It’s a common trope that dogs have bad breath. How many times have you seen a dog as the butt of a joke in this way?
But the truth is that bad breath isn’t funny at all, not in real life. Bad breath can mean lots of undesirable things, but the most common cause is dirty, decaying teeth.
Just as in humans, bad dog teeth lead to bad dog health. Gingivitis, gum recession, and bacterial infections make dog teeth look and smell bad, but these dental diseases lead to more serious conditions, impacting the heart, liver, and kidneys if bacteria gets into the bloodstream.
The kicker is, most dog parents don’t even think about these issues until they see the outward signs of bad dog teeth. By then, it’s much harder to resolve, often involving a dental cleaning done by a vet under anaesthesia.
Let’s avoid all of that, including the bad breath that can knock you over!
In this article, I’m going to show you how to clean your dog’s teeth at home using natural methods, reducing the risk of dental disease before it starts. In the next section, we’ll explore how to clean dog teeth using holistic and effective approaches.
Dog teeth aren’t the same as ours…
…and they can’t grab the phone and call their dentists when things get bad. Dogs can suffer from the same tooth ailments we do, like tartar buildup, gum disease, oral infections, and broken teeth, but they often suffer in silence.
Dogs instinctively hide pain to avoid appearing vulnerable, which means they might continue eating and playing even with serious dental issues. That’s why it’s essential to regularly check your dog’s teeth and gums for signs of trouble.
Dogs are natural carnivores, and their teeth are designed for tearing and crushing food rather than grinding it. Unlike humans, dogs have fewer flat molars, and they don’t develop cavities as frequently. However, this doesn’t mean their teeth are immune to problems, especially if they're on a diet of wet food or kibble that sticks to the teeth.
In fact, by age 3, most dogs are already showing signs of dental plaque and periodontal disease! If that’s not taken care of within a few days, that gunk will turn into tartar. Tartar contains bacteria. And when that bacteria gets under the gum line, some serious health issues can arise.
Let’s avoid all that, shall we?
How do I keep my dog’s teeth healthy?
As with nearly all things health related, it begins with what you’re feeding your dog.
There’s a reason why ancient dogs didn’t need to have their teeth brushed – their diet consisted of raw, unprocessed meats, organs, and bone. They had none of the highly processed kibble which often contains starchy fillers that stick to teeth and promote plaque buildup. Their food wasn’t loaded with carbohydrates and sugars that feed harmful bacteria in the mouth.
You may be asking, “But what about the food that’s created by veterinarians specifically for dental health?”
Research shows that these “dental formula” foods provide minimal benefit compared to fresh food options. In addition, Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker also point out that feeding fresh, raw diets leads to a natural balance in a dog’s oral microbiome, which is key to preventing tartar buildup.
So, to keep your dog’s pearly whites clean, my number one recommendation is…
Feed a Fresh, Species-Appropriate Diet
A species-appropriate diet for dogs includes raw, unprocessed meats, organs, and bone. These foods mimic what dogs’ wild ancestors ate and support both internal and dental health.
The best choice is to feed a raw diet. You can read all about how to feed raw HERE.
But if feeding a raw diet doesn’t fit your budget, time, or lifestyle requirements, there are plenty of other almost-as-good options like raw food that’s been freeze-dried, air-dried, or gently cooked. In this blog post, I’ve laid out all the options so you can be empowered to make the best choice for your dog.
Any of those versions of minimally processed meats, organs, and bones is far better than commercial dog food produced by large dog food manufacturers – even ones labeled “dental formulas” – because they don’t contain the additives like excess carbs, sugar, and fillers that stick to dog teeth and cause nasty looking teeth, bad breath, and contribute to serious dental problems.
To be clear, the idea that feeding crunchy kibble or Milk Bones cleans dog teeth is a myth created by dog food manufacturers.
Raw Meaty Bones for Dental Health
Feeding appropriate raw meaty bones is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental disease. They’re nature’s floss and toothbrush! The mechanical action of chewing helps scrape away plaque and tartar naturally. Dr. Becker and Habib both recommend choosing bones that are appropriately sized and safe for your dog:
Small dogs may benefit from raw chicken necks or wings
Medium to large dogs can handle beef or lamb ribs and knuckle bones
Never feed cooked bones as they can splinter and cause serious injury
When given regularly, raw bones provide both physical and mental enrichment. They satisfy a dog's natural urge to chew while promoting stronger teeth and healthier gums. Chewing raw bones regularly leads to fresher breath, reduced tartar, and fewer dental issues overall. Several studies have proven that raw bones can help remove tartar build up in pets without causing tooth root fractures or enamel damage.
But before giving your dog or cat raw bones, there are a few things you should know.
Raw Bone Safety
In addition to reading my blog on raw bones, here are a few tips:
You should be able to find meaty raw bones at your local butcher shop or grocery store
Store them in the freezer and thaw them one at a time for your dog
Don’t choose bones that have been cut lengthwise, like leg bones
Don’t choose pork bones or rib bones as they’re more likely to splinter
Go big – match the size of the bone to the size of your dog’s head to reduce chances of choking
Don’t give a bone to a hungry dog. Save the treat for after meals to reduce gulping
Gather up and dispose of any pieces that break off
ALWAYS supervise your dog around bones
Feeding a species-appropriate diet and meaty raw bones will go a long way to keeping your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, but there are other things you can do, too.
Natural Methods to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean
For dogs who don’t regularly chew raw bones, there are other ways to keep the choppers clean.
Natural Dental Chew Bones
Natural dental chew bones can offer a less messy alternative to raw bones. When choosing chews, look for options that are:
Free of artificial ingredients like dyes, preservatives, and synthetic flavorings
Made from natural materials such as collagen, dried meats, or plant-based fibers
Properly sized for your dog to prevent choking or accidental swallowing
Chews with added ingredients like parsley, coconut oil, and chlorophyll can help neutralize odor-causing bacteria. Avoid processed dental treats with high carbohydrate content, as these can contribute to plaque buildup.
Natural Additives and Supplements
There are also natural products you can add to your dog's diet or water to promote better dental health:
Kelp and seaweed-based powders: Rich in enzymes that help break down plaque and tartar
Probiotics: Help balance oral and gut bacteria, reducing the growth of harmful bacteria that contribute to dental issues
Coconut oil: Contains antimicrobial properties that may help reduce bacteria when applied directly to the teeth or used as part of a brushing routine
Some water additives contain natural enzymes to freshen breath and reduce plaque, but beware: READ LABELS. It's important to choose brands with transparent ingredient lists.
Chew Toys and Enrichment
Toys designed to clean dog teeth while providing mental stimulation can also help keep dog teeth clean. Look for toys with ridges or nubs that massage the gums and remove plaque as your dog chews. Stay away from nylon and choose natural rubber or cotton rope. Be sure to supervise your dog to prevent damage to teeth or swallowing of small parts.
Do I have to brush my dog’s teeth?
In a word, yes.
Even if you feed the most biologically appropriate diet and provide plenty of bones and chews, there’s really no substitute for teeth brushing.
Brushing every day is ideal, but even brushing a few times a week will go a long way toward keeping your dog’s teeth clean.
Here’s how:
Start slowly by getting your dog (and cat!) used to being touched in the mouth and curling lips up for examination.
Begin with an easy facial and gum massage, giving lots of praise. Go at an easy pace that doesn’t cause stress.
Next, wrap a piece of gauze around your finger, rubbing it one tooth at a time and along the gum line.
Transition to a finger brush, then a soft pet toothbrush. You can use a pet enzymatic toothpaste if you’d like to break down plaque and tartar. NEVER use human toothpaste.
If your dog is relaxed enough, you might try slowly introducing an electric toothbrush! They provide the same benefits to dog teeth as they do to yours. It’s as easy as swapping out your brush head – just don’t forget to swap it back!
When should I consider professional dog teeth cleaning?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, professional intervention may be necessary to restore your dog's dental health. Dogs with severe tartar buildup, chronic bad breath, or signs of infection (such as red, swollen gums or loose teeth) may require a deep cleaning. It’s important to understand the options available, including both anesthesia-free and full veterinary cleaning methods, as well as what to investigate before proceeding.
Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleaning
Anesthesia-free cleanings are increasingly popular, especially for dogs who have minimal tartar and are cooperative during handling. These procedures involve manually scaling plaque and tartar from the teeth without putting the dog under anesthesia. However, this method has limitations:
Surface-level cleaning only: Tartar below the gumline cannot be removed without anesthesia, which may leave underlying gum disease untreated.
Best for maintenance: Anesthesia-free cleaning is most effective as a preventive or maintenance procedure for dogs with otherwise healthy teeth.
Choose a reputable professional with experience in canine oral care. Certified technicians often work with veterinarians to provide anesthesia-free services safely and effectively.
Full Veterinary Dental Cleaning (With Anesthesia)
For more advanced dental care, your dog may need a thorough cleaning under anesthesia. This allows the veterinarian to:
Remove tartar from below the gumline where bacteria often cause infections and gum disease
Perform X-rays to check for hidden issues, such as damaged tooth roots or bone loss
Extract teeth if necessary due to decay or severe damage
While anesthesia carries some risk, advancements in veterinary medicine have made it much safer than in the past. Your veterinarian will perform a pre-anesthetic exam and may run blood tests to check your dog’s overall health before the procedure.
Questions to Ask Before a Professional Cleaning
Before committing to any professional dental procedure, you’ll want to gather information and make an informed decision. Consider asking your veterinarian or dental specialist the following:
Is the procedure necessary? Could tartar be managed at home with brushing, raw bones, or diet changes?
What are the risks of anesthesia? Are there any specific risks based on your dog’s age, breed, or health history?
How will pain be managed? Will your dog require medication after the procedure?
Are X-rays included? Dental X-rays can reveal hidden problems that might not be visible during the cleaning.
What aftercare is recommended? How can you maintain your dog’s oral health post-cleaning to avoid future build-up?
Taking good care of your dog and cat’s teeth is part of the responsibility you accepted when you brought your animal companion into your family. After all, they can’t do it themselves!
Consider the effort to feed high quality food, bones, and chews as an investment in the health and longevity of your beloved companion. Clean choppers represent far more than a dazzling smile and fresh breath. Your dog’s teeth are one of the critical gateways to good digestion, a healthy heart, liver, and kidneys, strong bones, and a healthy appetite.
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