Last Updated: 18/08/2026
How To Prevent & Remove Tartar From Your Dogs Teeth
Is your dog's breath less than fresh? Learn the difference between plaque and tartar, how to spot the early signs, and when brushing and chews are enough versus when you need a professional clean.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
Plaque and tartar are silent culprits behind painful gums and worse if left unchecked. Here's what's happening in your dog's mouth, how to prevent it, and when you need a professional clean instead.
In this article
- What's the difference between plaque and tartar in dogs?
- What are the signs of tartar and gum disease in dogs?
- How can I prevent tartar building up on my dog's teeth?
- Can I remove tartar from my dog's teeth at home, or do I need a vet?
- How often does my dog need a professional dental clean?
- Which dog breeds are most at risk of dental disease?
- FAQs
What's the difference between plaque and tartar in dogs?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your dog's teeth after eating. Left alone, it hardens within 24 hours as it mixes with saliva, then mineralises (calcifies) into tartar.
Tartar, also called calculus, is a rough, cement-like build-up above and below the gum line. It gives bacteria a rough surface to grow on, causing gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums) and, if untreated, gum recession and tooth loss.
That same bacteria can be absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited in organs like the heart, kidneys and liver, which is where the "silent culprit" reputation comes from. In clinic, we see this play out most often in small and toy breeds that come in for an unrelated issue and turn out to already have moderate tartar building up by age two or three, well before most owners think to check.
What are the signs of tartar and gum disease in dogs?
Plaque is a whitish coating that's hard to spot with the naked eye. Tartar is easier to catch: a beige, yellowish or brown build-up along the gum line, usually first on the outer surfaces of the upper molars and canines. A reddish gumline in the same spot signals gingivitis.
DID YOU KNOW? "Doggy breath" isn't normal, it usually points to tartar build-up and dental disease. See our guide on how to treat bad breath in dogs.
How can I prevent tartar building up on my dog's teeth?
No single method does the whole job, so combine a few:
Brushing is the gold standard, shown to reduce plaque by up to 37% and significantly reducing calculus build up versus non-brushed teeth.
Dental chews mechanically scrape plaque off the tooth, but only if your dog takes their time.
Diet and supplements help too. Over the counter dental diets, prescription dental diets are clinically proven to reduce gingivitis by mechanically scrubbing the teeth as your dog eats, and water additives or dental powders (like Aquadent, Prozym, Plaqueoff and Vetnex) can help slow bacterial growth between brushes.
Can I remove tartar from my dog's teeth at home, or do I need a vet?
Home remedies can remove plaque and help prevent tartar forming, but none will remove tartar that's already there, or fix gingivitis once it's set in.
If your dog has gingivitis or established tartar, they'll need a scale and polish at the vet under anaesthesia, using the same equipment human dentists use, including under the gumline where a toothbrush can't reach. In clinic, we regularly see owners who've spent months on chews or water additives trying to shift tartar that's already mineralised onto the tooth. Once it's calcified, it needs a professional clean, no amount of chewing or brushing will remove it. Many clinics offer free dental checks with a vet nurse if you're unsure which camp your dog's in.
How often does my dog need a professional dental clean?
A dental check-up every 6 months is recommended, or sooner if you notice red gums or bad breath, many clinics offer these nurse checks for free.
A full scale and polish once every 1-2 years is standard, done under anaesthesia for a thorough, safe clean under the gumline. Only ever use a registered veterinary surgery, steer clear of anaesthesia-free "gentle" dentals.
Which dog breeds are most at risk of dental disease?
Toy breeds and flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds carry the highest risk. It's worth starting dental care earlier if you have one of these breeds.
FAQs
Combine brushing, chews and regular check-ups to keep your dog's mouth healthy. For the complete picture, see our full guide to dental care for dogs.
References
White DJ. Dental calculus: recent insights into occurrence, formation, prevention, removal and oral health effects of supragingival and subgingival deposits. Eur J Oral Sci. 1997 Oct;105(5 Pt 2):508-22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9395117/
Stepaniuk K. 2019. Periodontology. In: Lobprise H B and Dodd J R, editors. Wiggs's veterinary dentistry principles and practice. New York (NY): Lippincott-Raven; p. 81-108. https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1130000797996079872
Gawor J, Jank M, Jodkowska K, Klim E, Svensson UK. 2018. Effects of Edible Treats Containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the Oral Health of Dogs: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Study. Front Vet Sci. 2018; 5: 168. Published online 2018 Jul 27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6080642/
Harvey CE, Serfilippi L, Barnvos D. Effect of frequency of brushing teeth on plaque and calculus accumulation and gingivitis in dogs. J Vet Dent. (2015) 32:16-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26197686/
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 18 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
