10 Best Cat Toothpaste Selections To Help Your Cat’s Teeth And Dental Health In Check

A good oral care regimen is essential to a cat's overall health. Without it, bacteria will multiply in your cat's mouth and cause tooth plaque and tartar buildup, leaving you with bad breath kitty. And if left untreated, plaque can trigger gingivitis (gum inflammation) and eventually periodontal disease.

It may sound ridiculous to add brushing your cat's teeth to your daily routine as a cat owner, but it is a highly effective way to control tartar and plaque. But before you say no way to regular cat teeth cleaning, studies report that between 50-90% of cats older than four years of age suffer from some form of dental disease. While most of these diseases are treatable, they are also preventable with appropriate preventive dental care. 

Unless you are ready to pay a hefty vet bill, the best defense against the dental problem is to prevent them with daily oral care. With the best cat toothbrush and toothpaste, you can help your furry friend's teeth and gum to be strong and healthy.

Brushing your cat's teeth with high-quality toothpaste can make a big difference in your cat's oral health. Like human toothpaste, the best cat toothpaste can remove plaque and tartar buildup and leave your furry friend with clean teeth and a fresher breath. To help you shop, we have put together this buying guide with a list of the best cat toothpaste available on the market today, along with some answers to frequently asked questions. If you are unsure which one is best for your cat, ask your veterinarian or stop by a vet clinic to pick one up, as many clinics now carry products. 

What You Need To Consider When Buying Cat toothpaste

Your Cat's Personality

You know your cat the best. Suppose you have an independent cat with a strong personality; it is most likely a difficult task for you to brush her/his teeth. With delicious pet-friendly flavor toothpaste, it can make teeth brushing an activity your cat can enjoy. If your cat doesn't like the idea of being poked around with a toothbrush, there are alternative methods you can consider and still promote healthy cat teeth and gum health. 

It's common for cats to dislike having their teeth brushed. Before going with an alternative method, be sure to learn how to brush a cat's teeth. It may take some time for your cat to get used to the idea of toothbrushes and toothpaste before you can start brushing. 

Ingredient 

Unlike human toothpaste, cat toothpaste is specifically formulated to be swallowed. If you have a cat with a sensitive stomach, pay attention to what is actually in the toothpaste to avoid any issues like an upset stomach. 

When searching for the best cat toothpaste, always read the product's ingredients. You will want to avoid any products that contain words you can't pronounce. Here is a cheat sheet of some of the common ingredients and what they do:

• Silica: a mild abrasive used to remove debris and stains from teeth.
• Ethanol: is used as an antibacterial agent, and it's only safe in a small amount.
• Glucose Oxidase: offers natural antibacterial properties and is used to inhibit oral bacteria.
• Di-Calcium Phosphate: is a supplement derived from calcium and phosphorus. Its function is to strengthen the teeth and help remove plaque.
• Titanium Dioxide: this ingredient is what gives toothpaste its white color and is commonly found in human toothpastes. It is considered safe for a cat but unnecessary in cat toothpaste.
• Sorbitol is a sweetener that enhances flavor, adds moisture, and is safe for cats. But if consumed in large amounts, it acts as a laxative.
• Glycerin: a humectant that holds water and prevents toothpaste from drying out. This ingredient is what gives toothpaste its smooth texture.
• Calcium Carbonate: an abrasive and whitening ingredient proven to remove stains.
• Sodium Benzoate: a preservative used to stop bacteria growth.
• Xanthan Gum: a thickening agent for texture and consistency.

Ingredients in pet toothpaste that you will want to avoid as it can bring unnecessary health risks to your cat:

• Fluoride: toxic to cats if ingested in large quantities
• Baking Soda: may be harmful if ingested by cats
• Xylitol: a sugar substitute that may be safe for cats but toxic to dogs.

If you aren't sure if the toothpaste you are looking at is effective at promoting dental health, look for toothpaste that has a VOHC seal.

Flavors

Cats love toothpaste with delicious flavors like chicken flavor, seafood, milk, etc. Knowing what flavors your cat loves can be helpful in picking out the best flavor toothpaste for your cat.

Enzymatic toothpaste vs. non-enzymatic "natural" cat toothpaste

Most cat toothpaste on the market is enzymatic toothpaste. This type of toothpaste creates a chemical reaction caused by enzymes to create an antibacterial property that fights and removes bacteria and leaves your cat with fresh breath.

Non-enzymatic are labeled as "natural" cat toothpaste. They are less effective than enzymatic toothpaste and will require more brushing power.

Types Of Cat Toothpaste

Paste or Gel

Paste and gel are the most common and traditional forms of toothpaste. With toothbrushes or spread on with finger toothbrushes, they can help prevent the buildup of biofilm and plaque that can lead to periodontal disease. With toothbrush help, you can reach back teeth—the large cheek teeth and canine teeth that get the most plaque and tartar accumulation.

Water Additive

Water additives are highly concentrated solutions that need to be diluted with water. The solution contains plaque-fighting ingredients and will help minimize bacteria every time your cat takes a drink. Water additives are great options for cats who can't tolerate toothbrushing.

Dental Wipes And Swabs

Dental wipes and swabs can be effective at promoting good oral health. They are designed to remove and prevent plaque buildup while refreshing the breath.

Dental Sprays

A dental spray is a great option for maintaining good oral health in pets, and the best part of using a spray is you do not need to apply it directly onto teeth and gum. The product will mix with the cat's saliva and is then circulated around the mouth as she swallows.

Alternatives Options

Aside from toothpaste, water additives, sprays, and wipes, alternatives like dental toys and treats can promote a healthy mouth. Dental toys can help clean your cats' teeth, but they won't cover all areas, especially the back of the mouth. Dental treats are also useful for maintaining a cat's oral health, but they may not cover all areas. Combining these alternative options with toothbrushing can be an effective method to keep your cat's oral health in check.

10 Best Cat Toothpastes To Help Your Cat's Teeth And Dental Health In Check

This Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic Toothpaste is one of the best cat toothpaste on the market that can be used daily. The enzymatic toothpaste is specially formulated for dogs and cats and designed for pets who are rapid plaque formers. The toothpaste contains a strengthened enzyme system, and it's more abrasive than regular toothpaste, making this a better option for adult cats. Containing no foaming agent, this toothpaste is safe for your cat to swallow.

Unlike the other toothpaste on the market, this product is clinically proven to reduce plaque and loosen tartar to ensure your pet maintains a clean mouth. With three flavors (beef, poultry, and vanilla mint) to choose from, you can find one that your cat will love while keeping your cat's teeth clean!

Combat tartar and plaque buildup and eliminate bad breath with Vetoquinol Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste. The triple enzyme system effectively polishes and removes plaque and tartar buildup that may cause tooth decay and mouth illness. Best use for adult cats. With no foaming agent and the delicious poultry flavored, your can will sure love this toothpaste, even for the pickiest eaters.

Best for cats with sensitivity. This Oratene Brushless Oral Cat Dental Gel is a gentle formula that provides a natural, multi-complex enzyme system that dissolves plaque biofilm and inhibits odor-causing bacteria to help balance oral flora. The gentle formula will also help relieve, soothe and protect mouth tissue against dryness, and it can help restore saliva's natural protective abilities. With an ultra-soft bristles toothbrush, it will ensure your cat has a comfortable experience.

For cats who don't love the idea of being poked around with a cat toothbrush with toothpaste, then check out Petsmile Professional Toothpaste Applicator Swaps. These swaps have long wands that allow you to reach even the toughest area in your feline friend's mouth where food tends to hide. With extra soft tips, the swaps are gentle on the cat's teeth and gums. Not to mention, each swab is reusable with just rinse and repeat. Made from BPA-free plastic.

Crafted using human food-grade ingredients, this Mind Up Nyanko Care Cat Toothpaste Liquid makes the teeth cleaning process fun. With added milk flavor, your cat will love the interaction that comes with teeth cleaning. All you need is a few drops on the toothbrush or finger toothbrush, and you can let your cat lick and brush away. It is designed to remove plaque, prevent bad breath, and care for their gum.

If you have a cat who doesn't enjoy you putting anything in its mouth, you must check out this powder. All you need to do is sprinkle some on your cat's food CEVA Clenz-A-Dent ProDen PlaqueOff powder for Cats is designed to help keep teeth clean, freshen breath, reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and control biofilm. One of the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved products, so as a pet owner, you know the product meets pre-set standards so you can use it with ease.

Another Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved product. ProDen Plaqueoff Powder is an all-natural food supplement that is made from selected North Atlantic seaweed and contains no additive or artificial preservatives. Design to support healthy teeth, gum, and breath odor. It helps treat bad breath, tartar, and plaque when added to your pet's daily diet and routine for oral health and hygiene. Simple and easy to use by sprinkling over cat dry or wet food.

You can take control of your kitty's dental care with PetLab Co. Dental Formula Cat Water Additive. Simple and easy to use, and all you need to do is add the dental wash to her water bowl. The dental wash is tasteless and odorless, so even the pickiest cat wouldn't know it is there.

This water additive is made with ingredients also found in toothpaste, with sodium benzoate, which counters bacteria buildup, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and potassium sorbate—designed to target plaque and tartar buildup while supporting fresh breath.

The chances are your cat has a ton of toys, treats, supplements, etc., and the last thing you want to keep track of is their toothbrush and toothpaste. With this Brite Pet Pure Antiplaque Dog & Cat Spray Pen, you have one less thing to keep track of. The dental spray has a built-in gentle brush tip that messages a hydrating and soothing gel onto your cat's teeth and gums. 

The gel is formulated with vitamin C to fight against gum disease. Green algae help reduce plaque buildup. And gentle parsley flavor that your cat will love! 

Help support your cat's oral hygiene with VetSmart Formulas Total Oral Care Spray. The tasty solution contains human-grade and natural plant extracts like peppermint, clove, honey, cinnamon, and aloe to balance your furry friends' oral chemistry and soothe any irritation. Formulated to help fresh breath on contact and help prevent tartar and plaque buildup.

If this is your first time purchasing dental care products for your cat, it's best to select a kit as it is more budget-friendly. This Paw & Pals Dog Toothbrush- Pet Dental Care Kit is a perfect starter kit as it includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and finger brush so you can explore which cleaning method is best for your cat.

Paw & Pals toothpaste is designed to fight bad breath, tooth decay, tart, and plaque buildup to prevent gum disease. With delicious beef flavor, your cat can enjoy the great taste. In general, toothbrushes are better for adult cats, and finger brushes are ideal for kittens. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Else Can You Do To Keep Your Cat's Teeth Clean?

For pet owners with independent cats with big personalities, brushing your cat's teeth the traditional way may not be possible. But with modern-day innovation, there are many pet dental products available on the market today. For example, include a dental diet, cat treats designed to target dental health, and dental chew toys.

Can cat toothpaste be used on dogs?

Many kinds of toothpaste for cats on the market today can be used for both cats and dogs. And generally speaking, your cat should be fine using a dog's toothpaste. Be sure to read the box for instructions to ensure that it can be used for a dog or vice versa. 

How Often Should You Brush Your Pet's Teeth?

As mentioned earlier, 50-90% of cats suffer from dental disease after four years old. To prevent any hefty vet bills or to use professional teeth cleaning services, you should add brushing your cat's teeth to your daily task.

Like a human, your feline friend requires daily brushing too to avoid tooth decay, inflamed gums, periodontal disease, and other possibilities.

Is wet food bad for a cat's teeth?

Wet food plays a minor role in plaque and tartar accumulation, but it does not cause tooth decay. According to a study, a dry food diet does provide oral health benefits to cats on a wet canned food diet.

Why should you brush your cat's teeth?

The majority of cats over the age of four have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis, resulting from plaque in contact with gums. If it's not removed, plaque will thicken and mineralize in tartar.

If oral disease is left untreated, it can lead to other serious health issues like heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, and more. Therefore, maintaining your pet's oral health is essential.

What are professional teeth cleaning?

Your vet may recommend professional cleaning for your cat once or twice a year, depending on your cat's oral health condition. During this procedure, your cat will usually be under anesthesia, and they will remove tartar and plaque. Vets may recommend further dental procedures if they find problems.