Dr. Jessica’s Dental Picks

Simple products that can make home dental care easier

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems I see in dogs and cats. These are the products I recommend most often to help make home dental care easier.

Before You Choose a Dental Product

Look for the VOHC Accepted seal. Products carrying this seal have met Veterinary Oral Health Council standards for helping control plaque, tartar, or both.

Daily brushing is still the gold standard, but VOHC-accepted chews, treats, diets, and food additives can also help.

C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste

My favorite way to start brushing

C.E.T. toothpaste is made for dogs and cats and comes in pet-friendly flavors such as Poultry, Vanilla-Mint, Beef, Malt, and Seafood.

  • Safe to swallow when used as directed

  • Multiple flavor choices

  • Easy for many pets to accept

Dr. Jessica’s Tip: Let your pet lick a small amount from your finger for several days before introducing the toothbrush.

Never use human toothpaste for pets.

Purina DentaLife Dental Chews

A simple VOHC-accepted dental chew

Purina DentaLife chews have a porous, ridged texture designed to help clean the teeth while your dog chews.

  • VOHC accepted for tartar control

  • Easy to use daily

  • Helpful for dogs that enjoy treats

Dr. Jessica’s Tip: These chews are one size. For smaller dogs, they can be cut into an appropriate portion if the package directions allow.

Remember: Dental chews contain calories and should always be given with supervision.

ProDen PlaqueOff Powder

The easy button for home dental care

Add the recommended daily amount of ProDen PlaqueOff Powder to your pet’s food. It is especially useful for pets that will not tolerate brushing.

  • No brushing or chewing required

  • VOHC accepted for plaque and tartar control

  • Available for dogs and cats

Dr. Jessica’s Tip: Keep it beside the pet food so it becomes part of your daily routine.

Ask your veterinarian before using it in a pet with thyroid disease or an iodine-restricted diet.

C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews

A dental chew for dogs that chew appropriately

C.E.T. chews are made from beef hide and help clean the teeth through mechanical chewing.

  • Available in several sizes

  • Easy to add to a routine

  • Helpful on days when brushing does not happen

Dr. Jessica’s Tip: Choose the correct size and supervise your dog. The chew should be too large to swallow whole.

Not appropriate for dogs that gulp treats or swallow large pieces.