No. It doesn't clean well enough to substitute for brushing. How much less effective is brushing your teeth without toothpaste?
DENTASTIX™ treats are not a replacement for tooth brushing. Daily tooth brushing and regular trips to the vet are important for good oral health.
Sadly, no. While dental chews certainly have many benefits, and are better than doing nothing at all, there's simply no substitute for regular toothbrushing. Dental chews are best used in conjunction with brushing.
Some dog dental chews (such as PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX® DAILY and DENTASTIX® FRESH) are designed to be given to your pooch daily, while others (like DENTASTIX® ADVANCED) can be given on a twice weekly basis for a deeper, more effective tooth clean. They don't just taste good, they do good!
Praise your dog as you brush, then stop after a few strokes. If you discover an area where they don't mind being brushed, try practicing there. Be patient as you brush them and constantly compliment them. If your dog is tolerating you, you can use a treat to reposition them so you can get to more areas.
We all know how important it is for our own dental health to brush our teeth twice a day. But did you know that brushing your dog's teeth is as important for their oral hygiene as it is for our own? While it is ideal to begin when your dog is young, it is never too late to start caring for your dog's teeth.
Not Just A Dental Stick
Vet-approved these tasty Dental Sticks are not only shaped to clean deep between teeth preventing plaque from building up, they're also supplemented with SHMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) which is used by human dentists to prevent tartar formation and staining.
Dentastix claim their unique shape helps keep teeth clean but depending on the dog, the soft chew doesn't do much to naturally rub away at plaque.
Iron Oxide is a known skin and eye irritant that causes lung inflammation. This red food colouring is very cleverly hidden on Dentastix labels as a 'mineral supplement'. In addition to Smoke Flavour, there are now recent concerns about the genotoxicity (cancer) risk posed by Iron Oxide.
Perhaps the best toothbrush for dogs is a regular human toothbrush. Children's toothbrushes or small-headed toothbrushes with soft bristles work well for large and small breed dogs alike. The soft bristles clean canine teeth without causing discomfort. Some dogs even seem to enjoy electric toothbrushes!
Offer the Most Delicious Treats and Ample Praise
The best treats will help encourage your pet to sit tight and tolerate the toothbrushing routine. Some pets even start to enjoy the gum massage and attention, not to mention all the praise, that comes with the daily oral healthcare routines.
For dogs, Lee recommends brushing in a downward direction (and for cats, a horizontal motion is preferred). Ideally, you'll brush their teeth every day.
Brush With a Damp Washcloth or Paper Towel: For those who are unable to find a complimentary toothbrush in a hotel, a washcloth or paper towel is an excellent alternative. To use a washcloth or paper towel as a toothbrush, simply wet a small corner of the rag and apply a dab of toothpaste (if available).
Those who don't brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums.
Just like us, dogs need daily dental care for a healthy mouth. One stick a day helps mop away bacteria before plaque can become tartar. Plus, a daily routine is a great way to bond with your dog. It's best to give dental sticks after a meal - we recommend after breakfast.
Overall, it depends. Dental sticks are a great alternative to trying to brush your pups teeth regularly! However, some come with their downsides, unnatural or unclear ingredients which may be fattening for your pup.
During a follow-up session, dog groomer will use an ultrasonic toothbrush to remove any extra or new plaque or tartar buildup and polish the teeth to prevent further buildup. The overall stage of the teeth and buildup will determine how many follow-up session are needed to fully clean the teeth.
Our Winner: Greenies
Greenies, which are shaped like a toothbrush, are made in four different sizes to meet the needs and the mouths of most dogs from five to a hundred pounds. They also have special formulas for puppies, seniors, and weight management.
Here are the key features and benefits of Pedigree Dentastix Small: Triple Action Formula: Dentastix Small has a scientifically proven triple action formula that helps reduce tartar build-up by up to 80%, cleans hard-to-reach teeth, and supports gum health.
For those dog owners ready to tackle tartar and bad breath right away, here are some quick and easy oral health care tips for dogs: Feed one DENTASTIX® Treat (either Original or new Fresh variety) a day for maximum effectiveness. They taste great and their chewy texture helps clean down to the gum line.
You can improve your dog's oral health by cleaning their teeth either with a brush or just your fingers, using a few drops of coconut oil. Dog teeth cleaning can also be done by including coconut oil in his meals. Coconut oil helps to stop gingivitis and the pain of dreaded periodontitis.
Begin by finding a time when your dog is the most calm and relaxed. If they're a ball of energy in the morning, brush their teeth when they've mellowed out at night. Every time you brush your dog's teeth, you should be brushing them around the same time of day at least three times each week.
Certain foods are more likely to speed up the build-up of plaque on dog teeth compared to other foods. For example, bacteria love carbohydrates from sugar, which means feeding your dog sugary foods could increase the build-up of plaque in their mouth.