Daily tooth brushing is the better-supported single home method for controlling plaque in dogs. Dental chews can contribute to oral health, but available evidence does not show that they match daily brushing. If brushing is difficult, regular partial brushing and a correctly sized, supervised chew with a relevant Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) acceptance claim can be practical parts of home care. Neither replaces veterinary dental examinations or treatment.
Which method controls plaque more effectively?
The strongest direct comparison found that daily brushing was the most effective single method tested. In a prospective randomized, blinded trial, dogs received routine scaling and polishing and were then assigned to once-daily brushing with a toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste, one daily dental chew, or a prescription dental diet. The diet and chew groups did not differ significantly in plaque scores, and their oral scores varied more than those in the brushing group. The authors concluded that daily brushing was the most effective single method tested for reducing plaque accumulation and optimizing oral health. The result applies to the enrolled dogs, products, and post-cleaning study conditions—not as a guarantee for every dog or chew. PubMed trial record; journal article.
The 2025 WSAVA global dental guidelines report that in one study of 22 dogs, daily brushing was more than three times as effective at controlling plaque accumulation as a daily dental chew or dental diet. That figure is a guideline-reported result from a small study; it should not be treated as a universal ratio across dogs, products, brushing techniques, or oral-health outcomes.
How brushing and dental chews differ in daily use
| Factor | Tooth brushing | Dental chew |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque evidence | Daily brushing was the most effective single method in the 2019 direct comparison and is described by VOHC as the gold standard. | Can contribute to oral health; the direct comparison did not establish equivalence to daily brushing. |
| Routine | Requires handling the dog’s mouth and using a brush regularly. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), reflecting AVDC recommendations, advises brushing all teeth and ideally all tooth surfaces daily. | May be easier to offer than brushing for some dogs, but must be the right size and given under observation. |
| Coverage and consistency | A brushing routine can target teeth and surfaces; VOHC advises prioritizing the cheek-facing surfaces of upper teeth if a full routine is not practical. | Evidence and acceptance depend on the specific product and claim; a generic “dental” label does not establish a particular plaque outcome. |
| Role in veterinary care | Home plaque control only; it does not replace examination, imaging, or treatment. | Home-care support only; it does not replace examination, imaging, or treatment. |
How to make brushing more manageable
VOHC’s guidance is to brush all teeth and, ideally, all tooth surfaces every day. If a dog will not tolerate a complete routine, regular brushing of whatever surfaces are manageable is better than none. When time or cooperation limits coverage, prioritize the cheek-facing surfaces of the upper teeth, where plaque and tartar accumulate most rapidly. VOHC brushing guidance.
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Ask a veterinarian whether the standard brushing technique is suitable if your dog has periodontal disease or another oral problem. Brushing is preventive home care, not a substitute for assessment or treatment of existing disease.
How to choose a dental chew
Look for a current VOHC acceptance for the specific product and the claim you care about, such as plaque or calculus. VOHC does not test products itself: it reviews manufacturer-submitted data against clinical requirements and awards acceptance for a particular claim. Its accepted list includes chews, diets, water additives, toothbrushes, and wipes. An acceptance mark is a useful evidence screen for that claim, not proof that a product prevents every form of dental disease or replaces veterinary care. Check the current accepted-products list and product claim, since status can change. For how evidence is reviewed, see VOHC trial requirements.
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For mechanically effective products that are chewed and ingested, VOHC’s published protocol requires at least a 15% reduction in the test group in either trial and a mean reduction of at least 20% across the test groups in two trials. These are acceptance thresholds for the evidence submitted, not a promise that an individual dog’s plaque will fall by a fixed amount. VOHC trial requirements.
- Choose a chew sized for your dog’s body weight and follow the label directions.
- Observe your dog while the chew is being used, as VOHC advises.
- Do not assume that every hard chew is safe: AAHA’s 2019 guidance cautions against very hard treats, including antlers and natural or synthetic bones, because they can damage tooth structure and cause pain or infection. AAHA nutrition guidance.
Why home care does not replace a veterinary dental exam
Brushing and chews help with plaque control at home, but they do not diagnose or treat all disease below the gumline. A dog may still need a veterinary oral examination, dental radiographs, or treatment, including when an owner brushes regularly. Seek veterinary assessment for oral concerns or known dental disease. AAHA home-care guidance.
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