Dental care in your dog and the usefulness of dental sticks

Dental disease is the most common health problem diagnosed in dogs by veterinarians, affecting an estimated 80% of dogs over three years old. [1] Most owners brush their own teeth twice a day without thinking about it. Dental care for dogs gets overlooked partly because the consequences develop slowly and stay hidden until they're severe. By the time bad breath is noticeable, plaque has usually already mineralised into tartar and the gum tissue is likely already irritated.

How plaque and tartar develop

Within hours of eating, a thin layer of bacteria begins to form on tooth surfaces. This biofilm, plaque, is invisible to the naked eye and sits at the gumline. Left undisturbed, it starts to mineralise, typically within three to five days, hardening into tartar (calculus). [1] Tartar cannot be removed by brushing once it has formed; it needs to be scaled off by a veterinarian, usually under anaesthesia.

Tartar accumulation leads to gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums), and if untreated, to periodontitis: irreversible bone and soft tissue loss around the tooth root. Bacteria from periodontal infections can enter the bloodstream and have been associated with changes in cardiac and kidney tissue in some studies. [1]

Signs that something is wrong

Early dental disease is largely invisible. By the time owners notice symptoms, the disease has typically progressed. Look out for:

• Bad breath that persists beyond normal post-meal breath
• Visible yellow or brown deposits on the teeth, particularly near the gumline
• Red or swollen gums
• Pawing at the mouth, chewing on one side only, or dropping food
• Reluctance to eat hard kibble when the dog previously had no issues

Dental pain in dogs is often underestimated. They rarely show obvious distress even when it's significant, so visible symptoms tend to mean the problem is already advanced. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a vet check promptly.

Brushing: the most effective daily prevention

Daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the single most effective way to control plaque before it mineralises. [1] It's more effective than dental chews or water additives used alone. Frequency matters more than technique; even 30 seconds of brushing on each side helps if done daily.

Starting puppies with brushing early makes acceptance considerably easier. Adult dogs can learn too, but the process takes more patience. Build up gradually: let the dog lick the toothpaste first, then introduce a finger brush, then a proper toothbrush over two to four weeks.

Why dry food is better for dental health than wet food

Dry kibble provides more abrasive contact with tooth surfaces than wet food does. Some studies show dogs eating exclusively dry food have marginally less tartar accumulation over time. [2] It's not a dramatic difference and it does not replace brushing, but if you're deciding between wet and dry as the main diet, dental health is a minor point in favour of dry kibble.

Dental chews: a useful daily addition

Dental chews that carry a VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal have been independently tested and shown to reduce plaque or tartar formation by at least 10% compared to a control. [1] Some achieve reductions of 20 to 30%. The mechanism is mechanical: sustained chewing creates friction on tooth surfaces, disrupting plaque biofilm before it can mineralise.

Daily use after a meal is the most effective approach. Giving a dental stick after breakfast lets it act on fresh plaque before it has time to develop. IMBY's plant-based dental sticks are low in calories and free from animal proteins, making them suitable for dogs on elimination diets for food sensitivities.

Water additives and oral sprays

Water additives and oral sprays that contain antiplaque agents (such as chlorhexidine) can supplement brushing when a dog won't tolerate a toothbrush. They're less effective used alone but better than nothing. Dental diets, prescription kibble with specific abrasive textures and chemical agents, are another option for dogs with persistent tartar problems. Ask your vet whether these are worth considering alongside a daily dental chew.