Last Updated: 18/08/2026
Do Dental Treats for Dogs Really Work?
Learn about how dental treats can help keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
This article is written by Dr Belinda Stancombe in paid partnership with GREENIESTM brand.
Dental care is a crucial part of a dog's overall health, yet it's often overlooked by pet owners. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a range of health issues, including bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and even more serious conditions like heart disease.
With the increasing awareness of oral health in pets, there is now a wide range of dog dental treats available as an easy solution to maintain your dog's oral health.
So what is a dental treat and do they really work, or are they just a tasty snack?
Understanding Dental Health in Dogs
Many pet parents are shocked to learn that over 80% of dogs will develop some form of dental disease by the age of 3 years.
Dental disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, which can lead to gingivitis, causing discomfort, redness, and swelling of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to irreversible periodontal disease, a more severe condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loss and infection. Dental disease can even cause damage to internal organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Regular dental prevention aims at preventing plaque build up which can lead to dental disease. Regular brushing is the gold standard, but not all dogs will tolerate having their teeth brushed. This is where dental treats are a good option to help fight dental disease.
How Do Dental Treats Work?
Dental treats are designed to clean a dog's teeth as they chew. Their texture, shape, and ingredients are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and freshen breath.
Chewing on these treats encourages mechanical action, which can help reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Additionally, the act of chewing stimulates saliva production, which is a natural defence against bacteria.
Are Dental Treats Effective?
Yes, dental treats can help keep your pet's teeth clean. The effectiveness of dental treats depends on a few factors:
- Chewing Action: The physical act of chewing helps mechanically scrape off plaque and tartar. This effectiveness can vary depending on how thoroughly your dog chews the treat. If they tend to eat the treat quickly, then they may not gain the full benefits.
- Texture and Shape: Dental treats like GREENIESTM are crafted with a chewy texture and grooved design, allowing the teeth to sink into the treat more deeply. This increases the contact with the teeth, improving the mechanical cleaning process and maximising the removal of tartar.
- Treat Size: Selecting the recommended treat for your dog's size and weight is imperative in maximising the effectiveness of dental treats. If the treat is too small, your dog can eat them too quickly and they won't be effective.
- Consistency: Dental treats are most effective with consistent use, so it's recommended that they are given daily to help reduce tartar buildup. Skipping days allows plaque to harden, forming tartar, which is more difficult to remove.
Articles recommended for you
Vet-written pet dental care guide for dogs and cats - daily care, warning signs, and when to book a professional clean.
Learn the early signs of dental disease in dogs and cats, plus simple ways to support oral health with daily dental care, vet-recommended treats, and habits from puppyhood to adulthood.
Our comprehensive vet guide details how to keep your dog's teeth healthy, including daily brushing, dental chews, and specialised diets.
Take control of your cat's dental health with our expert vet guide. We cover everything from brushing techniques to the best dental diets and treats.
Does the idea of brushing your cat's teeth sound impossible? It doesn't have to be. Discover our vet-approved guide on training your cat to accept brushing, choosing the best tasty toothpaste, and preventing dental disease at home.
Brushing your dog's teeth is the best way to prevent dental disease. Our vet's guide provides a simple step-by-step method, product tips, and advice for tricky dogs. Learn how to make dental care a positive routine for you and your pet.
From shark teeth to adult chompers, puppy teething is a big milestone! Our expert vet guide covers the teething timeline, recommended chew toys, and simple home remedies to keep your puppy comfortable (and your furniture intact) during this stage.
Is your kitten chewing everything in sight? From the teething timeline to soothing home remedies, discover how to support your kitten through this milestone. Learn when to consult a vet and how to transition into a lifelong dental care routine.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
October 2024
Written by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
