Every morning and night, you brush your teeth to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. Oral health is, after all, a big part of your overall health.
For your canine family member, the same is true. Poor oral health can negatively impact your dog’s overall well-being. However, only 2% of pet parents brush their dog’s teeth. Over the years, this can lead to dental disease and even the loss of teeth.
To help contribute to good oral health, some pet parents turn to dental chews. But do dental chews really work for dogs? And if so, how do dental chews work?
In this article, we’ll uncover the science behind how dental chews work and talk about brushing your dog’s teeth vs. dental chews. With this knowledge, you can take the best possible care of your dog’s teeth.
Do Dog Dental Chews Work?
As a pet parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your dog as healthy as possible. As you explore options for caring for your dog’s oral health, you might wonder if dog dental chews work for dogs and if dog dental chews are effective in reducing plaque and tartar.
The good news is that a simple dog dental chew a day can do wonders for your dog’s oral health. Giving your dog a daily dental chew can help reduce plaque, tartar, and bad breath.
However, just like any dog product on the market, the quality of the dog dental chew will dictate a lot about how effective the chew is. When shopping for a dog dental chew, you’ll want to look for a chew with a formula that is scientifically proven to contribute to dental health. To understand how to pick the best dog dental chew, let’s look at how these chews work.
How Do Dog Dental Chews Work?
Dog dental chews are designed to help remove plaque and tartar for dogs by scrubbing the tooth. As your dog chews on the chew, the design of the chew will help to reduce unwanted plaque and tartar.
For example, WHIMZEES® dental chews work a lot like a toothbrush. Every chew helps clean hard-to-reach places in your dog’s mouth, similar to the concept of a toothbrush’s bristles.
The development and design of dental chews for dogs have been based on scientific research conducted on the oral health needs of dogs. Studies have shown that the regular use of dental chews can provide a significant reduction in plage and tartar buildup, as well as support gum health and fresher breath. This, in turn, can decrease the risk of periodontal disease. Just like us humans who brush our teeth daily, to be effective, dental dog chews should be given daily rather than as an occasional chew.
Can Dental Chews Replace Brushing?
For many pet parents, the task of brushing their dog’s teeth is a difficult one. Not all dogs appreciate the experience, which might have you wondering, can dental chews replace brushing?
Ultimately, every dog’s teeth will be different. The best way to care for your dog’s teeth is a combination of dental chews, tooth brushing, and annual vet checkups. While it is ideal to both provide dental chews and brush your dog’s teeth, dental chews alone can help significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a daily basis.
Dental chews can be particularly helpful for pet parents who have a dog that dislikes brushing or makes daily brushing a challenge. Additionally, these chews can help contribute to fresh breath and healthy gums.
Remember, along with your at-home daily care, you should always schedule an annual dental checkup for your dog. Your veterinarian can help you monitor the health of your dog’s teeth and gums and work with you to create the right plan for your pup.
Contribute to Your Dog’s Whole Health
Taking care of your dog’s oral health is an important part of contributing to a healthy pup. One small step you can take today to help reduce the risk of periodontal disease in your dog is to start giving your canine family member a daily dental chew.
The good news is that dogs love our dental chews. Available in fun shapes and a variety of sizes, you can find the right daily dental chew for your dog. Here’s to healthy teeth and fresh breath!