Best Dog Dental Toys for Better Breath

Chewing plays an important role in supporting your dog’s oral health by helping reduce plaque and keep gums healthier. Below, we break down how playtime and dental health can go hand in hand with our list of the 10 best dog dental toys.

While brushing your dog’s teeth is still the gold standard for dental care, using more than one approach to care for your dog's dental health is always a good idea.

This is where dog dental toys come in as a simple and fun way to boost canine oral health. The best dog dental toys can help reduce plaque buildup, massage gums, and support fresher breath, all while giving your dog something enjoyable to chew.

In this guide, we’ll take a close look at what dog dental toys are, whether they actually help, how to choose the right one for your dog, and share our picks for the best dental toys for dogs based on chewing style, age, and dental needs.

What Are Dog Dental Toys?

Dog dental toys are chew toys specifically designed to support canine oral health. Unlike regular chew toys, dental toys are made with textures, ridges, grooves, or rope fibres that help floss, stimulate gums, and clean teeth as your dog chews.

The act of chewing creates friction against the dog’s teeth, which helps disrupt plaque before it hardens into tartar, which leads directly to gum disease if not stopped.

Dental toys come in different materials, each offering slightly different benefits depending on your dog’s chewing style and dental needs:

• • Rubber - Flexible, durable, and gentle on gums
  • Nylon - Firm textures that help scrape plaque
  • Rope - Fibre-based chewing that mimics flossing
  • Combination - Multi-textured toys for varied chewers

Many of the best dog dental chew toys are flavoured to encourage longer chewing sessions, while others can be stuffed with treats to add enrichment and keep dogs engaged.

The goal is simple: make dental care easier and more consistent by turning it into something dogs already love to do - chew.

Do Dog Dental Toys Actually Help?

Yes, dog dental toys do help maintain your dog’s oral health and improve their breath, but they are not a replacement for dog tooth brushing or professional veterinary care.

Dental toys work through mechanical action. As your dog chews the toy, the textured surface of the toy rubs against the teeth and gums. This helps remove soft plaque, massage gum tissue, and stimulate saliva production, which all naturally help wash away bacteria.

Benefits of Dog Dental Toys

Using the best dog toys for dental health regularly can help with the following in your dog’s mouth:

• • Reduce plaque buildup
  • Slow the formation of tartar
  • Improve gum circulation
  • Support fresher breath
  • Provide mental stimulation
  • Reduce stress-related chewing

However, once plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed by chewing alone, and you’ll need to seek the assistance of your veterinarian. That’s why dental toys should be viewed as a helpful part of a complete dental routine and not a cure-all. You’ll need to combine the toys with daily brushing, hard kibble, and visits to your dog’s veterinarian.

Dental Toys Are a Support Tool, Not a Substitute

Dental toys are most effective when used alongside the following to maintain canine oral health:

• • Regular toothbrushing
  • Routine veterinary dental exams
  • Dental chews

Think of dental toys as maintenance for your dog’s teeth and gums. They help keep things under control between brushing sessions and cleanings, making it easier to protect your dog’s long-term oral health and keep their breath fresh.

Check out our Complete Dog Dental Care Guide for more ways to learn the best ways to keep their teeth and gums healthy and their breath fresh.

How to Choose the Right Dog Dental Toy

Please remember that not all dental toys are right for every dog. Choosing the wrong size, material, or texture can make a toy ineffective or even unsafe.

Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best dental toys for dogs.

Size

Always choose a toy that matches your dog’s size. From the smallest Maltese to the largest Mastiff, the dental toys you choose should be appropriately sized to encourage proper chewing and keep your pooch safe.

• • Toys that are too small can be a choking hazard.
  • Toys that are too large may be uncomfortable and ignored.

This is especially important when shopping for the best dental chew toys for small dogs. If you own a tiny dog, then you'll need toys designed for smaller mouths and jaw strength.

Texture and Material

Texture matters when it comes to both the dental toys' effectiveness and safety. Different materials will offer different mouthfeels and may change how your dog chews on it.

• • Soft rubber: Ideal for puppies and seniors
  • Medium rubber or rope: Good for most adult dogs
  • Nylon or firm chews: Best for aggressive chewers

Avoid toys that are rock-hard for any dog. A good rule of thumb is the thumbnail test. If you can’t make a small dent in the toy’s surface with your fingernail, the toy may be too hard and could damage your furry friend’s teeth.

Chewing Style

All dogs are unique. Dogs chew differently.

• • Gentle chewers prefer softer textures
  • Moderate chewers enjoy textured rubber
  • Power chewers need durable, long-lasting toys

Matching the toy to your dog’s chewing style increases safety and effectiveness. Watch your dog closely to determine how Fido chews.

Shape and Design

Look for toys with ridges, nubs, grooves, or rope fibres to massage the teeth and get in between each tooth while your dog chews. These features help reach different tooth surfaces and massage gums more effectively than smooth toys.

10 Best Dog Dental Toys

Below are our top picks at Homes Alive Pets for the best dog dental toys, broken down by category so you can easily find the right option for your dog.

Best Dental Toys for Aggressive Chewers

Aggressive chewers need dental toys that can stand up to heavy use without being so hard that they risk tooth damage. These options focus on durability paired with textured surfaces that support dental health during intense chewing sessions.

Guru Bacon Bone

Aggressive chewers need a dental toy that’s tough enough to last without being so hard that it risks tooth damage when they are aggressively chewing the item. The Guru Bacon Bone strikes that balance perfectly between tough and chewable.

Made from a durable nylon wood blend, this toy is designed to withstand heavy chewing. The Clean & Polish™ textured surface helps scrape plaque from teeth, while the bacon flavour keeps dogs engaged longer, encouraging extended chewing sessions that canines love.

This makes it one of the best dental toys for dogs that destroy standard toys quickly, but still need dental support.

Why it works well:

• • Built to withstand powerful chewing
  • Textured surface helps scrape plaque
  • Flavour encourages longer chewing

Bullymake Green T-Bone Chew Toy

The perfect mash-up of extra durable and minty fresh. The Bullymake Green T-Bone is a tough, long-lasting dog chew toy that is infused with mint to help your dog freshen their breath as they chew.

Made from ultra-durable nylon, this chew is perfect for serious chewers. The T shape allows for easier and more comfortable grip and chewing, and the textured surface helps remove plaque and bacteria from your dog's teeth.

Why it’s great for strong dogs:

• • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Mint infused for fresh breath
  • T-shape for a comfortable grip

Best Dental Chew Toys for Small Dogs

Small dogs are especially prone to dental issues due to crowded teeth and smaller mouths. Dental toys designed for small breeds focus on gentle textures, manageable sizing, and an easy grip to support daily chewing without overwhelming small mouths.

Petstages Grow-With-Me-Ring

Small dogs are especially prone to dental issues due to crowded teeth and smaller mouths. The Petstages Grow-With-Me Ring is designed to effectively meet the needs of a tiny mouth while giving the little dog something to chew and have fun with.

This lightweight ring features multiple textures that gently clean teeth while being easy for small dogs to grip and chew. It’s soft enough for daily use but still effective at disrupting plaque buildup to help protect your munchkin’s oral health.

If you’re searching for the best dental chew toys for small dogs, this is an excellent everyday option.

Why small dogs love it:

• • Sized for small mouths
  • Gentle textures that clean without irritation
  • Easy to grip and chew

Best Dental Toys for Puppies

Teething can be a painful time for growing pups, and toys can be a great tool for supporting dental health and teaching good chewing habits. Dental toys made for puppies use softer materials and gentle textures to soothe gums while helping establish positive dental routines early.

KONG Puppy Teething Sticks

Puppies experience sore gums while teething, and inappropriate chewing is common during this stage because your pup is new to the world of chewing a toy. KONG Puppy Teething Sticks are made from soft rubber designed specifically for puppy teeth and gums.

The ridges massage your pup’s sore gums while encouraging healthy chewing habits. Introducing dental toys early helps puppies become comfortable with oral care, making brushing easier later in life.

Why it’s ideal for puppies:

• • Soft rubber for sensitive gums
  • Helps redirect chewing behaviour
  • Supports early dental habits

Best Dental Toys for Plaque & Tartar Control

Some dental toys are specifically designed to target plaque buildup through textured surfaces and raised ridges. These options work best as part of a regular dental routine to help slow plaque accumulation between brushings and professional cleanings.

Nylabone Dental Chew

Nylabone Dental Chews are a long-time favourite for managing plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. The raised bristles and textured design help scrape plaque from teeth as dogs chew to help prevent oral health problems and even freshen breath.

While it won’t remove hardened tartar, it’s one of the best dog dental chew toys for slowing plaque buildup between brushings and professional cleaning,s which is highly beneficial for your pooch.

Why it’s effective:

• • Raised textures help disrupt plaque
    
  • Long-lasting chew
  • Supports daily dental maintenance

If your dog needs something a little more flexible for sensitive teeth, then try the Nylabone Puppy Teething Chew Toy. It's the same popular design, but it offers a more flexible texture to soothe teething puppies or to accommodate delicate teeth in senior dogs.

Best Dog Dental Toy for Bad Breath

Nobody likes to get a whiff of stinky dog breath, but with the right dental care and some breath-freshening dog toys, those puppy kisses can go from yuck to adorable. Dental toys designed for fresher breath typically combine textured chewing surfaces with mint or herbal infusions to support cleaner teeth and better-smelling breath.

Multipet Canine Clean Peppermint Bone

Bad breath is often the first sign of dental trouble that you need to pay close attention to. The Multipet Canine Clean Peppermint Rings is a mint-infused dental toy that helps freshen breath while supporting dental health through chewing.

The multi-textured surface helps clean teeth, while the minty scent provides noticeable breath support during and after play. Your dog will not only love the toy, but you’ll enjoy the fresher-smelling breath after a chew session.

• • Mint infused to freshen breath
  • Three textures for different chew styles
  • Perfect for tug and interactive play
    

Also worth considering:

Mammoth Flossy Extra Fresh Dental Bar Tug

Rope toys like the Mammoth Flossy Extra Fresh Dental Bar Tug help floss between teeth as dogs chew and tug the toys, making them a useful addition to any canine's dental routine.

The textured surface helps clean teeth, while the minty scent provides noticeable breath support during and after play. Your dog will not only love the toy, but you’ll enjoy the fresher-smelling breath after a chew session.

• • Mint infusion helps freshen breath
  • Multiple textures support varied chewing
  • Doubles as a chew and interactive toy

Best Dog Dental Chew Toys for Long-Lasting Play

Dogs that enjoy extended chewing sessions benefit from dental toys designed to hold their interest longer. These options focus on durable materials, engaging shapes, and movement that encourages sustained chewing for added dental benefits.

Benebone Rocking Dental Chew

Some dogs chew to relax. In fact, they need toys that hold their interest. The Benebone Rocking Dental Chew is designed to move unpredictably, encouraging longer chewing sessions and more time for your pooch.

Its shape promotes chewing at different angles, helping clean more tooth surfaces during play, which cuts down on plaque buildup.

Why it’s great for extended chewing:

• • Built for extended chewing sessions
  • Keeps dogs engaged longer
  • Supports dental health through sustained chewing

Best Multi-Purpose Dental Toys (Chewing + Enrichment)

Multi-purpose dental toys combine oral care with mental stimulation. These toys encourage slower, more focused chewing while offering enrichment features like treat stuffing or interactive play to keep dogs engaged.

Outward Hound Dental Grapes

The Outward Hound Dental Grapes combines dental care with mental enrichment for your canine friend. Dogs chew the textured surface while working to remove treats from inside, encouraging slow and focused chewing.

This type of enrichment-based chewing is excellent for both dental health and boredom prevention.

Why it’s great for extended chewing:

• • Unique shape and texture variety
  • Treat-stuffable design adds enrichment
  • Encourages focused, slower chewing

Totally Pooched Chew N' Squeak Stick

The Totally Pooched Chew N' Squeak Stick toy blends dental texture with interactive play for extended fun. The squeaker adds excitement, making it a great option for dogs who lose interest in standard chews. Your pooch can chew and play in multiple ways with the toy.

• • Unique shape and texture variety
  • Doubles as a treat dispenser
  • Multi-purpose design for play and chewing

Tips for Using Dog Dental Toys Effectively

To get the most benefit from the best dental toys for dogs, keep these tips in mind:

• • Rotate toys to maintain interest because dogs can quickly become bored with the same toys.
  • Supervise new toys, especially for aggressive chewers and big dogs, to make sure the pieces are not breaking off the toy or other things that could hurt your dog.
  • Clean toys regularly to prevent bacteria buildup, which could make your furry friend sick.
  • Replace toys once they show signs of damage instead of taking chances that pieces of the toy could break off and create a choking hazard.
  • Use dental toys consistently, not occasionally, to ensure you can help maintain your doggo’s oral health long term.

Even short daily chewing sessions can make a difference over time in your dog’s oral health. When paired with routine toothbrushing and veterinary care, these toys can help take your dog's dental health to the next level.

Common Dental Dog Toy Myths

There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about dog dental toys that you might want to consider. Believing the wrong things can actually work against your dog’s oral health and lead to problems.

Here are some of the most common myths:

Myth #1: Dental Toys Replace Toothbrushing

One of the most common myths is that if a dog chews a dental toy regularly, brushing isn’t necessary. Chewing alone can’t remove bacteria below the gumline, which is where serious dental disease often begins. No toy will prevent toothbrushing and routine veterinary checkups.

Myth #2: Harder Toys Work Better

Another myth is that harder toys clean teeth better. While durability matters for aggressive chewers, toys that are too hard can actually chip or fracture teeth, which leads to pain and additional veterinary visits to repair the damage. Dental toys should create gentle friction, not act like concrete blocks grinding against your dog’s teeth.

Myth #1: Chew Toys = Dental Toys

Some pet owners also assume that any chew toy counts as a dental toy, but that’s not true. Regular toys may satisfy chewing instincts, but without textured surfaces, ridges, or flossing elements, they don’t provide meaningful dental benefits because they do not scrape away plaque buildup.

How Dental Toys Fit Into a Realistic At-Home Dental Routine

For many dog owners, the biggest challenge with dental care is consistency because it’s often hard to maintain a schedule. Life gets busy, dogs resist brushing, and dental routines can fall apart quickly.

This is where dental toys shine, because they make daily dental care more achievable, as your dog will seek out the toys from their toy box to enjoy every day. Often, a dog needs no interaction with you to enjoy a dental dog chew toy.

Used regularly, dental toys help keep plaque soft so it’s easier to remove when brushing does happen. Even brushing a few times a week can be more effective when plaque hasn’t already hardened into tartar along the gumline.

While they don’t replace brushing or veterinary care, the best dog dental toys can slow plaque buildup, support healthier gums, and make your dog’s overall dental routine more manageable

Think of dental toys as one part of a balanced routine: 

• • Chewing daily with a dental toy
  • Brushing daily (or as often as you can)
  • Professional cleanings as recommended by your vet

This trifecta is the ideal routine to help maintain better dental health, fresher breath, and a healthy dog.

When to Talk to Your Vet About Your Dog’s Dental Health

Dental toys are a great support tool for your doggo’s oral health, but they aren’t a cure for existing dental problems. Knowing when to involve your veterinarian in your dog’s dental care is just as important as choosing the right toys.

Some dental issues progress quietly, and by the time obvious symptoms appear, professional treatment may already be necessary, and you’ll need to schedule an immediate trip to your dog’s veterinarian.

You should book a vet visit if you notice:

• • Persistent or worsening bad breath
  • Visible tartar buildup
  • Red or bleeding gums
  • Excessive drooling
  • Swelling in the gums or muzzle
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Changes to eating habits

These signs can indicate periodontal disease, tooth fractures, tooth loss, or infection, none of which can be fixed with dental toys or at-home dental care alone. 

Your vet can assess your dog’s oral health, recommend professional cleaning if needed, and help you build a realistic at-home dental routine to maintain your dog’s oral health.

Dental toys work best as part of a precise oral health plan. The dental toys for your dog help maintain results between visits and make long-term dental care easier for both you and your dog.

FAQs About Dog Dental Toys

Can dental toys replace brushing?

No, dental toys cannot replace brushing your dog’s teeth. While dental toys help reduce plaque and stimulate the dog’s gums through chewing, they don’t clean below the gumline, where most dental disease starts. Regular toothbrushing and professional veterinary care are still essential for maintaining your dog’s long-term oral health and preventing gum disease.

How long should my dog chew a dental toy?

Most dogs benefit from chewing a dental toy for about 10 to 20 minutes per session. This provides enough time for the textured surfaces to help disrupt plaque at the gumline without overworking your furry friend’s jaw or teeth. Short, daily chewing sessions are more effective than occasional long ones.

Are dental toys safe for puppies?

Yes, dental toys are safe for puppies when they are specifically designed for puppy teeth and gums. Puppy dental toys are made from softer materials that soothe teething discomfort without damaging developing teeth. Always supervise puppies during chewing and replace toys once they show signs of wear.

Do senior dogs still need dental toys?

Yes, senior dogs still benefit from dental toys, especially for maintaining gum health and reducing plaque buildup. Older dogs often prefer softer textures that won’t put pressure on sensitive or worn teeth.

How often should dental toys be replaced?

Dental toys should be replaced as soon as they show excessive wear, cracks, or missing pieces on the toy’s surface. Regularly monitor your dog’s toys. Worn toys can lose their dental effectiveness and may become a choking or ingestion hazard. Regularly inspecting and rotating toys to keep your dog interested in the toys and maintain safety.

Dental Toys Are a Smart Part of Your Dog’s Routine

Dental health affects far more than just your dog’s breath. It impacts your furry friend’s comfort, nutrition, and overall health. While brushing and vet care are essential, the best dog dental toys make daily dental maintenance easier and more enjoyable for you and your pooch.

By choosing the right toy for your dog’s size, age, and chewing style, you can support cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and a happier dog.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for the best dental chew toys for dogs, options for puppies, seniors, or aggressive chewers; Homes Alive Pets offers a wide selection of trusted dental toys to support your dog’s oral health.