Dogs aren’t exactly known for their fresh breath. Sure, we love their affection, antics, and loyalty, but their stinky breath? Not so much! Some dog owners put up with it, but others use dental chews or sticks to give their dog fresh breath and better oral hygiene.
So, how do dog dental sticks work? Do dog dental chews actually work to give your dog better breath, or are they a waste of time and money? Today, we’ll answer those questions and more, giving you the info you need to decide whether dental chews are right for you and your pup.
Our advice? As long as you’re using them correctly, and you’re investing in high-quality dog dental sticks like the ones we offer here at Mighty Munch, dental chews are the most effective, easiest way to protect your dog’s oral health. Keep reading to learn why they’re the best!
The Importance of Oral Care for Pets
So, how do dog dental sticks work? First of all, let’s talk about why your dog’s dental care matters. If you’re ok putting up with a bit of stinky breath, do you really need to worry about your dog’s oral health? Yes - and here’s why.
Common Dental Issues in Dogs
Dogs are prone to a variety of dental problems, many of which can cause significant discomfort and health issues if left untreated. The main problem is that, like our teeth, your dog can develop plaque and tartar buildup.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and can lead to further dental problems. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontal disease, which affects the structures supporting the teeth. This can lead to tooth loss and severe pain. All of these issues can cause expensive vet bills, and drastically affect your dog’s long-term health and happiness.
The Challenges of Brushing or Flossing Your Dog’s Teeth
We can fight plaque and tartar in our own mouths by brushing our teeth, but if you’ve tried to brush your dog’s teeth before, you’ll know it’s not that easy! Brushing can be quite distressing for your dog, it’s uncomfortable, unnatural, and can make them gag.
Flossing isn’t much better - it’s painful, not that effective, and very difficult to get your dog to cooperate. In terms of dental sticks vs floss or brushing, sticks are so much easier! All you have to do is throw your dog a chew - no stress, no hours wasted, and no pain or discomfort for your pup.
But how do dog dental sticks work? Are dental sticks good for dogs teeth, or are they a waste of money? That’s what we’ll talk about next - stay tuned!
How Do Dog Dental Chews Work?
So, how do dog dental sticks work? Do dog dental chews actually work? Here’s what you need to know about adding dental chews to your dog’s routine.
Active Ingredients for Oral Health
Good quality dog dental chews contain specific active ingredients designed to promote oral health. For example, enzymatic chews contain enzymes like glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase that help break down plaque and reduce bacterial growth in the mouth.
Other chews contain probiotics, which help to restore the balance of bacteria in your dog’s mouth, fighting away the bad bacteria that lead to plaque and tartar buildup if left to flourish. Some chews also contain active ingredients to freshen your dog’s breath, like essential oils or herbs.
Mechanical Action of Chewing
As dogs chew on these treats, the abrasive texture of the chews helps to scrape off plaque and tartar from the surface of their teeth. This is similar to the way brushing works by physically removing debris and buildup from our own teeth.
Chewing on dental chews can also massage your dog’s gums, promoting healthy blood circulation and reducing the risk of gum disease. Your dog needs a strong jaw to chew their food properly, and regularly chewing on dental sticks is a great way to keep your pup’s jaw strong and healthy.
Stimulation of Saliva Production
Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, and dog dental chews can help stimulate its production. Saliva helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque formation and bad breath.
Saliva also neutralises the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to decay. Plus, saliva contains natural enzymes that can help break down food particles and reduce bacterial growth.
Do Dog Dental Dental Chews Actually Work, Though?
Ok, so we’ve talked about how dental sticks should work, but do dog dental chews actually work? Will your pup have fresher breath, a cleaner mouth, and protection against oral issues later in life? Let’s take a look at what vets and other pet parents have to say.
What Veterinarians Have to Say
In general, vets are big believers in high-quality dental sticks. If you’re looking to add dental sticks to your dog’s routine, make sure you choose a brand that’s backed by vets - you can ask yours for recommendations if you’re not sure where to start.
Vets also stress the importance of selecting dental chews that are appropriate for your dog's size, age, and chewing habits. Chews that are too hard or too large can pose a risk of dental fractures or choking.
Real Pet Parent Reviews
So, how do dog dental sticks work for your dog? One of the best ways to understand the benefits is by hearing from other pet parents. Here’s what our community has to say about Mighty Munch’s premium dental sticks:
“We ordered the Dental Sticks to help keep our dogs teeth clean. He took a couple of days to get a taste of these but now he has one a day. We have noticed a big improvement with him not biting his paws no where near as much as before the dental sitcks. He is more relaxed & had a nap after one of these. Happy Days. Thank you Mighty Munch”
“Very happy with these sticks . Much better then what you buy in supermarket. We got two babies one is very small and I have to say that for him the sticks are a little big. He normally waits for the leftovers from our other one who is double his size. So if there are anything thinner sticks from the same stuff please let us know. Also we do found that his teeth and smell slowly improved. So thank you.”
When Can You Expect to See Improvements?
When you’ll see improvements varies depending on your dog’s existing oral health and the results you’re looking for. Dogs with major plaque and tartar buildup or existing dental issues may take longer to show improvements, while dogs with relatively healthy mouths might show quicker results.
The most important factor to seeing good results is to use your dental chews regularly. Wondering how many dental sticks can a dog have a day? It’s best to give your dog one dental stick per day, each day, and watch for signs of fresher breath and healthier teeth over time.
See For Yourself How Well Our Dog Dental Sticks Work at Mighty Munch!
If you’re still not convinced, you don’t need to take our word for it - give our dental sticks a try! Your pup will love the delicious, natural flavour, and you’ll love the fact that we never use fillers, unnecessary additives, or anything that might cause an allergic reaction in your dog.
Mighty Munch dental sticks are infused with a potent dog probiotic and carefully formulated to ensure our active ingredients start working from the very first chew. These top-rated dental chews are the easiest, most effective way to protect your dog’s oral health and fight harmful bacteria.
While you’re here, make sure you check out our premium dog supplements in Australia, including our joint supplement for dogs and our collagen for dogs. Everything is made here in Aus, and exceeds the country’s pet safety standards. Only the best for your doggo!
If you’re wondering how to help a dog with arthritis at home, our joint supplements will do just that. We also have the best probiotics for dogs in Australia, plus top rated orthopedic dog beds Australia, and the best pet odour eliminator Australia to tackle even the most stubborn pet smells.
Our dog dental chews, like all our products, are backed by vets, trusted by pet parents all over the country, and designed with your dog’s safety as our top priority. With a 90-day money-back guarantee, it couldn’t be easier to improve your pup’s health and longevity, completely risk-free!
How to Introduce Your Pet to Dental Chews Safely
When introducing dental chews to your dog, it's best to start slowly to ensure they adjust well to the new treat. Make sure you’ve chosen a dental chew that matches your dog’s size and chewing style - you’ll see that there are two Mighty Munch stick sizes available.
Keep an eye on your dog while they are chewing, so that you can step in if the chew breaks into small pieces that could be swallowed or cause choking. Most dogs don’t have any issues with dental sticks, but keep an eye out for any signs of allergies or stomach upset.
Final Thoughts on How Dog Dental Sticks Work
So, how do dog dental sticks work? They are the most effective way to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath at the same time. Brushing your dog’s teeth is hard, but giving your pup a dental chew couldn’t be easier!
Here at Mighty Munch, we have premium dog dental sticks made from the best active ingredients, manufactured in a human-grade facility here in Australia. Our chews are safe, effective, and so easy to use, and they taste irresistible!
Now that you know how dog dental chews work, start protecting your dog’s teeth with the best dental sticks out there - shop Mighty Munch today!
