What Are Dental Health Treats?
A Look at Periodontal Disease
By Debra Primovic, DVM
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common conditions in dogs that causes discomfort and pain. The role of the gums is to hold the teeth in position. Without the gums, there would be, or are, big problems! While dental health treats can play a role in canine oral health, there are some things you should know before giving them to your dog.
First things first. Let’s look at the sequence of how dogs get periodontal disease in the first place:
- The dog’s teeth are not brushed or “flossed” on a regular basis. (Even if the teeth are brushed, plaque can accumulate quickly in as little as 5 to 12 hours.)
- Plaque, a colorless or pale yellow sticky film which contains bacteria, builds up on the teeth and around the gums.
- Acids produced by the bacteria begin to cause inflammation.
- The plaque turns to tartar (hard irregularly shaped calcified deposits).
- The rough surface of the tartar perpetuates the attachment of more plaque and tartar accumulation.
- The buildup causes additional gum irritation and inflammation revealing gums that are red, swollen and sore.
- A secondary infection develops which damages soft tissue and the bone around the teeth causing the tooth to loosen.
- Halitosis (bad breath) develops along with continued inflammation revealing symptoms that include progressively swollen gums, bleeding of the gums, loosening teeth, continued pain and trouble eating.
- Eventually the teeth become loose and may fall out.
- This sequence can lead to health problems throughout the body.
The key to preventing gum disease is daily brushing. Once the disease is advanced, the only effective treatment is professional cleaning provided by your veterinarian, referred to as a dental prophylaxis.
The Truth About Dental Treats
Dental health treats are treats designed to promote canine oral health. The benefits include improving bad breath, preventing plaque and tarter buildup, and overall promoting good gum health.
The bottom line though is this: If your dog already has significant dental disease such as red inflamed gums, large accumulations of tartar, and/or loose and painful teeth, these treats are likely to be of little benefit.
On the other hand, if your dog is young, has good teeth with minimal gum abnormalities, or has recently had a professional dental cleaning, then these treats can help promote oral health by preventing plaque and tartar.
How Are Treats Evaluated for Effectiveness?
One problem with this class of treats is that many treats suggest they have benefits without any proof of the benefits. To address this issue, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has created standards for effectiveness of veterinary oral health products. When products meet these standards, they are authorized to use the VOHC Registered Seal. Therefore, products with the seal have at least met those standards and been approved to use the seal.
VOHC recognizes several types of products that may improve oral health including:
- Dental diets (Example: Prescription Diet® Canine t/d)
- Rawhide chews (Example: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chews™ Treats)
- Edible chew treats (Example: OraVet® Dental Hygiene Chews for Dogs)
- Dental water additive, oral gel, oral spray, toothpaste, or powder that can be added to food (Example: ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder)
- Toothbrushes and wipes (Example: pet:ESSENTIAL™ HealthyMouth® Gel and Brush Combination)
- Professional sealants (Sanos® Dental Sealant)
To Consider When Buying Dental Treats
Dental health treats come in rawhide chews and edible chew treats.
- Benefits: Both types can be effective for tartar only, plaque only, or both tartar and plaque. Consider getting the most out of the treat with one effective for both tartar and plaque.
- Safety and Size: Most treats are produced for a specific size dog, which is most often based on weight. Make sure you get the correct size that is best for your dog. Too big or too small of a treat can cause a dog to choke. It is recommended that all treats are given while your dog is supervised.
- Ingredients: Some dogs have food sensitives or allergies such as to chicken or beef. If your dog has a food-related issue, read the ingredient label carefully to determine if there is something in it that your dog can’t eat.
- VOHC Seal: Look for products with the VOHC Registered Seal. This means the product has met the standards for effectiveness by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
- Price: Buying in bulk can help save money and some products have a rebate when purchased through your veterinarian.
Use dental treats as directed by the manufacturer. Many recommend using them daily. Because most are very palatable, they truly are a treat for your dog!
Final Thoughts on Dental Health Treats
No dental treat can replace proper dental care. Daily brushing is ideal but can be difficult for many dog owners, making dental health treats a good option. Use the treat as recommended and buy the appropriate size for your dog. Check your dog's gums weekly for advanced signs of redness, swelling and pain.
Let your veterinarian know if you have any concerns about your dog’s dental health and to ask about the products she recommends. Even the best dental health treats do not take the place of professional cleaning. The best approach is often the professional cleaning your vet can provide along with quality dental treats that help minimize gum disease.
- 10 Hours of Research
- 15 Products Reviewed
- 3 Top Picks
Our Top 3 Dental Health Treats for Dogs
While no treat can replace proper dental care, dental health treats are designed to support canine oral hygiene. Here are some brands we recommend to help better care for your dog's dental health.
Our experts independently review and recommend the best products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen products and links.
OraVet Dental Care Hygiene Chews for Dogs
This once-a-day, dual-action dental chew discourages plaque and tartar in two ways. First, your dog’s chewing action works to loosen and dislodge existing plaque. Second, delmopinol, a key ingredient in each chew, forms a barrier on teeth to help protect against the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.
- Clinically shown to prevent plaque and tartar build-up
- Great taste and easily digestible.
- Four different sizes to choose from.
- 30 count. Save an additional 5% with autoship.
This once-a-day, dual-action dental chew discourages plaque and tartar in two ways. First, your dog’s chewing action works to loosen and dislodge existing plaque. Second, delmopinol, a key ingredient in each chew, forms a barrier on teeth to help protect against the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.
- Clinically shown to prevent plaque and tartar build-up
- Great taste and easily digestible.
- Four different sizes to choose from.
- 30 count. Save an additional 5% with autoship.
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Your Price
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ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement supports normal healthy teeth, gums and breath odor with 100% specially selected North Atlantic seaweed.
- Helps treat bad breath, tartar and plaque.
- Results can be seen as soon as 3-8 weeks.
- Easy to use: simply sprinkle over dry or wet food.
- Dental bone treats available also.
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement supports normal healthy teeth, gums and breath odor with 100% specially selected North Atlantic seaweed.
- Helps treat bad breath, tartar and plaque.
- Results can be seen as soon as 3-8 weeks.
- Easy to use: simply sprinkle over dry or wet food.
- Dental bone treats available also.
List Price
Your Price
You Save
True Acre Foods All-Natural Dental Chew Sticks
Made with an all-natural chicken flavor, this two-in-one treat helps clean dogs’ teeth and freshen breath, all while satisfying the canine instinct to chew.
- Unique six-point shape helps scrub tartar and fight plaque.
- Chewy texture that helps clean satisfy your dog’s need to chew.
- 32 count. Save 5% with autoship.
Made with an all-natural chicken flavor, this two-in-one treat helps clean dogs’ teeth and freshen breath, all while satisfying the canine instinct to chew.
- Unique six-point shape helps scrub tartar and fight plaque.
- Chewy texture that helps clean satisfy your dog’s need to chew.
- 32 count. Save 5% with autoship.
List Price
Your Price
You Save
OraVet Dental Care Hygiene Chews for Dogs
This once-a-day, dual-action dental chew discourages plaque and tartar in two ways. First, your dog’s chewing action works to loosen and dislodge existing plaque. Second, delmopinol, a key ingredient in each chew, forms a barrier on teeth to help protect against the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.
- Clinically shown to prevent plaque and tartar build-up
- Great taste and easily digestible.
- Four different sizes to choose from.
- 30 count. Save an additional 5% with autoship.
This once-a-day, dual-action dental chew discourages plaque and tartar in two ways. First, your dog’s chewing action works to loosen and dislodge existing plaque. Second, delmopinol, a key ingredient in each chew, forms a barrier on teeth to help protect against the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.
- Clinically shown to prevent plaque and tartar build-up
- Great taste and easily digestible.
- Four different sizes to choose from.
- 30 count. Save an additional 5% with autoship.
List Price
Your Price
You Save
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement supports normal healthy teeth, gums and breath odor with 100% specially selected North Atlantic seaweed.
- Helps treat bad breath, tartar and plaque.
- Results can be seen as soon as 3-8 weeks.
- Easy to use: simply sprinkle over dry or wet food.
- Dental bone treats available also.
ProDen PlaqueOff Powder Dog & Cat Supplement supports normal healthy teeth, gums and breath odor with 100% specially selected North Atlantic seaweed.
- Helps treat bad breath, tartar and plaque.
- Results can be seen as soon as 3-8 weeks.
- Easy to use: simply sprinkle over dry or wet food.
- Dental bone treats available also.
List Price
Your Price
You Save
True Acre Foods All-Natural Dental Chew Sticks
Made with an all-natural chicken flavor, this two-in-one treat helps clean dogs’ teeth and freshen breath, all while satisfying the canine instinct to chew.
- Unique six-point shape helps scrub tartar and fight plaque.
- Chewy texture that helps clean satisfy your dog’s need to chew.
- 32 count. Save 5% with autoship.
Made with an all-natural chicken flavor, this two-in-one treat helps clean dogs’ teeth and freshen breath, all while satisfying the canine instinct to chew.
- Unique six-point shape helps scrub tartar and fight plaque.
- Chewy texture that helps clean satisfy your dog’s need to chew.
- 32 count. Save 5% with autoship.
List Price
Your Price
You Save