5 Dog Dental Health Myths Debunked

We brush our teeth every day, floss, gargle, and visit the dentist. But knowing what your dog actually needs for their dental health isn't always clear. Between chews, bones, toys and well-meaning advice, it's easy to assume their teeth are getting the care they need. 

The truth is, some of the most common beliefs about oral care for dogs are myths. And because problems like plaque and gum disease can develop long before there are obvious signs, it's worth knowing what really makes a difference.  

Let's answer the most common questions and separate fact from fiction.

Key summary: 5 dog dental health myths debunked 

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs, but many popular beliefs about preventing it are myths. Knowing what actually protects your dog's teeth makes it easier to build a routine that works. 

• Standard kibble doesn't clean teeth: crunching alone doesn't remove plaque. Only VOHC-approved dental diets are proven to help. 

• Brushing is the gold standard: it's the most effective at-home care, yet 82% of owners skip it. 

• Bad breath isn't normal: it's often an early sign of plaque and bacteria, not just "a dog thing." 

• Dental problems start early: even puppies can develop plaque and gingivitis. 

• Bones are risky: they can reduce tartar but also fracture teeth, splinter, or cause choking. 

• Fresh food helps: diets with ingredients like kelp support lower plaque risk over time. 

• No single fix works alone: brushing, chews, nutrition, and vet checks all play a role. 

• Hardened tartar needs a vet: brushing can't remove it once plaque calcifies. 

Myth #1: Kibble helps to clean dogs’ teeth 

Q. Does kibble clean my dog’s teeth?  

A. No. Although nearly 50% of people believe that kibble helps clean dogs’ teeth, and 70% of people think that crunching hard food is important for dental health¹, there’s no strong evidence that it does. That’s because there’s not enough contact or friction between the pellets and teeth for it to be an effective way to remove plaque. 

Only specially formulated VOHC-approved dental diets have been shown to provide some dental benefits. This type of food often has a specific size and shape. Simply being crunchy isn't enough. 

So where does fresh food fit in? 

Fresh food, like Lyka meals, can play a supportive role as part of a complete dental care routine. Emerging research suggests that dogs fed a fresh, meat-based and wholefood diet from an early age had a lower risk of developing dental plaque² later on in life.  

Every Lyka meal contains Ascophyllum nodosum, a sustainably sourced kelp that helps support saliva's natural antimicrobial properties and assists with controlling plaque. 

Fresh food alone won't keep your pup's teeth healthy — but paired with brushing your dog’s teeth, appropriate dog dental chews and regular veterinary dental checks, it can help support their oral health from the inside out. 

"Dental health starts in the bowl. Ultra-processed foods like kibble can easily contribute to sticky plaque buildup, which is one reason why I recommend pet parents feed a real, fresh food diet alongside regular brushing and dental chews. Expecting kibble to clean your dog's teeth is a bit like expecting biscuits to clean ours – it just doesn't work that way.”  

Dr. Nicole Rous, Integrative Veterinarian & Founder of Shy Tiger 

Myth #2: Dogs don’t need their teeth brushed 

Q. Do I need to brush my dog’s teeth? 

A. Brushing is widely considered the best way to clean your dog’s teeth³ at home. 

82% of dog owners don’t brush their dog’s teeth¹, but just like us, dogs develop plaque every day. If it isn't removed, it hardens into tartar, allowing bacteria to grow around the gums, eventually leading to periodontal disease.  

Most dogs can learn to enjoy toothbrushing — especially if you start gradually and make it a positive experience.  

Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to introduce brushing to your dog. Don’t try it all at once. Make sure they’re comfortable with each step before you move onto the next one.  

How to get your dog used to toothbrushing: 

1. Start by gently touching their face 
   Softly stroke each side of their face, ending with lifting their top lip to expose their teeth and gums. Reward them with treats and plenty of praise.

2. Introduce dog toothpaste 
   Place a small dab of dog toothpaste on your finger and let your pup lick it off. 

   Always use dog-friendly toothpaste made from natural ingredients, like Shy Tiger.
   Human toothpaste isn’t formulated to be swallowed by dogs as it often contains ingredients that are toxic, like xylitol. 

3. Simulate brushing with your finger  

   Wrap your finger in a soft cloth or use a finger brush with a little toothpaste on it. Carefully massage the outer surface of their canine teeth and back molars using circular motions. Pay extra attention to the gumline, as this is the most important area to clean. 

4. Introduce the toothbrush 

   Once your dog is comfortable with the sensation of your finger in their mouth, you can introduce the toothbrush. Gently lift their lips and brush the surfaces of their teeth at a 45-degree angle. 

How often should you brush your dog’s teeth? 

Dogs can often develop plaque and tartar faster than humans, so daily brushing provides the greatest benefit.
Think of dental chews, fresh food, and supportive ingredients as teammates — not substitutes — for brushing. 

Video placeholder: How to brush your dog's teeth. 

Myth #3: Bad breath in dogs is normal 

Q. Is bad breath normal for dogs? 

A. Persistent bad breath in dogs is not normal.  

In many cases, ongoing bad breath can be one of the earliest warning signs that bacteria are building up inside the mouth. As plaque accumulates, bacteria multiply and inflammation can develop, long before obvious symptoms appear. 

If your dog's breath has become noticeably unpleasant or suddenly changes, it's worth booking a veterinary check-up. 

Lyka's Turkey Dental Jerky combines kelp with coconut, curcumin, peppermint and zinc to support a healthy oral environment and fresher-smelling breath. 

"Bad breath in dogs is often one of the first noticeable signs of dental build-up. If you've noticed your dog's breath getting worse, it's time to get their teeth looked at.”  

Dr. Nicole Rous, Integrative Veterinarian & Founder of Shy Tiger 

Myth #4: You only need to worry about dental health when dogs are older 

Q. Do I only need to worry about dental health when my dog is older? 

A. No, dental disease in dogs can start much earlier than most people realise — even puppies can develop plaque and gingivitis. 

Because dogs are incredibly good at hiding discomfort, many continue eating and playing normally even when significant dental disease is already present. By the time obvious signs appear, damage may already have occurred. 

Early prevention, including annual dental checks, can reduce the need for more extensive dog dental cleaning under anaesthetic later in life. 

Starting oral care early helps your puppy become comfortable with having their mouth handled and makes brushing feel like a normal part of life rather than something stressful.  

Myth #5: Bones are good for your dogs' teeth 

Q. Are bones good for my dog’s teeth? 

A. Chewing aids, like dental treats, chew toys, and some raw bones, can reduce tartar by scraping the tooth surface by up to 90% ⁴ 

Although bones are often regarded as a natural way to clean teeth, they’re not the right choice for every dog, and they come with a warning. 

Hard bones, antlers, horns and some rawhide products can increase the risk of: 

• Broken or fractured teeth 

• Splintering 

• Choking 

• Intestinal obstruction, if swallowed 

The best dental chews for dogs encourage prolonged chewing, are appropriately sized, and are designed to mechanically remove plaque. Lyka's Busy Beefies encourage extended chewing while helping provide gentle mechanical cleaning of the teeth — without the risks associated with very hard bones. 

If you're unsure whether bones are appropriate for your dog, speak with your veterinarian, who can advise you based on your dog's age, chewing style, and dental health. 

The best way to clean your dog's teeth 

There's no single product that keeps dogs' teeth healthy. The best dental care routine combines several simple habits: 

• Brush your dog's teeth every day, if possible. 

• Use safe dog dental chews between brushing sessions. 

• Book regular veterinary dental checks and consider professional dog dental cleaning, when recommended. 

• Feed complete and balanced nutrition that supports healthy teeth and gums, with key ingredients like kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum). 

• Watch for early signs like bad breath, tartar, or inflamed gums. 

Small, consistent habits can make a big difference over your dog's lifetime — helping them enjoy healthier teeth and happier smiles for years to come. 

Once plaque hardens into tartar, it usually can't be removed with brushing alone. Professional dog teeth cleaning performed by a veterinarian, may be needed to restore oral health. 

Lyka: the tastiest part of the routine 

Myths aside, good dental care isn't complicated, it just needs to be consistent. A daily brush, safe dental chews, regular vet checks, and feed a diet that supports optimal health and wellbeing. 

Lyka's fresh meals aren't a stand-in for any of the above, but every meal does its bit for overall health quietly in the background, one more habit working in your dog's favour, day after day. 

Thousands of dogs are thriving on Lyka. Start your dog's fresh food journey today. 

Dog dental care FAQs 

Can dog dental chews replace brushing? 
No. Dog dental chews are designed to complement brushing, not replace it. While they can help reduce plaque through chewing, brushing your dog's teeth remains the most effective way to remove plaque and help prevent dental disease. 

Can bad breath in dogs be a sign of dental disease? 
Yes. Persistent bad breath in dogs is often one of the earliest signs of plaque build-up, tartar or dental disease. If your dog's breath suddenly changes or becomes consistently unpleasant, it's worth booking a veterinary dental examination. 

Can tartar be removed from my dog's teeth at home? 
Once plaque hardens into tartar, brushing alone usually isn't enough to remove it. Professional dog tartar removal under general anaesthetic, performed by a veterinarian, may be needed. The best approach is prevention through regular brushing, safe dental chews, and routine dental care.

How do I know if my dog needs a dental check? 
Many dogs continue eating and behaving normally even when dental disease is developing, so it's important to look out for early warning signs. Book a veterinary dental check if you notice: 

• Persistent bad breath 

• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth 

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums 

• Difficulty chewing or dropping food 

• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing their face 

• Loose or missing teeth 

• Reluctance to chew toys or dental chews 

References

¹ Online Canine Dental survey of 330 Australian dog owners, commissioned by Lyka; July 2026

² Modifiable early life risk factors for dental calculus in dogs: a retrospective cross-sectional study in Finland; July 2025

³Periodontal disease and diet in domestic pets; December 1998

⁴Evaluation of teeth injuries in Beagle dogs caused by autoclaved beef bones used as a chewing item to remove dental calculus; February 2020