Oral health is critical in dogs. If left untreated, it can cause significant problems and pain in your dog’s mouth. It can also negatively impact other parts of your dog’s body, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart.
Dental disease, and more specifically periodontal disease, is one of the most common health issues in veterinary medicine today.
Periodontal disease is when tartar and plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth, resulting in inflammation. This inflammation can affect not only the teeth but also the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease in dogs.
However, while studies have shown that 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 have some degree of dental or periodontal disease, many dogs will not show any signs of oral pain until it is severe. It is, therefore, imperative that dental issues are diagnosed and addressed by your veterinarian as soon as signs are observed to prevent serious pain, infection, and tooth loss.
What is Plaque on Dog Teeth?
Plaque is a clear coating or film that is difficult to see and forms on your dog’s teeth in the same manner as it does on human teeth. Within just a few hours of eating a meal, bacteria from your dog’s mouth mix with food particles and their saliva to form the sticky plaque layer.
If the plaque is not regularly removed, it will begin to harden within 24 hours and mineralize, or become tartar, within just a few days. Tartar can develop above and below the gumline and eventually causes periodontal disease.
What is Tartar on dog teeth?
Tartar, also known as calculus, is the result of plaque that is not removed via brushing or other mechanical means. Within 24-48 hours, the plaque combines with salts present in your dog’s saliva and hardens into a yellow or brown-colored substance–tartar–that remains firmly adhered to the surface of the teeth and cannot be removed except via a professional dental cleaning.
Because tartar forms above and below the gumline, it can damage your dog’s teeth and gums in two ways. First, tartar is rough and provides an ideal surface for bacteria to grow and multiply in your dog’s mouth. This bacterial buildup leads to gingivitis or inflammation of the gum tissue. As the tartar continues to accumulate along the gumline, it “pushes” the gums away from the roots of the teeth and progresses to periodontal disease. If left untreated, the affected gum tissue continues to recede and your dog will experience tooth loss and increasing pain and discomfort.
Secondly, the bacteria that multiply on the surface of the tartar can be absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream and cause potentially life-threatening infections and decreased function in various vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Dog Plaque vs. Tartar: Key Differences
The following chart can help you identify the differences between plaque and tartar when examining your dog’s oral cavity (mouth).
| Plaque | Tartar | |
| Appearance | Plaque is a clear, sticky film on the surface of the teeth. | Tartar is a yellow or brown-colored, rough, mineralized substance that remains adhered to the surface of the teeth. |
| Formation | Plaque forms quickly–within a few hours after your dog eats a meal when bacteria in their mouth mixes with saliva and food particles. | Tartar forms when plaque is not regularly removed and begins to harden and accumulate within a few days. Tartar will continue to accumulate above and below the gumline. |
| Impact on Health | Plaque is easily removed with regular, daily brushing and other at-home dental care routines. | Once mineralized, tartar remains adhered to the surface of the teeth and can only be removed via a professional dental cleaning by your veterinarian. |
| Risk of Progression | If not regularly removed, plaque WILL become tartar. | If left untreated, tartar will result in gum recession, tooth loss, pain, and possible damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. |
Because dental diseases in dogs can include a wide range of issues and our canine companions often don’t communicate their pain, it is always best to consult your veterinarian if you observe any signs of oral pain or discomfort.
How to Remove Plaque from Dog Teeth
As stated previously, plaque can be easily removed by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly to remove the plaque before it hardens and becomes tartar. Brushing once daily is ideal, especially if your dog is a breed that is predisposed to dental disease or has had dental issues in the past.
As with any new experience, it is important to acclimate your dog slowly to having their teeth brushed and do so with plenty of patience and positive reinforcement. The following steps will make the experience much more enjoyable for both you and your pup:
1. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste
While a human toothbrush can be used on large dogs, the design of dog-specific toothbrushes or fingerbrushes may make it easier to brush the teeth of smaller dogs. It is important, however, to use dog-specific toothpaste because several ingredients in human toothpaste (i.e. fluoride, xylitol, etc.) can be harmful to dogs if swallowed. Dog toothpaste is also generally flavored to suit a dog’s taste buds, especially if they are very food-motivated.
2. Acclimate your dog to the idea of having their teeth brushed
First, ensure that your dog is comfortable with having their lips and mouth touched. Then, begin by rubbing your finger along their gums and teeth.
3. Introduce the toothpaste
Apply a small amount of dog-specific toothpaste to your finger and repeat the process of rubbing your finger along their gums and teeth.
4. Introduce the toothbrush
Touch the bristles of the toothbrush to your dog’s gums without toothpaste or any brushing motion. When comfortable with this, add a small amount of toothpaste and gradually increase the amount of time spent brushing the outer surface of your dog’s teeth.
5. Brush their teeth daily and reward after each session
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth for 30 seconds per side ONCE DAILY. Brushing is one of the BEST things you as an owner can do to help prevent dental disease in your beloved companion. Contrary to popular belief, brushing your dog’s teeth once monthly or when they go to the groomer does little, if anything, to improve their oral health.
Other at-home dental care options include:
- Dental (chew) toys: Dental chew toys help control tartar buildup by physically removing the tartar as your dog chews on them.
- Dental diets: Prescription dental diets are a great option for those dogs that refuse to cooperate for teeth brushing and are prone to periodontal disease. When your dog chews the kibble, it physically scrapes the plaque and tartar off of their teeth. These dental diets also contain ingredients that aid in killing plaque-forming bacteria. These diets do require a prescription from your veterinarian.
If you can brush your dog’s teeth consistently, in addition to other types of at-home dental care, you WILL help prevent tartar buildup and the painful effects of periodontal disease.
How to Remove Tartar from Dog Teeth
Dental tartar, or calculus, is much more difficult to remove and cannot be removed by brushing alone because it is the mineralized version of plaque that remains tightly adhered to the surface of your dog’s teeth. Because of these characteristics, tartar can only be removed via a professional dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian.
Because the majority of dogs have some degree of dental or periodontal disease by the age of 3, it is recommended by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) that yearly professional dental cleanings be scheduled for small-breed dogs starting at age 1 and age 3 for large-breed dogs.
Dental Cleanings
General anesthesia is required for effective dental cleanings in pets. While your dog is under general anesthesia, dental X-rays of your dog’s teeth will be performed, and any missing, fractured, or loose teeth will be recorded. The plaque and tartar will be removed from the surface of the teeth, as well as any below the gum line, using a hard metal object, i.e. a scaler. Any additional treatments, such as loose or fractured teeth extractions, will also be performed and the remaining teeth will be polished, just as in humans.
Tooth Brushing
Consistent, daily brushing of your dog’s teeth is the BEST way to prevent tartar buildup and the progression of periodontal disease. If you would like to implement some additional at-home dental care products such as dental gels or sprays to aid in reducing tartar buildup, I would recommend that you only use products that have the VOHC seal of approval.
Unfortunately, there are no effective “natural” ways to remove tartar from your dog’s teeth at home. And remember, just as in humans, even if you brush your dog’s teeth every single day AND utilize additional at-home dental care consistently, you still need to schedule regular professional dental cleanings for your pet because tartar WILL build up over time. By doing so, you will prevent the discomfort, pain, and possible life-threatening infections as a result of progressive periodontal disease.
Dog Plaque and Tartar Prevention Tips
Consistency in your at-home dental care routine is the key to preventing plaque and tartar buildup as well as preventing the progression of periodontal disease.
The three main keys to success in the prevention of plaque and tartar are:
- Brushing or wiping your dog’s teeth DAILY using a dog-specific toothpaste. This remains one of the most effective ways to remove plaque before it hardens and turns into tartar. If your dog does not allow you to brush their teeth, consider giving them a daily dental chew toy that will help to reduce plaque and tartar buildup between professional dental cleanings.
- Provide your canine companion with the appropriate dog chew toys specifically designed to reduce tartar buildup. Ideally, these should have the VOHC seal of approval. Some vegetables, such as carrots and berries, have a significant cleaning effect on your pet’s teeth.
- Regardless of the degree of consistency of your dog’s at-home dental care regimen, it is still strongly recommended that your dog have a professional dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian every 6-12 months, depending on the breed of dog. Regular dental exams and cleanings are just as important in dogs as in humans.
By consistently implementing the above oral care components, your furry friend will be spared the pain and irreversible damage (gum recession and tooth loss) that results from untreated periodontal disease.
Signs Your Dog Needs Dental Care
Dental issues are among dogs’ most common health issues and can negatively impact a dog’s health and quality of life if not addressed promptly.
Some common signs that indicate that your dog may require immediate dental care are as follows:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Discoloration of teeth due to visible yellow or brown tartar buildup
- Red (inflamed) or bleeding gums, OR blood spots on toys or bedding
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Decreased appetite or reluctance to eat hard food (kibble)
- Localized areas of swelling on the face due to abscess formation (typically below the eyes)
- Reduced activity or playfulness
- Painful (whine, growl, or attempt to bite) when attempting to touch face or examine mouth
If you notice ANY of the above signs in your dog, it is strongly recommended that you schedule a dental exam with your veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid serious complications.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve discussed, dental disease, and more specifically periodontal disease, is one of the most common health issues in veterinary medicine today. Because the majority of our canine companions do not show obvious signs of oral discomfort or pain, owners need to understand what to look for regarding signs of dental disease and when to consult their veterinarian.
When examining your dog’s mouth, for example, it is important to be able to distinguish between plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth. Remember that plaque is a clear, sticky film that forms almost immediately after a meal and is easily removed via daily brushing. In contrast, tartar is the yellow-brown result of plaque that was not removed regularly and proceeds to harden on the surface of the teeth, providing an ideal surface for bacteria to grow and periodontal disease to progress. Unfortunately, once tartar forms, it must be removed via a professional dental cleaning that is performed by your regular veterinarian.
Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you begin good oral care habits when your dog is a puppy. It will be much easier for you to establish a consistent at-home dental care routine for your pet when they are young. Daily brushing is going to be the most important factor for plaque removal and prevention of tartar buildup. In addition, age and breed-appropriate dental chew toys, water additives, etc. can be utilized to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Regardless, just as in humans, it is still recommended to have your dog’s teeth examined and professionally cleaned by your veterinarian every 6-12 months, depending on the breed of dog. By doing so, you can ensure that your canine companion will live a longer, healthier, and pain-free life.
FAQs
What is the best way to remove plaque from dog teeth?
Daily brushing using a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush is the most effective way to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth before it hardens and forms tartar.
Can I remove tartar from my dog’s teeth at home?
No. Unfortunately, once the plaque hardens and becomes tartar that remains adhered to the surface of your dog’s teeth, it must be removed via a professional dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian, who will use special metal tools to remove the mineralized tartar.
Certain dental chew toys can help PREVENT plaque and tartar buildup and should be used regularly as part of your pet’s at-home dental care routine. However, professional dental cleanings should still be performed every 6-12 months depending upon the breed of dog and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Daily brushing will be the most effective way to remove plaque regularly and prevent tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. You should start brushing your dog’s teeth when they are young puppies so it will become a normal part of their daily routine.
If your dog does not allow you to brush their teeth, it is recommended to implement alternative at-home dental care, including dental diets and dental chew toys. Always look for the VOHC seal of approval when considering which specific at-home dental care products to use.
Is chewing effective for plaque removal?
Yes, chewing CAN loosen plaque from the surface of your dog’s teeth. Consistently feeding a prescription dental diet can also clean the surface of your dog’s teeth. In addition, many of the dental chew toys and dental diets form a protective barrier on the surface of your dog’s teeth or contain ingredients to kill the bacteria that lead to plaque and tartar formation.
How can I tell if my dog has tartar buildup?
Practice regularly examining your dog’s mouth, especially when brushing their teeth. Tartar will appear as a yellow-brown, hard, rough buildup that will be visible along your dog’s gumline. If left untreated, this buildup will progress to significant periodontal disease, gum inflammation, and loose teeth.
Secondly, tartar CANNOT be removed via brushing alone. Regular professional dental cleanings should be scheduled every 6-12 months depending upon the breed of your dog and your veterinarian’s specific recommendations.
Finally, it is important to remember that the majority of dogs by the age of three will have some degree of dental disease, so the earlier you can establish a consistent at-home dental care routine, the better.
Sources
https://oravet.com/dog-plaque-vs-tartar
https://www.thesprucepets.com/dental-care-for-your-dog-1117857
https://www.thesprucepets.com/common-dog-teeth-problems-4706528
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-dental-care-6-ways-keep-dogs-mouth-clean
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-to-brush-puppy-teeth
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/mouth/dental-issues-dogs
