There are hundreds of dental products available for dogs and cats. Dental treats, special diets, water additives, toothbrushes and toothpastes.
But which ones actually work, and which ones are worth spending money on?
At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, this is a question we are asked regularly.
Do Dental Treats Actually Work?
Yes, some do. But not all dental treats are equally effective.
Dental treats work mainly by mechanically rubbing against the teeth as your pet chews. Some also contain ingredients that help reduce plaque or tartar formation.
Studies of particular dental products have demonstrated meaningful reductions in plaque and tartar, sometimes around 20–40%, but results vary considerably between products.
The important point is that dental treats help slow down the accumulation of dental disease. They do not remove established tartar or treat disease underneath the gums.
I recommend looking for products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which means there is evidence supporting their plaque or tartar control claims.
Do Water Additives Help?
They can help, but I consider them a secondary measure.
Some veterinary dental water additives have demonstrated benefits in reducing plaque or tartar.
However, they do not physically clean the teeth, and their effectiveness varies between products.
They may be useful for dogs or cats that won’t tolerate brushing, particularly when combined with other dental care.
I would not rely on water additives alone to maintain a healthy mouth.
Does Brushing Really Help?
Absolutely. Brushing is the most effective home dental care you can provide.
Plaque is a soft layer of bacteria that forms continuously on the teeth. Brushing physically removes it before it mineralises into hard tartar.
Ideally, teeth should be brushed every day using a pet-safe toothpaste.
Brushing a few times a week is better than nothing, but daily brushing gives the best results.
Once tartar has hardened onto the teeth, brushing will not remove it. A professional dental cleaning is required.
What About Dental Diets?
Some specially formulated dental diets can also reduce plaque and tartar accumulation.
They use particular kibble structures or ingredients to help clean the teeth as the animal chews.
These can be especially useful for pets that don’t tolerate brushing, although their effectiveness depends on the specific diet.
What Is Actually Worth Your Money?
If I had to prioritise dental care for my own dog or cat, this would be my order:
- Daily toothbrushing: The best home-care investment, provided your pet tolerates it.
- Regular veterinary dental examinations: To identify problems early, particularly disease hidden beneath the gums.
- Professional dental treatment when needed: The only way to properly remove established tartar above and below the gum line and treat existing disease.
- VOHC-approved dental treats or diets: Worth considering to help slow plaque and tartar accumulation.
- Water additives: A useful extra, but not my first choice if the budget is limited.
Avoid extremely hard dental chews, bones and antlers, as these can fracture teeth.
Can Good Dental Care Prevent Every Dental Problem?
Unfortunately, no.
As we have discussed in our other dental articles, genetics and breed play a major role in dental disease.
Some dogs have beautiful teeth at 10 years old despite very little dental care. Others develop significant dental disease at two or three years of age.
Cats can also develop painful tooth resorption, which brushing and dental treats cannot reliably prevent.
Good dental care helps, but it cannot overcome every underlying problem.
Our Advice at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital
If you are going to spend money on one thing for your pet’s teeth, start with a toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste.
If brushing isn’t possible, choose a dental treat or diet with good evidence behind it rather than simply buying something advertised as a dental product.
And remember, clean-looking teeth don’t always mean a healthy mouth.
At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, our goal is not just to reduce tartar. It is to make sure your dog or cat has a healthy, pain-free mouth.