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Dental health is not just about fresh breath. It is about pain, infection, and long-term health. A dog can still eat and act “normal” while dealing with a sore mouth, because dogs are experts at hiding pain. I learned this firsthand with Zoey. When I took her in for some redness along her gumline, I expected the vet to recommend an extraction. I didn’t expect that two teeth would need to be pulled and that the infection had gone to the root.
I never saw a hint of pain or discomfort in my dog.
Below is a simple guide to what causes dental disease, what it can lead to, what it can cost, and how to choose a dental routine that fits your dog.
Why dogs develop poor dental health
Most dental problems start with plaque (a sticky film of bacteria). Plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Then the gums get inflamed, infected, and start to pull away from the teeth.
Common reasons this happens:
Genetics and mouth shape: Small dogs and dogs with crowded teeth often build up tartar faster.
Age: The longer a dog has teeth, the more time plaque has to build up.
No daily cleaning: Plaque can start building quickly. If it is not disrupted, it hardens.
Chewing habits: Some dogs do not chew much. Others chew, but not in a way that scrapes teeth effectively.
Food and leftovers: Bits of food and bacteria get trapped at the gumline, especially in back teeth.
Your dog’s “oral microbiome”: Every dog has a different mix of mouth bacteria, and some dogs get gum disease faster than others.
Important note: Dental disease is common, and it is not always your fault. Some dogs are simply “tartar talented.”
What can happen if dental disease is ignored
Dental disease is not just cosmetic. It can lead to:
Pain and tooth loss
Bleeding gums
Loose teeth
Tooth root infections and abscesses
Jaw damage or fractures in severe cases
Worse quality of life (less interest in chewing, playing, or even being touched near the face)
There is also an association between periodontal disease (gum disease) and overall systemic health. The exact “cause and effect” is complicated, but chronic inflammation in the mouth can affect the body.
What dental cleanings and extractions can cost (U.S.)
Prices vary a lot by location, your dog’s age/health, and whether dental X-rays and extractions are needed. Because many dogs undergo anesthesia, bloodwork may be required, which can increase costs.
Across the US, dental cleanings can range from $300 to $2,000. Tooth extractions can range from $500 to $4,000, depending on the complexity and how many teeth are involved.
Bottom line: dental disease gets expensive fast, especially once extractions enter the chat.
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean
Veterinarians will tell us that at-home care and professional cleanings work best together. However, many raw feeders report that one benefit of feeding fresh food is improved dental health (gorgeous white teeth).
Below is a practical “matchmaking guide” to help you pick the best tools for your dog.
Quick decision rule
Best results: brushing (if your dog allows it)
Best “I need something easy” option: veterinarian-approved dental products and a consistent routine
Best “my dog needs to chew” option: safer chews, with smart supervision, and avoiding ultra-hard items
1) Feeding a raw food diet instead of dry dog food
Raw diets can support overall health for many dogs, but by itself, it is not a guaranteed dental plan. I know plenty of dogs that are on a kibble diet and have white teeth and healthy gums because their owners don’t neglect dental health.
Pros
Many dogs chew more when given fresh food and meaty textures.
Often pairs with other chewing options (like raw meaty bones).
Cons
Evidence is limited that raw diets alone prevent dental disease.
Some dogs still get heavy tartar and gum disease even on raw.
2) Brushing with an enzymatic toothpaste safe for dogs
This is the gold standard for disrupting plaque at the gumline. This is an excellent option for most dogs, especially small breeds and “tartar talented” dogs, when you focus on the gumline, not just the tips of the teeth.
Pros
Directly breaks up plaque where gum disease starts.
Works even for dogs who do not chew much.
Cons
Takes training and consistency.
Some dogs hate it at first.
3) Brushing with coconut oil
Coconut oil can act like a “tooth brushing helper,” but it is not the same as enzymatic toothpaste.
Pros
Many dogs like the taste, so it can make brushing easier.
Simple, minimal ingredients.
Cons
Mechanical brushing is doing most of the work here.
Adds extra fat and calories.
Coconut Oil + Kelp
Some pet parents mix coconut oil with kelp, and there are dried kelp products that support dental health. My only concern is the microdoses of iodine a dog is receiving, so I wouldn’t use this combination regularly.
4) Feeding recreational bones
Recreational bones = big bones meant for gnawing, not eating fully. These are best for strong or efficient chewers under supervision. I avoid weight-bearing bones from large animals, sticking to beef knee caps, raw meaty bones, and recreational chews.
Pros
Dogs love them.
Can satisfy the need to chew.
Cons
Hard chews can crack teeth.
Pieces can break off and cause choking or blockage.
5) Feeding raw meaty bones
Raw meaty bones = edible bones with meat attached, like chicken necks/backs for many dogs. These are great for dogs that do well with bones (don’t try to swallow them whole). I match the bone to the dog (and my comfort level). For example, my dogs do great on chicken backs, whole quail, and duck necks. But I don’t feel comfortable feeding raw turkey necks.
Pros
Chewing raw bones has been shown to reduce calculus in dogs in at least one study. (PubMed)
Provides natural chewing action that can scrape teeth.
Cons
Still a fracture risk for some dogs, especially aggressive chewers.
Raw products can carry bacteria, so handling matters. I feed smaller raw meaty bones from my dogs’ dish and larger ones on towels that are washed afterward, or outside on warm, sunny days.
6) Feeding air-dried chews
Air-dried chews make me feel better about feeding chews because they’re less messy, the drying process helps preserve nutrients, and Real Dog Box gives me lots of options so I can pick the right chew for each dog based on how they chew.
Pros
Often gentler than super-hard bones and antlers.
Adds chewing time, which can help reduce plaque buildup.
Cons
Some are very hard and can still fracture teeth. There are some chews I won’t give to my dogs.
Some are high-fat and can cause tummy upset in sensitive dogs. I avoid pork feet and ears with my dogs.
7) Using Mad About Organics dental spray
Mad About Organics oral care spray is a great option for dogs that won’t tolerate brushing, helping pet parents establish a routine. However, I wouldn't recommend it on its own.
Pros
Easy to use.
Cons
Sprays can help, but they do not replace plaque disruption as well as brushing.
8) Adding Teef! For Life additive to a dog’s water dish
TEEF! Life water additive helps promote a healthy oral microbiome that naturally fights plaque and tartar and supports fresh breath. I use this regularly with my dogs - they don’t notice the taste in the water. I wouldn’t recommend using this alone, but it’s better than nothing, and significantly better than many water additive products available on the market.
Pros
Very easy. Add to water, done.
Great for busy pet parents or dogs who hate brushing.
A good “baseline” tool you can actually stick with.
Cons
Like sprays, it is usually best as part of a combo plan.
The simplest plan that works for most dogs
If you want a starter routine that is realistic:
Brush when you can (even a few times a week is better than never).
Use a chew strategy that fits your dog’s chewing style (and avoids ultra-hard items).
Pick one easy daily add-on (spray or water additive) for consistency.
Do professional cleanings as needed, especially for seniors and small breeds.
Keeping my dogs’ teeth clean and dental health on point
I stopped leaning on raw feeding to support my dogs’ dental health after spending $1,400 on a tooth extraction for my senior dog, Zoey.
My dogs get recreational bones, raw meaty bones, and air-dried chews. And Zoey still developed dental disease.
I didn’t change their diet, but I did add a habit I could keep up with.
TEEF! Life water additive - added to their water dishes three days a week.
Raw meaty bone meals - I began feeding my dogs a RMB meal once a week. This can be a meal of chicken backs, duck heads, or whole quail.
Real Dog Box air-dried chews - My dogs enjoy air-dried chews at least twice a week.
I’ve learned that stacking tools works best for my dogs. Diet and chews can help, but some dogs need more support, and that is normal. If your dog is one of them, you are not failing. You are learning what their mouth needs.
When it all clicks.
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