Tips on keeping your dog’s teeth free from tartar

Dog tartar removal and prevention

Dental disease in dogs is primarily caused by food particles and bacteria building up at the base of the teeth near the gum line, causing the formation of plaque. If this plaque is 
not removed, minerals in the dog’s saliva combine with the plaque to form tartar, which strongly adheres to the surface of the tooth and becomes increasingly difficult to remove. Tartar irritates the gums and causes further inflammation and infection. By limiting plaque as it forms, tartar development is greatly diminished.

Limiting tartar development

Feed your dog a vet-approved dental diet that slows tartar by mechanical or chemical means. Due to its abrasive action, kibble tends to deter the build-up of tartar but feeding dry food alone is not sufficient, as it does not clean your dog’s teeth at the gum line. Raw meaty foods will help as raw meat contains natural enzymes that get rid of tartar and do not stick to the teeth. Canned food and dry feed soaked and fed as a mash tend to stick to teeth and can exacerbate the build-up of tartar.

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Yes – you should brush your dog’s teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth at least twice weekly is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Do not use human toothpaste as it can cause stomach upsets. Start by putting the paste on your finger to clean your dog’s teeth and gradually introduce a toothbrush as your dog becomes accustomed to the sensation.

Oral rinses and chews can help

You can also purchase canine “oral rinses” that you add to drinking water. These help prevent plaque by reducing the bacterial count in the mouth, often resulting in improved breath.

Offer your dog chews that are specifically designed to help reduce or remove mild tartar accumulation. Never let dogs chew on bones, dried horse hoof, antlers or nylon toys as these may fracture a tooth.

Tartar on a dog’s teeth

Canine scaling and polishing

If your dog’s breath smells it indicates bacterial infection, which can be quite debilitating and painful.

In this case, take your dog to the vet to have his teeth checked and deep-seated tartar removed. Professional scaling and polishing does the best job and many older dogs flourish after this has been done, especially if the odd infected tooth is also removed.