Natural Ways to Clean the Tartar on a Dog's Teeth

Keeping your dog's teeth and gums healthy can be a challenge, especially with older dogs that have not been trained to accept having their teeth brushed. According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), "the key to managing oral health is prevention and, as long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently, the gums will also remain healthy." While the VOHC recommends daily brushing as the gold standard, there are also several natural ways to remove the tartar from your dog's teeth.

  1. Chewing

    • Your dog's daily chewing activities can help to maintain its oral health. Rawhide chews are a good treat for the dog. Buy chews made with natural ingredients that do not contain preservatives, dyes or chemicals. Deer antlers are another chewy treat that are clean, odorless and safe for the digestive tract, and dogs love the bone marrow inside the antlers. Raw knuckle bones are also good to gnaw on and won't splinter like cooked bones do. All these are delicious treats for the dog that help to reduce tartar and keep the dog's mouth healthy.

    Diet

    • Reduce the quantity of starchy food and treats your dog has access to. Give it hard kibble daily that needs to be chewed well, and include hard raw vegetables such as carrots or broccoli in its diet.

    Natural Products

    • Most teeth cleaning products for dogs contain chemicals or preservatives. However, a few are completely natural. A granulated powder made from seaweed is available that is added to the dog's wet or dry food. It has been shown to reduce tartar by 68 percent and plaque by up to 87 percent. A dental spray made with natural plant extracts kills bacteria on contact, helping to reduce tartar build up, while another spray simulates enzymes found in saliva. A dental gel is a blend of grapefruit seed extract, herbs and wild salmon oil mixes with the saliva, killing bacteria and loosening tartar on the teeth. Look for products that have been awarded the VOHC seal for quality and efficacy.

    Herbs

    • Several herbs are also useful in maintaining your dog's oral health. Oregon grape, echinacea and calendula in tincture form are good when applied to the teeth and gums with a cotton swab. The effects are antiseptic and soothing, and the herbs promote healing. Goldenseal and myrrh promote the growth of new gum tissue and aloe vera helps soothe inflammation of the gums.