of a dog’s daily routine, many dogs learn to expect it and enjoy it.If daily brushing is not an option, brushing three times a week is the minimum to prevent plaque buildup and tartar accumulation.” Develop a regular brushing routine. The ideal is to brush dog teeth daily. If not possible, aim for a minimum of three times each week. The wipes are suitable for daily maintenance, and for best results Vet's Bet recommends keeping food and water away from your dog 30 minutes before and after application.When you’re shopping for a dog’s toothbrush, you don’t necessarily need anything too fancy—though you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a brush that’s the right size for your dog. “Due to the size of their jaw, most pets need a smaller brush,” says Dr. Simon. “Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus may benefit from small ‘finger’ brushes which are rubber tubes with bristles placed on the outside of your finger.” You won’t want to try a finger brush with a dog you don’t trust to not bite you, though. Appearing like a sort of bristled thimble, a finger brush allows you to easily clean a dog’s teeth by simply placing your hand inside their mouths. This is often less awkward than using a brush and is particularly useful when it comes to control, as it acts as a kind of glove over your finger, meaning you can get to hard to reach places more efficiently. They are usually made from soft rubber or silicone materials meaning it gives a smooth and soft brushing action. Double-ended But as well as being a planet saver, it’s also a plaque fighter, and also boasts properties which will prove highly effective against bad bacteria in your pup’s mouth. This customer favorite has dual brush heads – one small and one large – for reaching all dog teeth. If you have two dogs of varying sizes, it eliminates the need to buy separate toothbrushes. Both sides are slightly angled, which makes it easier to reach hidden crevices. The bristles are soft (a feature recommended by veterinarians) to prevent gumline damage and make the experience more enjoyable for your dog. Take your dog in for annual professional cleanings. A veterinary professional can perform a dental examination, treat any issues, and clean areas that are not as easily accessible with a toothbrush. Brushing a dog’s teeth helps prevent periodontal disease, but it can’t treat it if it’s already formed.

Best Small Dog Toothbrush: Arm & Hammer for Pets Spectrum 360 Degree Dog Toothbr ush for Small Dogs and Puppies To make sure you succeed at brushing your dog’s teeth, follow these suggestions and recommendations:Avoid using human toothpaste. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Instead, opt for toothpaste formulated for pets. For a convenient all-in-one option, Vet's Best Dental Care Finger Wipes for Cats & Dogs fit over a finger and are pre-soaked in pet-safe toothpaste solution. The lightly textured wipes provide gentle scrubbing power to freshen breath and help clear plague. No additional water is needed for use—making the Dental Care Finger Wipes an excellent option for travel—and the toothpaste contains a combination of grapefruit seed extract, green tea extract, spearmint oil, and thyme oil. Aim for the outside of each tooth, as well as the gumline where dental disease begins, recommends Barnes.“It is best to start slow. First put some toothpaste on your finger and rub it against a few teeth,” she says.”Once the pet is ok with this, increase the number of teeth you rub.Once the dog is letting you rub all the teeth with your finger, restart with the toothbrush and toothpaste. Brush a couple of teeth the first time and work your way up.” Is toothpaste bad for dogs? The best toothbrush for dogs is the Woobamboo Dog & Cat Toothbrush because it’s available in multiple sizes, it’s made from biodegradable and recyclable bamboo wood (so you won’t harm the planet every time you toss an old brush), and it’s affordably priced. However, if you’re looking for a toothbrush-toothpaste bundle, you can’t go wrong with the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Poultry Flavor Toothpaste + Dual Ended Dog & Cat Toothbrush bundle because you’re getting a great dual-headed toothbrush and dog toothpaste. What to Look for in a Dog Toothbrush Size Though brushing dog teeth is important for dental hygiene and overall health, “A non-veterinary professional is not a substitutefor professional dental care performed by a veterinary-trained professional that has been educated on how to recognize dental and oral disease and what the appropriate treatment options are,” says Denise Rollings, a veterinary technician specialist (dentistry), and founder of Pet Dental Education, LLC.