For a really clean and healthy dog mouth, we recommend tooth brushing and a dental stick a day. But what evidence is there that dental sticks have an effect, and can they actually prevent dental problems? Here we dig a little deeper into some of the scientific studies that have looked at the effect of a daily chew for the teeth in dogs.
For those of you who do not have the energy to read the whole text, we can actually sum up the answer like this: They work. The first versions of dental sticks appeared in the 90s, and since then quite a few research studies have looked at their effect both in the short and long term.
What do the studies show?
Most studies have been set up in a similar way. The dogs that took part in the study were divided into two groups; one group was fed only dry food, and the other group was fed the same dry food plus a daily dental stick. After a certain time interval, assessments of oral health were then made, where the researchers looked at the presence of plaque, tartar and gingivitis.
All the studies in the list below (Clarke, Quest, Gorrel and Brown) show a significant difference between the groups - the group that was fed a dental stick had a considerably lower occurrence of bad breath, plaque, tartar and gingivitis.
"Daily administration of the dental chew was shown to reduce halitosis, as well as, significantly reduce gingivitis, plaque and calculus accumulation and therefore may play a significant role in the improvement of canine oral health over the long-term."
A study by Clarke et. al. also looked specifically at breeds that are more prone to dental disease: toy breeds. This study ran for 70 days and also confirmed that a daily dental stick reduced gingivitis and tartar in these dogs.
In 1999, Gorrel et. al. carried out a longer study, spanning a full 21 months, to evaluate the long-term effect. The study showed that dogs given a dental stick six days a week had a lower occurrence of tartar, better oral health and could go longer between dental treatments at the vet.
How should I use dental sticks?
It is worth noting that in all these studies where the chews have been shown to have a good effect, the dogs were given dental sticks daily or at least six times a week. We therefore want to emphasise the importance of giving one dental stick per day, to ensure a really good effect and the best possible oral health for your dog.
And remember - even though dental sticks have a proven effect, the most effective way to prevent tartar is always tooth brushing, and dental sticks can be used as a complement. In this article you can read more about oral health or how to brush your dog's teeth.
Our dental sticks are enriched with insect protein and ingredients that contribute to good oral health and fresh breath, and you can find them by clicking on the picture of lovely Alva enjoying her stick:
A dental stick a day keeps the dentist away - so chew on! 🦷
References
Clarke et al, 2011: Effectiveness of a vegetable dental chew on periodontal disease parameters in toy breed dogs
Conclusion: "Daily administration of the dental chew was shown to reduce halitosis, as well as, significantly reduce gingivitis, plaque and calculus accumulation and therefore may play a significant role in the improvement of canine oral health over the long-term."
Quest, 2013: Oral health benefits of a daily dental chew in dogs
Conclusion: "Adding a dental chew to the diet resulted in statistically significant reductions in plaque and calculus accumulation, and oral malodor while improving gingival indices."
Gorrel et al, 1999: Effect of a new dental hygiene chew on periodontal health in dogs
Conclusion: "Daily addition of the chew to the dry diet was effective in reducing plaque and calculus accumulation on the tooth surfaces, and also reduced the severity of gingivitis and oral malodor as compared to feeding the dry diet only."
Gorrel et al, 1999: Long-term effects of a dental hygiene chew on the periodontal health of dogs
Conclusion: "The results of the study support that feeding of the dental hygiene chew six days per week reduces accumulation of dental deposits, helps maintain periodontal health, and increases the time interval between professional periodontal intervention."
Brown et al, 2005: Effective periodontal disease control using dental hygiene chews
Conclusion: "The dental hygiene chews tested in this study have potential to help reduce the incidence of periodontal disease in dogs."