Top Dental Chews That Help Remove Tartar Buildup in Dogs
Dental health is a crucial component of a dog’s overall well-being. Many dogs resist tooth brushing, making it difficult for pet owners to maintain their canine companions' oral hygiene. Fortunately,
dental chews provide an accessible, effective, and enjoyable way to reduce
plaque and tartar buildup in dogs.
How Dental Chews Work
Dental chews operate through multiple mechanisms:
- Mechanical abrasion from chewing physically scrapes plaque from teeth.
- Specially designed ridges and textures enhance plaque and tartar removal.
- Active ingredients like enzymes and polyphosphates chemically help reduce bacterial development and tartar formation.
These mechanisms contribute together to decrease the advancement of
periodontal disease.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Dental Chews
Research confirms the effectiveness of using
daily dental chews:
- 12–17% reduction in plaque accumulation.
- 20–36% reduction in tartar (calculus) buildup.
- Significant improvement in breath odor.
However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the
chew’s design, hardness, ingredients, and the dog’s individual chewing habits.
Choosing the Right Dental Chew
Selecting the appropriate product is key. Consider the following tips:
- Look for chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which certifies their effectiveness in controlling plaque or tartar.
- Match the chew to your dog’s size and chewing intensity to avoid choking hazards or dental fractures.
- Monitor calorie content to prevent weight gain from excessive treat use.
- Avoid very hard items such as hooves, antlers, or bones, as these can damage teeth.
Recommended Types of Chews
Several product types are commonly recommended:
- Rawhide – Helps reduce plaque with prolonged chewing.
- Nylon chews – Durable and suitable for aggressive chewers.
- Rubber toys – Especially those designed to hold treats and promote gnawing.
- Functional dental treats – Includes enzymatic chews developed specifically for oral health.
Dental Chews vs. Brushing
Even though dental chews help reduce plaque and tartar, tooth brushing remains the
gold standard for dog dental care. Chews are best used as a
complementary strategy.
Ideal oral care regimen:
- Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste.
- Professional veterinary cleanings as recommended.
- Supplemental use of dental chews, ideally 30 minutes per day.
Precautions and Supervision
Always
supervise your dog during chewing to prevent:
- Choking on small pieces.
- Swallowing excessively hard or compressed chews whole.
- Potential gastrointestinal blockages or upset.
Pay extra attention to
calories in edible chews to avoid weight gain, and choose appropriately sized products.
Special Considerations
Small breeds and dogs with crowded teeth are prone to oral disease despite frequent chewing. Factors such as:
- Breed
- Age
- Immune status
- Medical history
can influence the onset and severity of dental issues.
For
puppies, select chews specifically formulated for younger dogs, and verify age recommendations on packaging.
Conclusion
Dental chews are an excellent adjunct to a comprehensive canine dental care plan. When combined with brushing, vet visits, and proper supervision, they can significantly reduce
tartar buildup, freshen breath, and support
long-term oral health. For best results, choose VOHC-approved products that suit your dog’s specific needs and chewing behavior.
