Think your dog’s teeth are fine because it loves dental chews? By age three, most dogs already have some dental disease, which can lead to infection, tooth loss, and even heart and kidney problems.
Chews: a quick fix with limits
Chewing removes a small amount of soft plaque on the tooth surface and freshens breath, but it doesn’t reach deep along the gum line, where bacteria do the real damage.
Brushing: the real powerhouse
Brushing scrubs off sticky plaque before it hardens into tartar. Once tartar forms, no chew can remove it; only a vet can, usually under anesthesia.
“My dog hates brushing”
- Let your dog lick dog-safe toothpaste off your finger.
- Gently rub teeth and gums with your finger.
- Introduce a brush, with a treat afterward.
Most dogs learn to accept it with a slow, gentle start.
Chews still have a place
Alongside brushing, chews help reduce soft buildup and keep dogs busy. Choose ones approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC); otherwise you may just be buying an expensive snack.
The bottom line
Brushing wins every time. Chews are a bonus, not your only defense, and a few minutes a day can save painful infections and big vet bills.
