From dental wipes to seaweed powder, here’s how to build an oral care routine that actually works.
We brush our own teeth without thinking twice.
It’s simply part of the day.
Wake up.
Brush your teeth.
Coffee.
When it comes to our pets, oral care often looks very different.
Not because we don’t care, but because it’s one of those routines that’s surprisingly easy to put off. Maybe your dog thinks the toothbrush is a game, or your cat disappears the second it appears.
The good news?
Looking after your pet’s teeth doesn’t have to start (or end) with a toothbrush.
At Reva, we believe the best oral care routine is the one you’ll actually stick to.
Your pet uses their mouth for almost everything.
Eating.
Playing.
Chewing.
Carrying their favourite toy around the house.
Exploring the world.
Looking after their oral health isn’t just about fresher breath. Healthy teeth and gums help your pet stay comfortable doing the things they love every day.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council considers daily brushing the gold standard for maintaining oral health, but brushing isn’t the only way to support your pet’s teeth. The most important thing is building a routine that works for both of you.
Ideally, yes.
Brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
But here’s the part we think doesn’t get talked about enough…
Not every pet tolerates brushing.
And that’s okay.
A realistic routine you stick to is far more valuable than the perfect routine that never happens.
That’s why there are now so many different ways to support your pet’s oral health.
This is probably the question we hear most often.
The good news is you have options.
🧻 “They won’t let me anywhere near their mouth.”
If a traditional toothbrush feels like a battle, dental wipes are often the easiest place to start.
They fit comfortably over your finger and gently lift away everyday build-up while supporting fresher breath. Many pets find them much less intimidating than a toothbrush.
Recommended: The Paws Lab Dental Care Wipes
💨 “I want something quick and easy.”
If you’re looking for a routine that takes seconds, an oral spray can be a great option.
Simply spray directly onto your pet’s teeth and gums as part of your evening routine.
Recommended: FurBabies Botanicals Dentashield Oral Spray
🥣 “I’d rather add something to their food.”
If convenience is your priority, seaweed powder is one of the easiest habits to build.
Simply sprinkle it over your pet’s food each day.
Ascophyllum nodosum, the seaweed used in our favourite formula, has been widely studied for its role in supporting oral health while also providing naturally occurring minerals.
Recommended: Logan’s Organic Seaweed Powder
🦴 “They love chewing.”
Chewing is a natural behaviour for many pets.
For cats, silvervine dental sticks combine enrichment with oral care, encouraging chewing while helping to support cleaner teeth.
Recommended: RYERCAT Silvervine Dental Chew Sticks
🪥 “Mine actually tolerates brushing.”
Lucky you.
If your cat is happy to have their teeth brushed, using a toothbrush designed specifically for feline anatomy makes the experience much gentler and more comfortable.
Recommended: RYERCAT Cat Toothbrush
Dental sticks can absolutely play a role in supporting oral health.
However, they’re generally best thought of as one part of a wider routine rather than a complete replacement for brushing or other oral care methods.
Think of them as another tool in the toolkit.
Forget perfection.
Start small.
For example:
- Add seaweed powder to breakfast.
- Use dental wipes after dinner.
- Finish the day with an oral spray.
- Offer dental sticks as part of your pet’s weekly routine.
You don’t have to do everything at once.
Consistency matters far more than complexity.
There are hundreds of oral care products on the market.
We look for products that are:
- Easy to build into everyday routines.
- Gentle enough for regular use.
- Made with thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
- Designed around what pets will actually tolerate.
Because the easier something is to use, the more likely it becomes part of everyday life.
Whether you’re introducing oral care for the first time or looking to improve your current routine, we’ve curated products that make looking after your pet’s teeth that little bit easier.
👉 Shop the Oral Care Collection: Dogs & Cats
Do dogs need their teeth brushed every day?
Daily brushing is considered the gold standard for maintaining oral health. However, any consistent routine is better than none. If daily brushing isn’t realistic, products like dental wipes, oral sprays and seaweed powder can help support your pet’s oral care routine.
How often should I brush my cat’s teeth?
Ideally, cats should have their teeth brushed daily if they tolerate it. If not, consider alternatives such as dental wipes, silvervine sticks or oral sprays to help support their oral health.
Can dental sticks replace brushing?
Not completely.
Dental sticks can help support oral hygiene, but they’re most effective when used alongside other oral care products as part of a broader routine.
Is seaweed powder good for dogs and cats?
Seaweed powder made from Ascophyllum nodosum has been studied for its role in supporting oral health and is commonly used to help reduce plaque, tartar and bad breath as part of a consistent daily routine.
What’s the easiest way to start looking after my pet’s teeth?
Start with the option your pet is most likely to accept.
For some pets, that’s a toothbrush.
For others, it might be a dental wipe, an oral spray or simply adding seaweed powder to their food.
The best routine is the one you’ll actually stick to.