Treats and chews
Can dental chews replace brushing my dog's teeth?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
No, dental chews are a useful supplement but do not replace brushing, since they only reach the surfaces a dog actively gnaws on and cannot clean along the gumline or the inner tooth surfaces the way a toothbrush does. Studies on dental chews consistently describe them as a reduction in plaque buildup, not a substitute for a full brushing routine.
Where the two approaches genuinely differ
Brushing physically removes plaque from the gumline and both the inner and outer surfaces of every tooth, while a chew, however well designed, can only affect the surfaces a dog happens to gnaw against, missing the inner surfaces entirely and reaching the gumline only inconsistently.
What the evidence actually supports
Studies backing dental health seals on chew products typically measure a reduction in plaque or tartar accumulation compared to no intervention at all, not a comparison showing chews outperform or match regular brushing, which remains the gold standard recommended by veterinary dental specialists.
A realistic combined routine
Brushing two to three times a week alongside a daily dental chew covers more ground than either approach alone, giving a dog the mechanical benefit of chewing plus the more thorough, targeted cleaning that only a toothbrush and pet safe toothpaste can provide.
Key takeaways
- Dental chews only clean the surfaces a dog actively gnaws on, missing inner surfaces and the gumline.
- Studies on dental chews measure plaque reduction, not equivalence to brushing.
- Brushing two to three times a week remains the recommended core of dental care.
- Combining daily chews with regular brushing covers more ground than either alone.