How to Get Rid of Dog Tartar: A Complete At-Home Guide

Oral hygiene is an important part of your dog's overall health. Over time, your dog's teeth can become stained, yellow, and covered with dog dental tartar. While humans brush their teeth several times throughout the day, dogs rely on us to help them maintain dental health.

Some dog owners are more responsible than others and brush their canine’s teeth religiously. However, many pet parents fail to do it regularly, exposing their pets to numerous dental conditions. Taking your dog to a professional teeth cleaning can be expensive, so learning how to manage it at home is essential for pet owners.

In this article, we bring you ultimate tips and tricks to help you get rid of dog tartar from your dog's teeth for good.

What is Dog Tartar?

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, mineralised deposit that forms on the tooth surface. It is formed when calcium deposits in a dog's saliva mix with existing plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria.

Over time, this hard tartar can build up, causing severe issues. These can include tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease (gingivitis), and other gum-related conditions.

If tartar becomes hard, it must be professionally removed by a veterinarian. This procedure requires specialised tools and is performed under general anesthesia. You can prevent this costly and stressful procedure by regularly maintaining your dog's dental hygiene at home.

How to Remove Dog Tartar: At-Home Methods

Consistency is the key to success when you want to remove dog tartar. Start with the "gold standard" and then explore the easiest daily options.

1. Daily Teeth Brushing (The Gold Standard)

One of the most effective ways to remove plaque and minimise tartar is daily brushing.

• Be Diligent: Brushing once a week will not solve a tartar problem. You have to be diligent and persistent, ideally brushing every day.

• Choose the Right Paste: Get a toothpaste for your dog that is enzyme-formulated. Some contain natural antibacterial ingredients, such as coconut oil, which can help your dog fight off bacteria.

• Technique: Use a dog-safe toothbrush or a finger brush. Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth, where tartar builds up most frequently.

2. The Easiest Daily Defence: Plaque Control

While daily tooth brushing is considered the gold standard, achieving it consistently is difficult for many pet owners. This is where a high-quality dental kelp powder provides a revolutionary, low-effort solution.

This type of product is highly effective in removing plaque and loosening tartar from your dog's teeth because it works through the dog's system.

• Scientific Backing: Swedish studies have discovered that a kelp meal and kelp supplements have the potential to reduce tartar buildup and dental plaque within a couple of weeks. The bacteria Bacillus licheniformis, which reside on the surface of this plant, release an enzyme that can help break down the plaque coating.

• Simple Usage: Plaque Control for Dogs is extremely convenient to use; just mix it with your dog's food once a day.

• Systemic Results: Norwegian Kelp works via the dog's saliva, helping to eliminate bad breath and contributing to overall dental health. Over time, tartar deposits will brighten and become easier to scrape off with a toothbrush or chew.

We strongly suggest sprinkling your pet's food with kelp teeth powder for the best, most consistent results with minimal effort.

3. Targeted Treatment: Dental Gels and Sprays

For pet parents looking for low-stress alternatives, gels and sprays offer a valuable option.

• Oral Gel: Apply a specifically formulated gel that removes plaque and tartar directly to your dog's teeth using your fingers. The gel mixes with your dog's saliva, activating ingredients that dissolve plaque and tartar. You should see results in 30 days.

• Dental Spray: Dental spray is designed to remove plaque before it turns into tartar. Spritz it directly onto the dog's gums and teeth 30 minutes after your pet eats. The spray will form a film that breaks down plaque and calcium in tartar.

Expert Tip: The combination of a daily systemic product (like kelp powder) and mechanical cleaning (like brushing) provides the most comprehensive results against advanced tartar.

4. Chews, Bones, and Toys

Chewing is a natural behaviour that helps physically scrape off mild plaque buildup.

• Dental Chews and Sticks: Look for dental sticks with a star-shaped form. This shape enables them to effectively reduce plaque buildup and tartar as your dog chews them.
• Chewing Bones: Bones can help soften tartar. Raw bones are often preferred as they are less likely to splinter. Ensure the bone is the appropriate size to prevent swallowing or fracturing teeth.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Opting for healthy, crispy treats like celery, beetroots, or carrots is a great alternative to processed chews.

When is Professional Tartar Removal Necessary?

While home care is essential for prevention, severe tartar buildup requires veterinary attention.

• Signs of Advanced Disease: If you notice bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or brown/yellow deposits that resist brushing, your dog needs a professional cleaning.

• The Procedure: The vet uses specialised tools to scrape the hardened tartar from the tooth surface and beneath the gum line. The dog must be placed under general anesthesia to perform this procedure safely.

Statistic: According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), by the time your pet is three years old, they will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease. Consistent at-home care is the only way to minimise the need for frequent professional cleanings.

The Best Tooth Brushing Tips 

• Start early: You can start brushing your dog's teeth when they are eight weeks old. This is a great way to get them used to all those dental accessories.

• Get your dog used to you: Before you even begin with the brushing, coat your fingers with something they like, like peanut butter and then rub your fingers across their gums. This way, they will get used to your fingers in their mouth.

• Be realistic: Canine teeth brushing requires time and a lot of patience. You will start by brushing only a couple of their teeth and then gradually work your way up.

• Stay calm: If you are nervous, your pet will feel it. Don't forget to praise your dog throughout this process.

• Choose the right moment: pick a time of day when your dog is relaxed, like after a vigorous play session or after a long walk.

Removing tartar from your dog's teeth can be a long and tiresome experience. But if you know the right techniques and use the products that work, you may not need professional assistance. Trying a few of these simple tips and tricks, especially incorporating dental kelp powder, can help your dog get rid of tartar while keeping their dental hygiene in perfect order.

References

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Periodontal Disease in Pets. https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/petdentalcare_brochure.pdf