The teeth that matter most are the ones furthest back, where the big shearing teeth sit and where tartar builds up first. They are also the hardest to get at, and a finger brush rarely manages it, because you run out of finger before you run out of mouth. A long handle solves that geometry problem, which is the single practical reason to choose this shape over the fingertip kind.

The head carries fine, soft silicone bristles that flex along the gumline, where plaque actually gathers, rather than scrubbing the flat face of the tooth where it does not. Silicone is food-grade and non-abrasive, so it suits sore or sensitive mouths, and it rinses clean under a tap without holding water the way nylon tufts do. The handle is shaped like a paw for grip, and at 10 grams there is no weight in your hand encouraging you to press harder.

• Long handle reaches the back teeth
• Fine, soft food-grade silicone bristles
• Non-abrasive and gentle on gums
• Paw-shaped handle for grip
• Weighs 10 grams
• Three colours: pink, yellow and purple

Correcting one claim, and a word on technique. This is a long-handled brush and not a finger brush, despite listings for silicone pet toothbrushes that describe slipping them over a fingertip. On technique: never use human toothpaste, as both fluoride and xylitol are dangerous to pets. Build up over a couple of weeks, starting with a finger and a taste of pet toothpaste before the brush appears in the room at all, or you will lose your pet's cooperation on day one.

Who it's for: Owners committed to daily brushing who need to reach the back teeth on a medium or large dog without contorting a hand.