How to Remove Plaque from Your Dog's Teeth

We love seeing a happy dog's face - but it's a little less sightly when their teeth are stained brown. Like humans, dogs can also suffer from plaque and tartar on their teeth.

In this article, we explain what dog plaque and tartar is and why it's harmful. We also discuss how to remove plaque from dog teeth at home to help maintain their oral hygiene, as well as when to see a veterinarian for more severe cases.

What is dog plaque and tartar?

Plaque is an off-white and sticky substance that is constantly forming on the surface of the teeth. It's formed when bacteria, saliva, food particles and minerals combine together to create a layer on the surface. You can remove plaque from a dog's teeth if you're brushing them daily.

However, if it's not properly removed, plaque can harden to form tartar within as little as a few days. Tartar on your dog's teeth is a yellow/brown, rough layer that adheres firmly to the surface, and can appear near their gum line. It is much more difficult to remove tartar from your dog's teeth.

Why are plaque and tartar bad for dogs?

Plaque and tartar on dog teeth can be harmful as it can lead to other dental problems. When plaque and tartar accumulate on the surface of the tooth at the gum line, the bacteria inflames their gums and can quickly progress to gingivitis. This can cause your dog's gums to become red, swollen and sensitive, causing bleeding and bad breath. Gingivitis can also escalate to gum disease in dogs, and if left untreated will lead to erosion of the gums and surrounding structures, which is painful and can result in tooth loss.

There is also a risk of abscesses forming, which are infections around the tooth roots that are painful for your dog. The bacteria in the dog’s mouth can pose a high risk to your dog’s heart, kidneys, and liver if the gumline is compromised, as the bacteria will enter the bloodstream and spread. This is why it’s important to learn how to remove tartar from dog teeth and to carry out a daily oral care regime to prevent gum disease.

How do I know if my dog has plaque?

Checking your dog’s teeth and gums regularly will go a long way in preventing any serious conditions or allowing you to seek veterinary help early when needed. Dogs won’t always exhibit signs of pain or discomfort, so it can be hard to tell sometimes if your dog has dental disease. 

Make sure to keep an eye out for any symptoms, visible or subtle, to give your dog the best care they can get.

Visible symptoms

• Visible plaque on your dog's teeth – The plaque will look like an off-white sticky layer on the surface of your dog's teeth and near their gum line. Just as in human’s, plaque is continually forming on the dog’s teeth and must be removed daily either with brushing using a dog specific toothpaste, or using scientifically proven oral care chews such as PEDIGREE DentaStix.
• Discolouration on your dog's teeth – Plaque hardens to form tartar within just a few days, which is why you may notice yellow or brown stains on your dog's teeth.
• Persistent bad breath – This could be a sign that your dog has dental issues or plaque and tartar buildup.
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums – This is a sign of gingivitis, which can be caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar.
• Changes in eating habits – If your dog is experiencing dental discomfort, it may affect their ability to chew and reduce their appetite. Dogs are stoic, meaning they hide pain, so may continue to eat normally – watch for subtle signs such as eating on one side only or taking longer to eat, dropping food, or refusing harder foods.

Subtle symptoms

• Shying away from people touching their head
• Salivating more than usual
• Eating on one side of their mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Being less active/lively than usual
• Changes in normal behaviour

How can I remove plaque from my dog's teeth?

You may be able to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth by brushing their teeth regularly, using dental chews and providing dental toys. However, once the plaque has hardened and become tartar, you may need to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned. Use scientifically proven dental chews such as Pedigree DentaStix that are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. To trust that you are using a scientifically credible product, look for the VOHC logo on the pack, as this is the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

Besides our do’s and don’ts on dental care for dogs for you to consider, we have also provided further suggestions on how to get plaque off dog teeth and tartar removal below.

Brushing your dog's teeth

Brushing your dog's teeth regularly is the best way to look after their teeth and the best way to remove plaque from dog teeth; however, it should be introduced gradually to your dog.

Only use a dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste… human toothpaste has ingredients which are toxic to dogs. Let your dog sniff or lick toothpaste off your finger to give them a chance to get used to it. Then, try rubbing it on the gum line with your finger.

Once your dog is comfortable with that, introduce a brush but only on the canine teeth, gradually working to the back teeth over a few sessions.

It's recommended to brush your dog's teeth daily, but if this is not possible, aim for at least 3–4 times a week.

Dental chews

Dental chews are a great way to care for your dog’s oral health. They are designed with a mildly abrasive texture which helps to get rid of plaque on your dog’s teeth as they chew on the treat. The act of chewing stimulates the production of saliva and increases blood flow to the area. The active ingredients in Pedigree® DentaStix work to capture the bacteria and deposits in the saliva, and the texture of the chew wipes the surface of the tooth clean. The debris is then swallowed into the saliva, helping to prevent the formation of plaque.

You should choose the right size of Pedigree® DentaStix that is appropriate for your dog’s size and age and made of natural ingredients. Pedigree® Dental Chews offer just that and are available for small, medium and large-sized dogs. It’s important to get the right size to fit your dog’s jaw for the most effective clean, and always feed the stick as a whole piece, as it’s designed to be long enough that it can reach all parts of the mouth. Whichever dental chew you choose, follow the feeding guidelines on the packet for your dog. Pedigree DentaStix are low in fat; they do contain calories, so we recommend reducing your dog's main meal diet by 10% when you feed them daily.

Dental toys

Dental toys are another way to help look after your dog’s teeth and gums, but it is essential that you choose carefully. The enamel on a dog’s tooth is far thinner than on a human tooth, and since the bite force in a dog’s jaw is far greater than ours, the enamel, as well as their teeth, can easily be damaged. When choosing a dental toy, think about how you’d feel biting down on it – if it would make you wince, it is too hard for your dog to chew.

There are different types of dental toys available, including chew toys, rope toys and dental balls, and you should choose one that flexes under pressure to ensure it is safe for your dog’s mouth. Rubber toys and rope toys can help with dog plaque removal as your dog plays with them, and dental toys, in general, can massage your dog’s gums and fulfil a dog’s natural desire to chew. These are far more beneficial to your dog than sticks, hard bones, and antlers, all of which can cause tooth fractures, damage to the soft tissue of the mouth, intestinal bleeding, and obstructions and are not recommended to be given to dogs.

Water additives

Water additives are a liquid product that you can add to your dog’s water bowl to maintain their dental health. These additives are designed to remove dog plaque from their teeth, as well as freshen your dog’s breath, by reducing bacteria in their mouth. Dental water additives are another way to support your dog’s oral health but should not be a replacement for brushing their teeth.

Professional cleaning

While the above are great options for maintaining your dog’s oral health, if your dog has significant plaque and tartar buildup, they will need a professional clean from the vet.

Vets will only clean dogs' teeth under anaesthesia as it is a painful procedure, and to be done properly, safely and without causing discomfort or stress to the dog, the dog must be unconscious. The process begins with the vet probing the gums to check for any enamel issues before using specialised hand tools and veterinary dental equipment to remove tartar and plaque. They might also rub an abrasive paste into the teeth to fill in small dents where bacteria might grow and will extract any teeth that are irreversibly diseased or damaged.

Prevention and maintenance

It is much easier and less costly to prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your dog's teeth in the first place if you follow this guidance correctly:

• Daily Brushing – This is the most effective way to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
• Dental Chews – Abrasive action works between brushing sessions to combat plaque and tartar.
• Dental Toys – Your dog can chew safely without any risk of fracture.
• Healthy Diet – Dry food supports oral health thanks to its naturally abrasive texture.
• Annual Dental Check-Ups – Take your dog to the vet to be examined properly and to catch any build-up early. Veterinary nurses often provide oral health clinics and will check your dog’s mouth as often as you wish to maintain their health.

Now that you understand how to remove tartar from dog teeth, it’s important to remind you that the best method is preventing it from forming in the first place.

Plaque on dog teeth - When to see a veterinarian

If your dog has significant yellow or brown tartar, persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, changes in eating, or signs of an abscess, they must be taken to see a veterinarian.

Daily care and regular checks at home are so beneficial, reducing the need for professional cleans and keeping you and your dog happy.

Find out more about your dog’s dental requirements with our PEDIGREE® Oral Care Guide.

Things to consider when removing plaque from your dog's teeth

Always remember the following when removing plaque from your dog’s teeth:

• Never use human toothpaste – Xylitol and Fluoride are toxic to dogs.
• Plaque is continually forming on the surface of the tooth and needs to be removed daily, either with brushing or a scientifically proven oral care chew. If plaque hardens to tartar it is harder to remove and is likely to cause gum disease. Tartar must never be scraped at home and always requires professional cleaning.
• Start dental care early – Puppy habits are easier to maintain into adulthood.
• Some breeds are more prone than others – Small breeds and brachycephalic breeds are more prone to plaque build-up due to crowded teeth.
• Chews & brushing work together – Dental chews and toys supplement brushing but do not replace it.

How to remove plaque from dog teeth — FAQs

Can I remove plaque from my dog's teeth at home?

If the plaque is soft it can be removed at home with proper brushing and chew toys. It is continually forming on the teeth and needs to be removed daily to avoid it hardening to tartar, which will often require veterinary treatment to remove.

What is the difference between plaque and tartar in dogs?

Plaque is a softer, sticky film of bacteria, whereas tartar is mineralised and hardened onto the teeth. Tartar is more difficult to brush away – seek veterinary advice and use scientifically proven oral care chews designed to soften tartar so that with continued daily use the tartar softens and can be removed.

How often should I brush my dog's teeth?

You should brush your dog’s teeth daily, but if this is not possible, 3–4 times a week should be the aim.

Is it safe to scrape tartar off my dog's teeth at home?

Giving your dog a daily oral care regime that includes brushing their teeth with dog specific toothpaste, and providing them dental chews that are scientifically proven to remove tartar with daily use can help to remove tartar from your dog’s teeth. Look out for products endorsed by the VOHC, like Pedigree DentaStix, as these are scientifically proven to help with tartar.

When should I take my dog to the vet for a dental cleaning?

Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of the following symptoms: Yellow or brown tartar, persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, changes in eating or behaviour, or signs of an abscess.