Dog Dental Health & Chews – A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean Naturally.
Dental health is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of a dog’s overall wellbeing. Many dogs suffer from plaque build-up, gum disease and bad breath long before owners realise there’s a problem. Left untreated, poor dental health can lead to pain, infections and even serious health issues affecting the heart, liver and kidneys.
The good news is that supporting your dog’s dental health doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right combination of diet, chewing habits and safe dental chews, you can help keep your dog’s teeth cleaner and gums healthier naturally.
This complete guide to dog dental health and chews explains why dental care matters, common dental problems in dogs, how chewing helps clean teeth, and how to choose safe, effective natural dental chews for your dog’s age, size and chewing style.
Why Dental Health Is Important for Dogs
A dog’s mouth plays a crucial role in their overall health. When plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, they don’t just stay in the mouth. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to infections elsewhere in the body.
Good dental hygiene helps:
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Prevent painful gum disease
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Reduce bad breath
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Support healthy eating and chewing
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Lower the risk of infections affecting vital organs
Dental problems are extremely common, particularly in adult and senior dogs, which makes prevention far easier — and kinder — than treatment.
Common Dental Problems in Dogs
Plaque and Tartar Build-Up
Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on your dog’s teeth every day. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed professionally by a vet.
Once tartar forms, it creates a rough surface that attracts even more bacteria, accelerating dental disease.
Gum Disease and Bad Breath
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) occurs when bacteria irritate and infect the gums. Early signs include redness, swelling and bad breath. As the condition progresses, it can cause pain, tooth loss and infections.
Bad breath is often one of the first signs that something isn’t right with your dog’s dental health.
Signs Your Dog May Have Dental Issues
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Persistent bad breath
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Yellow or brown build-up on teeth
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Red, swollen or bleeding gums
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Drooling or pawing at the mouth
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Reluctance to chew or eat hard foods
If you notice these signs, dental care should become a priority.
How Dogs Clean Their Teeth Naturally
The Role of Chewing
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and plays an important role in dental health. When a dog chews, the friction between the chew and the teeth helps scrape away plaque before it hardens into tartar.
The longer a dog chews, the more effective this mechanical cleaning becomes.
Why Diet and Treat Choice Matters
Soft, processed treats tend to stick to teeth and break down quickly, offering little dental benefit. In contrast, tougher natural chews encourage prolonged chewing and provide far greater dental support.
Texture matters more than marketing claims when it comes to dental effectiveness.
Are Dental Chews Effective for Dogs?
How Dental Chews Work
Dental chews work by:
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Scraping plaque from the teeth as the dog chews
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Massaging the gums
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Encouraging saliva production, which helps neutralise bacteria
Chews that last longer generally provide better results than treats that are swallowed quickly.
Dental Chews vs Brushing
Brushing is the gold standard for dog dental care, but many dogs won’t tolerate it. Dental chews are a practical alternative that can significantly improve dental hygiene when brushing isn’t possible.
While chews can’t replace professional dental care entirely, they play a valuable role in ongoing maintenance.
Natural Dental Chews vs Traditional Dental Sticks
Problems With Many Commercial Dental Sticks
Many mass-market dental sticks contain:
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Added sugars
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Artificial flavourings
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Fillers and starches
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Short-lasting textures
These may freshen breath temporarily but often provide limited long-term dental benefits.
Benefits of Natural Dental Chews
Natural dental chews offer several advantages:
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Longer chewing time
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Simple, recognisable ingredients
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Better digestibility
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Reduced choking risk when chosen correctly
They support dental health through natural chewing rather than chemical additives.
Best Natural Chews for Dog Dental Health
Collagen Chews and Dental Benefits
Collagen chews are popular for dental health because they are:
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Firm but flexible
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Less brittle than bones
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Gentle on gums
They help reduce plaque while also supporting joint, skin and coat health.
Long-Lasting Natural Chews
Chews such as Beef Tails, Tendons and Yak Chews encourage prolonged chewing, making them effective for dental cleaning. These chews help satisfy natural chewing instincts while supporting oral hygiene.
Chews to Avoid for Dental Safety
Avoid:
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Rawhide (poor digestibility and choking risk)
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Extremely hard weight-bearing bones
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Chews that splinter easily
Safety should always come before durability.
Choosing the Right Dental Chew for Your Dog
By Dog Size and Chewing Style
Always choose a chew that matches your dog’s size and strength. Power chewers need tougher options, while gentle chewers benefit from slightly softer textures.
Puppies vs Adult Dogs
Puppies have developing teeth and gums, so dental chews should be:
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Softer
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Appropriately sized
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Introduced gradually
Many puppies can enjoy gentle dental chews from around 12–16 weeks, depending on the product.
Senior Dogs and Dental Sensitivity
Senior dogs may have sensitive teeth or existing dental issues. Softer collagen chews or shorter chew sessions can provide benefits without discomfort.
How Often Should Dogs Have Dental Chews?
Frequency Guidelines
For most dogs:
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Small dogs: short daily chew sessions
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Medium dogs: daily or every other day
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Large dogs: regular chewing with calorie awareness
Dental chews should make up part of a balanced routine, not replace meals.
Safety Tips for Chewing
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Always supervise chewing
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Remove chews when they become small enough to swallow
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Provide fresh water
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Choose the correct size every time
Can Dental Chews Replace Vet Dental Care?
What Dental Chews Can Help With
Dental chews are excellent for:
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Reducing plaque build-up
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Maintaining gum health
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Supporting fresh breath
When to See a Vet
If your dog shows signs of pain, bleeding gums, loose teeth or severe bad breath, veterinary care is essential. Chews are preventative, not curative.
FAQs About Dog Dental Health & Chews
Do dental chews really clean dog teeth?
Yes — especially long-lasting natural chews that encourage extended chewing and mechanical plaque removal.
Are natural chews safe for everyday use?
High-quality natural chews are safe when chosen correctly and fed under supervision.
What’s the safest alternative to brushing a dog’s teeth?
Natural dental chews are one of the most effective alternatives when brushing isn’t possible.
Can puppies use dental chews?
Many puppies can safely enjoy age-appropriate dental chews from around 12–16 weeks.
Related Dog Advice Guides
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Puppy Treats & Chews Guide
Shop Dental Chews & Natural Dog Chews at PetBuddy
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And help keep your dog’s teeth clean, healthy and pain-free — naturally.