Your dog gets a dental stick every evening and loves it, but is it actually cleaning their teeth? Some dental chews can help reduce plaque, tartar or both, but none replace daily toothbrushing. Their effectiveness varies by product, and they work best as part of a wider dental care routine. This guide explains what dental chews can and cannot do, and how to choose them safely.
Do Dental Chews for Dogs Work?
Some dental chews can help reduce plaque or tartar, but the evidence and effectiveness vary by product. The 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines recommend daily plaque control with products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). The VOHC awards its Seal of Acceptance to dental products that meet predefined standards for reducing plaque and/or tartar based on submitted trial data.
What Can Dental Chews Help Remove, and What Can They Not Fix?
Dental chews may help reduce soft plaque on the teeth they reach while a dog chews. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry examined dental home-care routines in 125 dogs over eight weeks, including dogs that had not recently undergone professional dental cleaning. The researchers found that a specific dental chew reduced dental deposits compared with no home care. However, the study was funded by Virbac, the manufacturer of the products tested, and the chew alone did not significantly improve gum health; improvements were seen only with some combined home-care routines. These findings suggest that certain chews may help control dental deposits, but they should be used alongside toothbrushing and veterinary dental care rather than as a replacement.
How Do Dental Sticks Clean Teeth?
Dental sticks for dogs mainly work through chewing action. The texture rubs against the tooth surface as the dog bites down.
How Does Chewing Help and Why Does Brushing Still Matter?
The mechanical action of some chews may help reduce plaque or delay accumulation of dental deposits. Some products also contain ingredients designed to slow tartar formation. However, chews mainly reach the teeth used for chewing. Daily brushing removes plaque from accessible tooth surfaces, especially along the gumline. The Journal of Veterinary Dentistry study describes toothbrushing as the gold standard for home care.
What Are the Benefits, Limits, and Myths?
Dental chews for dogs can be useful, but some common beliefs about them are inaccurate.
Can Better Breath Mean Cleaner Teeth?
Not necessarily. Some chews may freshen breath without cleaning the teeth well. Persistent bad breath may signal gum disease and should be checked by a vet.
Can Chews Remove Established Tartar?
Chews are mainly preventive. Hard tartar that is already attached to the teeth, particularly below the gumline, usually needs professional cleaning. The AAHA guidelines describe this cleaning as a procedure performed under general anaesthesia.
How Do You Choose Safe Dental Treats?
Consider the following when choosing dental treats for your dog:
- Size: Choose a chew suited to your dog’s size and chewing style, so it is less likely to be swallowed whole.
- Hardness: Avoid very hard items, such as cooked mutton or chicken bones, hard nylon bones and very hard yak or “Himalayan” cheese chews, as these may damage or fracture teeth.
- The thumbnail test: A commonly shared rule of thumb is that if you cannot press your thumbnail into a chew or it does not bend, it may be too hard for your dog’s teeth.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredient list for potential allergens or ingredients your dog needs to avoid, particularly if they have food sensitivities.
- Calories: Check the calorie content and include dental chews in your dog’s daily calorie allowance, especially if your dog is overweight.
- Approval: Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance on the pack. If you cannot find the seal, check the product on the VOHC website or ask your vet for guidance.
Always supervise your dog while chewing, and remove the chew if it becomes small enough to swallow whole or breaks into pieces that could cause choking or digestive problems.
How Do Dental Chews Fit Into Oral Care?
Dental chews for dogs work best alongside daily toothbrushing and regular dental check-ups at your nearest Vetic clinic. While chews may help reduce plaque or tartar, they cannot replace professional dental care when disease is present.
When Are Daily Care and Professional Cleanings Needed?
The 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines encourage starting dental care early, ideally from your dog’s first veterinary visit. A practical home-care routine may include daily brushing, VOHC-accepted dental chews and regular veterinary dental assessments. The frequency of check-ups depends on your dog’s oral health, age and breed.
If your vet identifies established tartar or gum disease, they may recommend a professional dental procedure under general anaesthesia. Teeth cleaning at a grooming salon may make your dog’s teeth look whiter, but it cannot properly assess or clean below the gumline, where periodontal disease develops. A thorough veterinary dental procedure allows the vet to examine the mouth, assess periodontal health and clean areas that cannot be reached safely while your dog is awake. It may also involve dental X-rays or extractions if clinically needed.
It’s understandable to worry about anaesthesia. Your vet will assess your dog’s health and plan and monitor anaesthesia according to their individual needs. At Vetic, our vets can assess your dog’s oral health and advise on appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Dental chews for dogs can support oral health, but they are not a substitute for daily toothbrushing or professional dental care. Choosing a safe, VOHC-accepted chew and booking regular dental check-ups may help keep your dog’s mouth healthy. To have your dog’s teeth checked, book a consultation at your nearest Vetic clinic. A healthy mouth means more pain-free cuddles and fresher kisses!
FAQs
Do Vets Recommend Dental Chews?
Many vets recommend dental chews as part of a home care routine. The AAHA guidelines recommend products accepted by the VOHC.
Do Dentastix Actually Clean Dogs’ Teeth?
Some dental sticks, including Pedigree DentaStix, are designed to support dental hygiene. Some dental chews have been tested for plaque or tartar control, so check whether the specific product carries the VOHC Seal of Acceptance. Chews may help reduce new build-up but do not replace daily toothbrushing or professional dental cleaning.
Are Dental Chews Actually Good for Dogs?
Suitable chews may support oral health when used safely. Choose the right size, supervise chewing and count the calories.
Can Dogs Eat Dental Chews Every Day?
Many dental chews are designed for daily use. Follow the pack guidance and include them in your dog’s daily calorie allowance.
What Can I Give My Dog Instead of Dental Sticks?
Daily toothbrushing with a dog toothpaste is the most effective option. Your vet may also suggest other VOHC-accepted products, such as dental diets.
What Can I Give My Dog for Dental Disease?
Dental disease needs a vet examination. Treatment often involves a professional cleaning under anaesthesia. Chews help with prevention but do not treat existing disease.
References
Bellows, J., Berg, M. L., Dennis, S., Harvey, R., Lobprise, H. B., Snyder, C. J., Stone, A. E. S., & Van de Wetering, A. G. (2019). 2019 AAHA dental care guidelines for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 55(2), 49-69. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6933
Gawor, J., Jank, M., Harvey, C. E., & Nicolas, C. S. (2024). Effectiveness of dental homecare protocols in unscaled dogs. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 42(3), 176–181. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08987564241292769
