Best Puppy Teething Toys That Clean Teeth Too

Puppy teething is one of the most challenging phases of dog ownership — your furniture, shoes, and fingers can all become chew targets. But here's the silver lining: the right teething toy can redirect that chewing energy into something that actually cleans your puppy's teeth and builds good dental habits from day one.

We tested the top puppy teething toys that double as dental care tools. These picks soothe sore gums, satisfy the urge to chew, and help keep those brand-new puppy teeth clean and healthy.

🏆Our #1 Pick: NWK Freezeable Teething Puppy Toys

Freezeable teething toys that soothe sore gums and clean teeth with textured nubs and ridges.

Understanding Puppy Teething

Puppies start losing their baby teeth around 3-4 months old, and the process typically finishes by 6-7 months. During this time, their gums are swollen, itchy, and sore — which is why they chew on everything in sight. Providing appropriate teething toys is essential for:

• Relieving gum pain and inflammation naturally
• Preventing destructive chewing on furniture and belongings
• Cleaning new teeth as they emerge through the gumline
• Building a positive association with dental care early on
• Strengthening jaw muscles for proper development

How We Chose These Products

We evaluated each teething toy on criteria that matter most for puppies:

• Safety — non-toxic, BPA-free materials that won't splinter
• Appropriate hardness — firm enough to clean but soft enough for puppy teeth
• Dental benefits — textures that actually remove plaque as puppies chew
• Freezability — cold toys provide extra teething relief
• Durability — can withstand persistent puppy chewing without breaking

Detailed Product Reviews

1. Best Overall: NWK Freezeable Teething Puppy Toys

NWK Freezeable Teething Puppy Toys

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Why we love it: Freezeable teething toys that soothe sore gums and clean teeth with textured nubs and ridges.

What makes it stand out:

• Freezeable design soothes inflamed teething gums
• Textured surface with nubs and ridges cleans teeth while chewing
• Durable enough for puppy chewing without breaking apart
• Multiple textures keep puppies engaged longer
• BPA-free and non-toxic materials safe for puppies

Pros:

• Freezing option soothes pain
• Multiple textures for dental cleaning
• Durable construction
• Great value multi-pack

Cons:

• Needs refrigeration for full benefit
• May be too large for very small puppies

Best for: Teething puppies 8-24 weeks, Puppies with sore, inflamed gums

Price: $12.74

2. Best Budget Pick: Nylabone Puppy Teething Dental Chew Toy

Nylabone Puppy Teething Dental Chew Toy

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Why we love it: Vet-recommended teething chew with raised bristles that clean teeth and massage gums during puppy chewing.

What makes it stand out:

• Raised bristles clean teeth like a mini toothbrush during chewing
• Softer nylon formula designed specifically for puppy teeth
• Dinosaur shape keeps puppies interested and engaged
• Vet recommended for teething relief
• Incredibly affordable for daily use

Pros:

• Ultra-affordable
• Vet recommended
• Bristle design cleans teeth
• Perfect softness for puppy teeth

Cons:

• Not for aggressive adult chewers
• Single toy — no variety

Best for: Budget-friendly teething relief, Puppies who love to gnaw

Price: $4.99

🏆🏆 Still Our Top Pick

NWK Freezeable Teething Puppy Toys — the best combination of teething relief and dental cleaning

3. Best Freezeable: Nylabone Puppy Chew Freezer Bone

Nylabone Puppy Chew Freezer Bone

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Why we love it: Fill with water and freeze for cooling relief that soothes teething pain while cleaning puppy teeth.

What makes it stand out:

• Fill with water and freeze for cold teething relief
• Textured surface helps clean puppy teeth during chewing
• Trusted Nylabone brand — vet recommended
• Reusable — just refill and refreeze
• Most affordable freezeable teething option available

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Reusable freezing design
• Trusted brand
• Soothes and cleans simultaneously

Cons:

• Water can leak if not frozen fully
• Small size — best for puppies under 25 lbs

Best for: Teething puppies needing cold relief, Small to medium breed puppies

Price: $4.69

4. Best Stick Alternative: Petstages Cool Teething Stick Puppy Toy

Petstages Cool Teething Stick Puppy Toy

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Why we love it: Crunchy-textured stick toy that satisfies the puppy urge to chew while gently cleaning teeth and gums.

What makes it stand out:

• Crunchy texture satisfies natural chewing instincts
• Multiple chewing surfaces clean from different angles
• Can be frozen for extra teething relief
• Safer alternative to real sticks (no splinters)
• Durable enough for persistent puppy chewers

Pros:

• Satisfies stick-chewing instinct safely
• Multiple cleaning textures
• Freezable for extra relief
• Durable construction

Cons:

• May shred over time with heavy chewers
• Not indestructible

Best for: Puppies who love to chew sticks, Redirecting destructive chewing behavior

Price: $9.50

Puppy Teething Tips from Vets

Beyond teething toys, here are vet-recommended strategies for the teething phase:

• Rotate toys to keep your puppy interested — bored puppies chew furniture
• Freeze a wet washcloth for a DIY teething soother
• Start gentle tooth brushing at 8 weeks to build lifelong habits
• Never give puppies ice cubes — they can crack developing teeth
• Avoid hard chews like antlers or bones until adult teeth are fully in (7+ months)
• If a baby tooth hasn't fallen out by 7 months, see your vet about retained teeth

Frequently Asked Questions

When do puppies start teething?

Puppies begin losing their 28 baby teeth around 3-4 months of age. By 6-7 months, they should have all 42 adult teeth. The most intense chewing typically happens between 4-6 months when multiple teeth are erupting at once.

Are frozen toys safe for teething puppies?

Yes! Frozen toys are one of the best ways to soothe teething pain. The cold reduces inflammation and numbs sore gums. Just make sure the toy is designed for freezing — don't freeze regular toys that might become too hard and crack puppy teeth.

How do I know if my puppy is teething?

Signs include increased chewing on everything, drooling more than usual, slight bleeding from gums, finding tiny baby teeth around the house, decreased appetite, and mild irritability. This is all normal — provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and the phase will pass.

Should I brush my puppy's teeth during teething?

Yes, but very gently! Use a soft finger brush and puppy-safe toothpaste. Even just letting them lick toothpaste off your finger builds positive associations. Avoid brushing areas where teeth are actively emerging, as this can be painful. Focus on the teeth that are already in.

🏆🏆 Ready to Help Your Teething Puppy?

The NWK Freezeable Teething Puppy Toys provides the perfect combination of pain relief and dental cleaning for your teething pup.

Our Verdict

The NWK Freezeable Teething Puppy Toys is our top pick for teething puppies — it provides freezeable pain relief while the textured surface cleans emerging teeth. At $12.74, it's a smart investment in your puppy's dental health from the start.

For pet parents on a tight budget, you can't beat the Nylabone Puppy Teething Dental Chew Toy at just $4.99 — vet-recommended and effective at both teething relief and dental cleaning.