Treats and chews
Do dental chews actually clean a dog's teeth?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes, to a meaningful degree, dental chews use mechanical scraping and, in some cases, a textured or ridged surface to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup as the dog gnaws through them, with independent studies showing measurable reductions in plaque for products carrying recognized dental health seals. They are a helpful addition to dental care but work best alongside brushing, not as a full replacement.
How the mechanical cleaning effect works
As a dog chews, the textured surface of a dental chew scrapes against the tooth's outer surface, physically dislodging some soft plaque buildup before it has a chance to harden into tartar, an effect that happens progressively over the several minutes it takes to work through a typical chew.
What independent evaluation has found
Products carrying a recognized veterinary dental health seal have typically undergone testing showing a measurable reduction in plaque or tartar accumulation compared to no intervention, though the degree of reduction varies by product and studies generally measure this over weeks of regular, not occasional, use.
Why chews alone are not a complete solution
A chew only reaches the outer surfaces of teeth that the dog actively gnaws on, missing the inner surfaces and the gumline that a toothbrush reaches directly, which is why dental chews are generally recommended as a supplement to brushing two to three times a week rather than a full substitute.
Key takeaways
- Dental chews mechanically scrape plaque from tooth surfaces as a dog gnaws through them.
- Products with a recognized dental health seal have shown measurable plaque reduction in studies.
- Chews only reach the surfaces a dog actively gnaws on, missing the gumline and inner surfaces.
- Dental chews work best as a supplement to brushing, not a full replacement for it.