Plaque vs. Tartar on Your Dog’s Teeth

As a veterinary dentist, I’m often asked about the differences between plaque and tartar on dogs’ teeth. Understanding these two dental issues is crucial for maintaining your dog’s oral health and overall well-being.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your dog’s teeth within hours after eating. It’s composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. This biofilm is colorless and challenging to see, but it’s constantly forming on your and your dog’s teeth. Plaque is the initial stage of dental buildup and, if left to accumulate, can lead to more serious dental problems.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as calculus, forms when plaque is not removed. Within 24 to 48 hours, plaque begins to harden by combining with minerals in your dog’s saliva. 

As this process continues, the plaque mineralizes and transforms into tartar. Tartar is a complex, rough, and porous substance that can form above and below the gum line.

What Is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

The main differences between plaque and tartar are their consistency and removability:

• Plaque is soft and can be removed by daily brushing or wiping your dog’s teeth.
  
• Tartar is hard and can only be safely removed by a veterinary professional during a dental cleaning or by offering a safe dental chew that has been proven to remove tartar (YummyCombs®).

Another key difference is their appearance. Plaque is usually invisible to the naked eye, while tartar often appears as a yellow or brown buildup on the teeth.

What Dental Issues Can Result From a Lack of Cleaning?

Neglecting your dog’s dental hygiene can lead to several serious issues: 

• Bad Breath: This is often the first sign owners notice. Persistent bad breath in dogs is not normal and usually indicates dental problems.
  
• Abscesses: Bacterial infections can lead to painful abscesses in the mouth.
  
• Periodontal Disease: This includes conditions like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and can progress to more severe gum disease. It’s estimated that most dogs show signs of periodontal disease by age three.
  
• Tooth Loss: Advanced periodontal disease can lead to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.

What Are the Common Causes of Dog Plaque?

Several factors contribute to plaque formation in dogs: 

• Dog Food: Certain food types, significantly high in carbohydrates, can contribute more to plaque formation.
  
• Chew Toys: While some chew toys can help clean teeth, others may contribute to plaque buildup if they break down into tiny particles that stick to the teeth.

What Are the Common Causes of Dog Tartar?

The primary causes of tartar buildup include:

• Lack of Regular Brushing and/or daily use of VOHC-accepted dental products: Without regular removal, plaque will inevitably harden into tartar.
  
• Preexisting Health Issues: Some health conditions can make dogs more prone to tartar buildup.

How To Treat Plaque Buildup

The good news is that plaque can be managed at home. 

• Brush or wipe Your Dog’s Teeth at Home: Daily brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Use a dog-specific toothpaste and brush. Concentrate the brush or wipe on the outside tooth surfaces.

If daily brushing is not available, consider using VOHC dental products, which will decrease plaque or tartar or, in some cases, have been shown to remove hard tartar, like YummyCombs®.

How To Treat Tartar Buildup

Once tartar has formed, professional intervention is necessary. 

• Professional Dental Cleaning: This procedure, performed under anesthesia, allows for a thorough cleaning above and below the gum line. 

How To Prevent Plaque and Tartar in the Future

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some strategies: 

• Daily Brushing is the gold standard for preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth daily.
  
• Regular Dental Checkups: Your veterinarian can perform annual dental exams to catch problems early.
  
• Dental Chews: Look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. These can help reduce plaque and tartar.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining your dog’s dental health is crucial to their overall well-being. By understanding the difference between plaque and tartar and taking proactive steps to prevent their buildup, you can help ensure your dog keeps a healthy, pain-free mouth for life. 

Remember, while home care is essential, it doesn’t replace the need for professional dental cleanings. Regular veterinary check-ups and a consistent home dental care routine provide the best defense against dental disease in dogs.

Sources:

VOHC Accepted Products 

Plaque and Tartar Prevention in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals 

Veterinary Oral Health Council