How to Clean Tartar Off Dog’s Teeth

Why Tartar Matters for Your Dog’s Health

It’s easy to underestimate how much a dog’s dental health impacts their overall well-being. But tartar buildup isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even affect your dog’s vital organs if bacteria spreads through the blood stream.

Studies show that up to 90% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three¹, that’s why understanding tartar—and how to prevent it—is one of the best ways you can support your dog’s long-term health.

What Is Tartar, and How Does It Form?

Tartar (also known as dental calculus) forms when plaque hardens on your dog’s teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that develops after eating; if it’s not brushed away, it starts to harden and mineralize within 24 hours².

Once tartar sets in, it becomes rough and porous, trapping even more bacteria². This can lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and, if untreated, periodontal disease, which can be painful and irreversible².

Jocelyn LambieJunior Nutritionist

Advice on How to Remove Tartar from Dogs’ Teeth Without a Dentist?

If you notice yellow or brown buildup along your dog’s gumline, you might wonder how to get rid of it. Here’s the truth: only a veterinarian can safely get rid of dog tartar. In fact, if you try brushing or scaling your dog’s teeth at home after signs of periodontal disease have set in, you can cause pain and distress by irritating your dog’s sore, inflamed gums¹. Always rely on your vet for tartar removal.

How to Prevent and Control Tartar Buildup

While you can’t perform dog tartar removal at home once it’s hardened, you can prevent it from returning, by managing plaque build-up at home. Here are proven methods for tartar control for dogs and maintaining a clean, healthy mouth between vet visits:

1. Brush Regularly (Yes, Really!)

Daily brushing is the gold standard for oral care³. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs—never human toothpaste, as it can be toxic.

While daily brushing is recommended, even brushing every other day significantly slows down plaque formation⁴.

2. Feed a Diet Formulated to Reduce Plaque Formation

Some dog food formulas are designed with textures and minerals that aid in maintaining cleaner teeth. These diets often feature larger kibble sizes and a fibrous texture, encouraging more chewing and helping mechanically clean the teeth as dogs eat.

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A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry found that daily feeding of dental diets reduced plaque and gingivitis by 39% and 36%, respectively, when compared to regular kibble⁵.

Jocelyn LambieJunior Nutritionist

When we conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of our Go! Solutions Dental + Immune Health recipes in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis compared to a leading maintenance brand, we saw a significant reduction in gingivitis and plaque build-up in dogs by 32.83% and 21.56% respectively, with notable positive effects on key oral health parameters.

Figure 1: Average plaque and gingivitis scores for both dogs and cats following consecutive consumption of control and test diets for 28 days.

3. Offer Dental Chews or Toys

Look for dental chews or toys with scientific studies that show their effectiveness for reducing plaque build-up.

4. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Annual or semi-annual dental exams allow vets to spot issues early, preventing painful (and costly) complications down the line.

Professional dental cleanings are typically recommended annually, but this can be variable depending on the dog’s size and at home dental care routines.

Jocelyn LambieJunior Nutritionist

What About Home Remedies?

You might come across advice online about “natural” tartar removers—like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, or baking soda. Unfortunately, there’s no scientific evidence that these methods remove tartar, and some can irritate your dog’s mouth or stomach.

When it comes to your pet’s oral health, stick with vet-approved care. It’s the safest, most effective way to protect their smile (and that fresh breath we all hope for).

Jocelyn LambieJunior Nutritionist

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean isn’t just about preventing bad breath—it’s about ensuring they can eat comfortably, play happily, and live a healthier, longer life.