Just like our teeth, your pup’s chompers need to be cleaned regularly to avoid plaque and tartar buildup, fight bad bacteria, and keep your dog’s breath fresh. But if you’ve ever tried to brush your dog’s teeth, you’ll know that it can be a huge struggle!
Many pet parents are weighing up the pros and cons of brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews for oral hygiene. That’s the topic of our article today - can you use dental chews instead of trying to brush your dog’s teeth? Yes - as long as you find the right dental sticks…
Mighty Munch’s dog dental chews are the easiest, most effective way to keep your dog’s teeth clean. If you really care about your dog’s oral health, you’ll soon see why dental chews are the way to go. Read on to learn how dental sticks can help your dog live a long, healthy, hygienic life!
Why Canine Oral Hygiene Cannot Be Overlooked
You might not think that your dog’s oral care is as important as making sure their diet is right, or they’re getting enough exercise, but it is! Poor dental care can lead to a variety of health issues that extend far beyond your dog’s mouth, which is why learning how to prevent dental disease in dogs is so important.
When your dog’s teeth are left to their own devices, plaque and tartar build-up. This causes gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and severe pain. Plus, bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions.
Just like a toothache can make our lives miserable, your dog is in a similar position. Dental pain can take the fun out of their lives, making them lose their appetite, not want to be active, and experience behavioural changes like agitation or anxiety.
Also, the expense of canine dental problems can quickly add up. The cost of taking preventative steps like cleaning your dog’s teeth is much, much lower than what you could potentially be forking out if your dog develops painful dental problems down the line.
Overview of Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth is a good way to keep plaque and tartar at bay, but it’s such a challenge! 99% of dogs really don’t enjoy having their teeth brushed - it’s a very uncomfortable process and can cause them to gag, or even nip at you.
Unless you take the hours to learn how to brush your dog’s teeth properly, it can be somewhat dangerous. With your dog squirming all over the place, it’s easy to accidentally bump or bruise their gums with the toothbrush, which can cause more damage than good.
Brushing our own teeth might be a simple, three-minute task, but brushing your dog’s teeth is a lot more difficult, and takes significantly longer. That’s one of the main reasons why so many dog owners are now switching to dog dental chews vs brushing.
What are Dog Dental Chews?
Dog dental chews are specially designed treats that help clean your dog's teeth and maintain their oral hygiene. These chews come in various shapes, sizes, and flavours, catering to different breeds, sizes, and chewing preferences.
The chewing action helps mechanically remove plaque and tartar from your dog's teeth. The texture of the chews is designed to scrape away buildup as your dog gnaws on them. Plus, they contain ingredients that fight bad bacteria, combat plaque and tartar, and freshen your dog’s breath.
Brushing Dogs Teeth vs Dental Chews: Which Approach is Right For Your Pet?
So, what about brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews? Dental chews are a much easier solution, but are they really as good at cleaning your dog’s teeth as brushing? Here’s what you need to know about the best way to stay on top of your dog’s oral hygiene.
Effectiveness in Plaque Removal
Brushing your dog's teeth is a good way to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. The mechanical action of brushing directly targets and removes the sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, particularly around the gum line where dental problems often start.
Are dental sticks good for dogs teeth? Yes. Dental chews are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar through the abrasive action of chewing. They also contain ingredients that fight bad bacteria, which are responsible for causing plaque and tartar in the first place.
Ease of Use
This is where there’s a huge difference between brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews. Brushing your dog's teeth requires a consistent routine and some degree of training, for both you and your dog. At best, it’s a lot of work. At worst, it’s a nightmare!
Dental chews are incredibly easy to use. Simply give your dog a chew and let them enjoy it. This method requires no training or time commitment from you, making it a much more convenient option for consistently maintaining your dog’s oral health.
The same is true for dental sticks vs floss - flossing your dog’s teeth can be just as difficult as brushing, but dental sticks are a much easier, more comfortable solution.
Cost Considerations
You can’t use human toothpaste for your dog, as many human toothpastes contain xylitol, which isn’t safe for dogs. Canine toothpaste and a toothbrush won’t set you back too much money - the real investment here is your time.
Dental chews are a more expensive option than brushing your dog’s teeth, but they’re also much cheaper than dealing with expensive dental vet bills. The cost of throwing your dog a daily dental chew is so minor when you consider it an investment in your favourite furry friend’s health and happiness!
So, Can Dental Chews Replace Brushing?
When it comes to brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews, there are arguments for both sides. Brushing may let you more thoroughly clean those hard-to-reach areas in your dog’s mouth, but will they actually let you? And do you have time to do it regularly?
In an ideal world, you could keep your dog’s teeth in near-perfect condition with daily brushing. But realistically, do you have time for that? Using dental chews daily is much more effective than occasionally brushing your dog’s teeth, because it’s a consistent way to fight plaque and tartar.
So, for most pet owners, dental chews can replace brushing. It’s more convenient, just as effective, and much more comfortable for your dog. If you don’t want to choose between brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews - why not use both? That’s what we’ll explore next.
Tips on Combining Dog Dental Chews With Brushing for the Best of Both Worlds
Some dog owners like to brush their dog’s teeth occasionally, so that they can thoroughly clean all the crevices. Brushing your dog’s teeth from time to time is a good idea, but you’ll still need something to use for daily oral care, which is where dental sticks come in. Here’s how to use the two together.
Choosing the Right Pet Products
Good dental care for your dog starts with choosing the right products. As mentioned, it’s essential to start with a canine-specific toothpaste so that you’re avoiding any ingredients that might be harmful to your dog.
As for dental chews, pay attention to the ingredients and look for chews that avoid fillers and artificial ingredients. Make sure the chews are the right size for your dog, and only buy chews that come with the backing of vets, like our top-rated Mighty Munch dental chews!
Why Mighty Munch’s Dog Dental Chews are Australia’s #1 Choice
You’ll never find artificial ingredients in our dental chews - we have a scientifically-derived formula that contains a careful balance of active ingredients designed to remove plaque and tartar and freshen your dog’s breath.
Our chews are also infused with a potent dog probiotic, which makes them much more effective than others out there. Just try them - you’ll soon see the difference! Available in two sizes, we also offer a free 30-day guarantee for added peace of mind.
Like all our Australian dog supplements, including our dog joint supplements and dog collagen, our dental chews are made here in Australia, in a human-grade facility that exceeds Australia’s pet safety standards.
So, whether you’re looking for a simple solution to keep your dog’s teeth clean, you’re wondering how to help a dog with arthritis at home, or you need the best probiotics for dogs in Australia, find everything to elevate your dog’s wellness here at Mighty Munch!
And don’t forget, we also have top rated orthopedic dog beds in Australia and the best pet odour eliminator in Australia - it will fight even the most stubborn of odours using safe, natural, enzyme-based ingredients, leaving your home and furniture smelling fresher than ever.
Creating a Balanced Oral Care Routine
Caring for your dog’s oral hygiene all starts with creating a routine. Create a schedule that works for you and your pup, whether it’s weekly or monthly brushes, and dental chews on the days you don’t brush.
How many dental sticks can a dog have a day? Generally, it’s recommended to give your dog one dental stick a day, but make sure you’re following any specific instructions that come with your sticks. You don’t need to give your dog a stick on the days you brush their teeth.
When can you give puppies dental sticks? Generally, it’s best to wait until your puppy is six months old before giving them dental chews. Until then, it’s usually safer to try to brush your puppy’s teeth.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Oral Hygiene
Regularly inspect your dog's teeth and gums for signs of dental issues such as redness, swelling, bad breath, or tartar buildup. Early detection of problems can prevent more severe conditions from developing, and could save your pup a lot of pain in the future.
When to Seek Professional Help Caring For Your Pet’s Oral Health
Schedule regular vet check-ups, including dental exams. Your vet can provide professional cleanings and check for any underlying dental issues that require attention. Even with a consistent home care routine, your dog may still need professional dental cleanings periodically.
If you notice signs of dental problems, such as persistent bad breath, difficulty eating, or visible tartar buildup, consult your vet. Early intervention can prevent more serious health issues and ensure your dog's comfort and well-being, and may save you expensive vet bills in the future.
Parting Thoughts on Dog Dental Chews vs Brushing
In terms of dog dental chews vs brushing, it’s safe to say that dental chews are a much more realistic way of everyday dental care for your dog. Most of us just don’t have time to brush our dogs’ teeth daily, and it’s quite uncomfortable for our pups to endure.
As long as you’re using high-quality dental chews that are free from harmful additives, you can take care of your dog’s oral health just as effectively as with brushing. Plus, if your dog lets you, you can throw a few brushings in occasionally to really stay on top of your dog’s oral care.
Here at Mighty Munch, we have the safest, most effective dental chews out there. With natural ingredients (including a potent probiotic that fights bad bacteria), our chews freshen your dog’s breath, eliminate plaque and tartar buildup, and improve overall oral health.
Take the best possible care of your dog’s pearly whites - invest in Mighty Munch dental chews today!
