Professional pet dental services aren’t the only step in maintaining your dog’s or cat’s dental health. While vital, it’s just as important to continue supporting their dental care routine at home.
In fact, this can reduce the need for frequent pet teeth cleaning services and protect their overall well‑being. Below, the pet dentistry experts at Newport Mesa Animal Hospital reveal 8 of the most effective tools for a complete oral care routine.
What Do Vets Recommend for Cleaning Your Pet’s Teeth at Home?
1. Toothpaste & Toothbrush
2. VOHC-Approved Dental Chews
3. Enzymatic Dental Kits
4. Dental Chew Toys
5. Water Additives
6. Prescription or Veterinary Dental Diets
7. Dental Wipes
8. Dental Gels and Sprays
1. Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Brushing remains the most effective method to prevent periodontal disease. Use dog‑ or cat‑specific enzymatic toothpaste with a soft‑bristled pet toothbrush to freshen breath and remove plaque safely at the gum line.
What do our vets recommend?
Enzadent™ Fingerbrush Kit: This beginner-friendly kit makes brushing less intimidating for both you and your pets. The soft fingerbrush and palatable enzymatic toothpaste are ideal for introducing daily dental care.
2. VOHC-Approved Dental Chews
Look for treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal, such as:
- Greenies
- Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent
- Purina DentaLife
- Hill’s Dental Chews
These chews remove tartar mechanically while your pet enjoys a tasty reward.
What do our vets recommend?
(For Dogs) OraVet® Dental Hygiene Chews: These chews use dual-action technology to form a protective barrier against plaque while freshening breath with every bite.
(For Cats) Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets Cat Dental Bites: Specially textured for feline teeth, these crunchy bites help reduce tartar buildup while offering a flavor that your cats will crave.
3. Enzymatic Dental Kits
This pet dentistry product combines a chew and enzymatic toothpaste in one item. The shape helps distribute cleaning agents during chewing.
What do our vets recommend?
C.E.T.® Oral Hygiene Kit: Formulated with veterinary-strength enzymes, this kit supports your pet’s oral health by targeting bacteria at the source.
4. Dental Chew Toys
Textured toys can scrub plaque during play. Pair with enzymatic toothpaste for added benefit and to promote dental hygiene through interactive fun.
What do our vets recommend?
BUSTER Dental Rope Dog Toy: Designed for durability and dental benefits, this toy helps clean teeth through natural chewing action—while keeping your pup engaged.
5. Water Additives
Ideal for pets who resist brushing (or who are particularly challenging during pet dental services), VOHC-approved water additives mix into drinking water to suppress bacteria overnight.
What do our vets recommend?
Vetradent™ Water Additive for Dogs & Cats: Odorless and tasteless, this additive works behind the scenes to reduce plaque and freshen breath with every sip.
6. Prescription or Veterinary Dental Diets
Dental diets are specially formulated with larger kibble sizes, unique textures, and targeted nutrients that help clean the teeth mechanically during chewing to reduce plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
What do our vets recommend?
(For Dogs) Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Dental Care Dry Food: The unique kibble texture and formula help support overall oral hygiene.
(For Cats) Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets Cat DH Dental Health Diet Dry: This vet-recommended formula promotes gum health and minimizes plaque through a specialized crunchy kibble design.
7. Dental Wipes
Finger‑wrap wipes gently remove softened plaque and are useful when brushing isn’t possible. They’re practical interim tools between cleanings and brushing.
What do our vets recommend?
ProDen DentalCare® Dental Wipes for Dogs & Cats: Quick and effective, these textured wipes allow you to remove plaque and odor-causing bacteria, without the need for brushing.
8. Dental Gels and Sprays
Gels and sprays apply protective enzymes directly to your pet’s teeth and gums. These products help control bacterial growth, and they’re capable of reaching areas a toothbrush might miss.
What do our vets recommend?
Vetradent™ Dental Spray for Dogs & Cats: This easy-to-use spray fights plaque-forming bacteria and promotes fresher breath with every application.
3 Pro Tips for Using Pet Dentistry Products Safely and Effectively
- Always match chew or treat size to your pet’s mouth to prevent choking.
- Monitor calorie intake; chews can add up if unaccounted in daily food.
- Rotate between brushing, chews, water additives, and wipes for comprehensive care.
Get Personalized Recommendations at Newport Mesa Animal Hospital
As part of our pet dental services at Newport Mesa Animal Hospital, we offer expert advice on choosing dental products that match your pet’s age, breed, and health status. To personalize your at-home oral care routine, and protect your pet’s smile, schedule a vet exam today.