How to Remove Tartar from Dog Teeth? (2025)

When my Cane Corso, Titan, started dropping food and had bad breath during our Texas walks, I feared dental issues. My vet, Dr. Carter, confirmed tartar buildup and guided me to use enzymatic toothpaste and dental chews, restoring Titan’s oral health and fresh breath. This guide combines my experience with Titan and Dr. Carter’s expertise to help US dog owners remove and prevent tartar, whether in New York apartments or Texas suburbs. With consistent care, vet-approved products, and regular check-ups, you can ensure your dog’s dental health and overall well-being.

What Is Tartar in Dogs?

Dr. Carter explains that tartar is hardened plaque, a bacterial film that combines with minerals in saliva to form a brownish-gray, rock-like deposit on teeth [1]. If untreated, tartar leads to:

• Bad Breath: Bacterial buildup causes foul odors [2].
• Gum Disease: Inflammation (gingivitis) or infection (periodontitis) damages gums and teeth [1].
• Tooth Decay: Tartar erodes enamel, leading to cavities or tooth loss [2].
• Health Risks: Bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affecting organs like the heart or kidneys [1].

Regular tartar removal is critical for your dog’s health, Dr. Carter notes [1].

Why Remove Tartar from Your Dog’s Teeth?

Dr. Carter highlights the benefits of tartar removal:

• Fresher Breath: Eliminates bacteria causing bad breath, improving closeness with your dog [2].
• Healthier Teeth and Gums: Prevents periodontal disease, preserving teeth [1].
• Reduced Health Risks: Lowers the risk of systemic infections from oral bacteria [2].
• Avoid Professional Cleanings: Early care minimizes the need for costly veterinary procedures under anesthesia [1].

Titan’s breath improved significantly after two weeks of brushing, Dr. Carter recalls [1].

Signs of Tartar Buildup

Dr. Carter advises watching for:

• Brownish-gray deposits on teeth, especially near gums [2].
• Bad breath that persists despite cleaning [1].
• Dropping food or chewing difficulty [2].
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums [1].
• Lethargy or reduced appetite, indicating discomfort [2].

If these signs appear, start home care and consult a vet for severe cases [1].

How to Safely Remove Tartar from Your Dog’s Teeth at Home

Dr. Carter’s home-based methods target mild tartar:

1. Brush with Enzymatic Toothpaste: Use PetSafe enzymatic toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush (e.g., Virbac dual-ended brush). Brush gently for 30–60 seconds daily, focusing on outer teeth surfaces [2]. Start slowly to acclimate your dog [1].
2. Offer Dental Chews: Provide vet-approved chews like Greenies or Zuke’s Z-Bones, sized for your dog’s breed (e.g., small for Pugs, large for Cane Corsos). Offer 1–2 chews weekly to scrape tartar [2].
3. Use Dental Wipes: Wipe teeth with TropiClean dental wipes in circular motions to remove soft plaque before it hardens [1].
4. Apply Dental Gel: Use Oratene gel, applying 1–2 drops to each side of the mouth daily to break down tartar and combat bacteria [2].
5. Try Dental Sprays: Spray TropiClean Fresh Breath on teeth 30 minutes before or after meals to loosen tartar [1].
6. Provide Safe Chew Bones: Offer raw, appropriately sized bones (e.g., beef marrow bones) 1–2 times weekly, ensuring they’re not too hard to avoid tooth fractures [2].
7. Add Dental Water Additives: Mix Oratene water additive into your dog’s water bowl daily to reduce bacteria and plaque [1].

Titan’s tartar softened after three weeks of brushing with PetSafe toothpaste and Greenies chews, Dr. Carter notes [1].

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

Dr. Carter advises professional cleaning under anesthesia for:

• Severe tartar covering most teeth [1].
• Signs of gum disease (e.g., bleeding, pus) [2].
• Persistent bad breath or chewing issues after 2–3 weeks of home care [1].

VCA Hospitals perform cleanings with ultrasonic scaling, followed by polishing [2]. Schedule a vet check to assess tartar severity [1].

How to Prevent Tartar Buildup

Dr. Carter’s prevention strategies maintain dental health:

1. Daily Brushing: Use PetSafe enzymatic toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup [2].
2. Regular Dental Chews: Offer Greenies or Zuke’s Z-Bones weekly, sized for your dog [1].
3. Routine Grooming: Brush with a Furminator to maintain overall hygiene, reducing oral bacteria [2].
4. Healthy Diet: Feed Purina Pro Plan dental-specific kibble to minimize plaque [1].
5. Water Additives: Use Oratene additive daily to fight bacteria in water bowls [2].
6. Annual Vet Check-Ups: Schedule dental exams at VCA Hospitals to catch issues early [1].
7. Training Support: Teach “calm” to ease brushing sessions [2].

Titan’s teeth stayed clean with daily PetSafe brushing and annual vet checks, Dr. Carter confirms [1].

Things to Avoid When Managing Tartar

Dr. Carter highlights mistakes to avoid:

• Using Human Toothpaste: Contains xylitol or fluoride, toxic to dogs [1].
• Hard Bones: Avoid cooked or overly hard bones that risk tooth fractures [2].
• Baking Soda: Can upset stomachs if ingested; stick to enzymatic products [1].
• Skipping Vet Checks: Delaying professional care risks advanced gum disease [2].
• Overusing Chews: Limit to 1–2 weekly to avoid weight gain or digestive issues [1].

Breed-Specific Tartar Susceptibility

Breed	Tartar Susceptibility (1–10)	Risk Factors
French Bulldog	7	Small mouth, crowded teeth
Cane Corso	5	Larger mouth, less crowding
Labrador Retriever	6	Active chewing, moderate risk
Pug	8	Flat face, tight dental spacing

When to Seek Veterinary Help

Dr. Carter advises consulting a vet if:

• Tartar persists after 2–3 weeks of home care [1].
• Gums bleed, swell, or show pus [2].
• Your dog shows pain, lethargy, or appetite loss [1].
• Teeth appear loose or damaged [2].

The ASPCA recommends vets for dental diagnostics [3].

Preventing Tartar Long-Term

To maintain dental health, Dr. Carter suggests:

• Consistent Brushing: Use PetSafe toothpaste daily [1].
• Dental Chews and Additives: Offer Greenies weekly and Oratene additive daily [2].
• Regular Vet Exams: Annual check-ups at VCA Hospitals detect issues early [1].
• Mental Stimulation: Use Kong toys to reduce stress-related chewing [2].

FAQs

• What causes tartar in dogs? Plaque hardens with saliva minerals, leading to bacterial buildup [1].
• How do I remove tartar at home? Use enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews, or wipes [2].
• How can I prevent tartar? Brush daily, offer chews, and schedule vet check-ups [1].

Final Thoughts

Removing tartar from Titan’s teeth with Dr. Carter’s guidance using PetSafe toothpaste and Greenies restored his health and our Texas playtime. These strategies work for any dog, from a Pug to a Labrador Retriever. Shop PetSafe, Greenies, or Oratene products at PetSmart or local pet stores, and consult your vet or an ASPCA-recommended clinic for tailored advice to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.

References:

1. VCA Hospitals, “Dental Health and Tartar Management in Dogs”.
2. Rover, “Pet Dental Care Guide”.
3. ASPCA, “Dog Health and Veterinary Care”.