Tartar: the "silent enemy"

Tartar:

  • Calcification of dental plaque.
  • Forms under/above gums.
  • Causes periodontitis.

Statistics:

  • 80% of dogs over 3 years old: tartar.
  • Veterinary cleaning: €400-800.

Natural prevention:

  • Possible.
  • Economic.

Let's see 6 strategies.

Strategy 1: raw meaty bones

Raw meaty bones are the dog's "natural toothbrush".

Suitable types:

  • Chicken necks.
  • Chicken wings.
  • Lamb ribs.

Frequency:

  • 1-2 times a week.

Never:

  • Cooked bones (they splinter).
  • "Weight-bearing" bones (femurs, tibias).

Effect:

  • Chewing removes plaque.

Strategy 2: dental treats

Specific:

  • Greenies.
  • Whimzees.
  • Pedigree Dentastix (controversial quality).

How it works:

  • Texture removes tartar during chewing.

Frequency:

  • 1 per day.

Strategy 3: "dental specific" food

Anti-tartar kibble:

  • Hill's t/d.
  • Royal Canin Dental.

How it works:

  • Large kibble.
  • "Scrapes" teeth.

Strategy 4: daily brushing

The most effective:

  • See dedicated article.

Frequency:

  • At least 2-3 times a week.

Strategy 5: water additives

Anti-plaque liquids:

  • Vet's Plaque Off.
  • TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive.

Added to water:

  • Reduces plaque.

Effect: mild but cumulative.

Strategy 6: proper nutrition

Quality food:

  • Reduces sugars (plaque).
  • High proteins.

Avoid:

  • Sugary snacks.
  • "Low-end" food full of starches.

At-risk breeds

Early tartar:

  • Small breeds (Yorkshire, Chihuahua, Maltese).
  • Small mouths + overcrowded teeth.

Low-risk breeds:

  • Large breeds with spaced teeth.

Signs of tartar

Visual:

  • Yellow-brown spots at the base of teeth.
  • Red gums.

Olfactory:

  • Bad breath.

Veterinary if evident.

Professional cleaning

If tartar accumulates despite prevention:

Veterinary cleaning:

  • Under anesthesia.
  • €400-800.

Frequency:

  • With good prevention: every 3-5 years.

Myths

Myth 1: "Kibble cleans teeth". Partially true: only specific dental ones.

Myth 2: "Tartar is inevitable". False: prevention drastically reduces it.

The truth

Preventing tartar is possible with:

✅ Raw meaty bones (1-2 times/week).

✅ Dental treats.

✅ Quality food.

✅ Tooth brushing.

✅ Water additives.

✅ Proper nutrition.

Investment:

  • Treats: €15-30/month.
  • Bones: €5-10/week.

Benefit:

  • Saves €400-800 on veterinary cleaning.
  • Healthy teeth for life.

Start today. Prevention + consistency.