Nutrition for Strong Teeth and Gums in Dogs

By the age of three, at least 8 in 10 dogs already have periodontal disease – and yet only about 1 in 8 has ever had a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. Most owners, when asked, describe their dog’s teeth as “very good.” Those three numbers don’t fit together by accident; they describe the gap between what’s happening in a dog’s mouth and what we can see from the outside – and nutrition quietly sits right in the middle of that gap.

This isn’t just about “kibble vs. wet food.”It’s about how food texture scrubs (or doesn’t), how nutrients support gum tissue, how saliva flows, and how our beliefs about “natural” diets intersect with actual evidence.

Let’s walk through what we really know – and what we honestly don’t – about feeding for strong teeth and gums.

The quiet epidemic in your dog’s mouth

Large studies consistently show:

• Around 80% of dogs over age 3 have some level of periodontal disease. [2][4][6]

• 73% of dogs seen at Banfield hospitals in 2023 had dental issues recorded. [12]

• Small breeds are hit especially hard: Beagles (80.7%), Terriers (79.7%), Dachshunds (79.3%) show very high rates. [4]

• Yet only ~13% of dogs have had a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. [2]

• About half of owners rate their dog’s dental health as “very good,” even when calculus and gingivitis are present. [2]

So if you’ve ever thought, “Her teeth look okay to me,” and then felt blindsided by a vet saying, “We’re seeing periodontal disease,” you’re not alone – you’re in the statistical majority.

Nutrition won’t replace brushing or professional care. But it is one of the few levers you control every single day, for your dog’s entire life. The question is: how do you use it wisely?

A quick map of what’s actually going on in the mouth

Before talking about food, it helps to know what you’re trying to influence.

Key terms, de-jargoned

• Plaque: A soft, sticky layer of bacteria + saliva + food debris that forms on teeth within hours of eating. Invisible at first, then slightly off-white or yellow.

• Tartar (calculus): Plaque that has mineralized (hardened). Once tartar is stuck on the tooth, it can’t be brushed off at home; it needs professional scaling.

• Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums: redness, swelling, bleeding. Reversible if plaque is removed.

• Periodontal disease: The umbrella term for chronic inflammation and destruction of the tissues that support the tooth: the gum, ligaments, and jawbone. Once bone loss begins, it’s not fully reversible.

• Oral microbiotaThe community of bacteria living in the mouth. Some combinations are compatible with health; others promote inflammation and disease.

The chain usually goes like this:

Plaque → tartar → gingivitis → periodontal disease → pain, loose teeth, infections.

Nutrition can’t break that chain on its own, but it can slow it, shift the microbiota in a healthier direction, and support the gum tissue that has to live next to all that bacteria.

Texture: why how your dog eats matters as much as what

One of the clearest findings in the research is surprisingly physical: the texture of the diet changes what happens on the teeth.

Dry vs. wet food: what studies actually show

In controlled studies, dogs fed dry food (kibble) tend to have:

• Less plaque buildup  

• Lower breath odor  

• An oral microbiota more associated with oral health than dogs fed only wet food. [1]

This is thought to be due to mechanical cleaning: the act of chewing harder pieces creates a gentle scrubbing effect.

Historical studies from the 1930s–1960s already noticed this: dogs eating solid food retained more normal teeth and gums than those on minced or soft diets. [1]

But here’s where it gets more nuanced – and where many well-meaning owners get misled.

The myth of “any kibble cleans teeth”

Most standard kibble shatters quickly when a dog bites down. That means:

• Minimal contact time with the tooth surface

• Less scraping along the tooth

• Food may crumble before it can do much cleaning

In other words: just being dry is not a magic dental benefit.

In one study, simply increasing kibble size by 50% led to a 42% reduction in tartar. [9] That’s a big clue: shape, size, and structure matter.

Specially designed dental diets use:

• Larger, structured kibble that doesn’t immediately fracture

• A texture that allows the tooth to sink in before the piece breaks

• Sometimes added ingredients to help prevent tartar mineralization

These diets are tested for their effect on plaque and tartar – and some earn the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, meaning they meet specific standards for reducing plaque and/or calculus. [7]

So the practical takeaway:

• Dry food is generally better than all-wet for mechanical cleaning.

• Not all kibble is “dental kibble.” If dental benefit is your goal, look for products specifically formulated and tested for that purpose, ideally with a VOHC seal.

What about raw bones and “natural chewing”?

If you’ve ever been told, “Just give raw meaty bones, they clean teeth naturally,” you’re standing in the middle of one of the biggest ethical and emotional debates in veterinary nutrition.

What owners often see

Many owners who feed raw meaty bones or raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) report:

• Less visible tartar

• Better breath

• A sense that this is “more natural” and instinctive

These observations matter; they’re part of the real-world picture. But they’re not the whole story.

What the science says so far

Current evidence is:

• Weak or inconclusive that raw diets or raw bones prevent periodontal disease over the long term. [3][5]

  
  

• Some studies show no clear protective effect, or benefits that are hard to separate from other factors (like more chewing time overall). [3][5]

  
  

• There are safety concerns:

  • Bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella, Campylobacter)

  • Bone fractures and tooth fractures

  • Gastrointestinal obstructions or perforations

Because of these risks and the lack of strong, long-term data, most veterinary organizations recommend caution, and many do not endorse raw meaty bones as a primary dental strategy. [5]

This leaves owners in a difficult place: the promise of a simple, natural fix vs. the reality of incomplete evidence and real risks.

If you’re already feeding raw or considering it, this is a conversation to have in detail with your vet or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist – not something to navigate alone or based solely on social media.

Do sugars cause cavities in dogs like in humans?

Interestingly, no – at least not in the same way.

In humans, sugars and fermentable carbohydrates are major drivers of dental caries (cavities). In dogs:

• Sugars do not significantly contribute to plaque accumulation the way they do in people. [7]

Dogs do get periodontal disease, but true cavities are relatively rare compared to humans. Their oral bacteria, tooth shape, and saliva chemistry are different.

That doesn’t mean sugar is a health food – it’s still not ideal metabolically, and many sugary treats are simply unnecessary calories. But it does mean:

• The main nutritional focus for your dog’s mouth is plaque control and gum health, not sugar avoidance in the human-dentistry sense.

  
  

Beyond texture: nutrients that quietly support teeth and gums

Research on specific nutrients and periodontal disease in dogs is surprisingly thin. We have more theory and plausible mechanisms than long-term, high-quality trials. [11] Still, some principles are reasonably clear:

1. Nutrients that maintain tissue integrity

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth are living tissues that need:

• Adequate protein – for collagen and tissue repair

• Vitamins and minerals – particularly:

  • Calcium and phosphorus for bone and tooth structure

  • Vitamin D for mineral balance

  • Vitamin C and other antioxidants (dogs synthesize vitamin C, but antioxidants in the diet may still help limit oxidative damage)

  • Zinc and certain B vitamins for healing and immune function

Well-formulated complete diets are designed to meet these needs. Severe nutrient deficiencies are uncommon in commercial diets but can appear with unbalanced home-prepared or fad diets.

2. Nutritional strategies in dental-specific foods

Some dental diets and treats aim to:

• Alter plaque bacteria metabolism (for example, by including compounds that interfere with bacterial adherence or growth)

• Stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids

• Include agents that slow tartar mineralization (like certain polyphosphates) so plaque is easier to remove

These are often the products that undergo trials and may earn the VOHC seal when they demonstrate measurable reductions in plaque or calculus. [7]

3. Supplements and add-ons

Owners and vets sometimes use:

• Enzymatic gels or sprays  

• Seaweed/algae-derived powders  

• Water additives

The evidence base for many of these is limited or mixed. [3] Some may help as adjuncts, especially when brushing is difficult, but they’re not a substitute for mechanical cleaning (brushing, chewing, professional scaling).

A good way to think about them:

“Nice to add if budget and dog cooperation allow, but not the foundation.”

How nutrition fits into the bigger dental-care picture

Nutrition is one pillar among several. None of them can carry the weight alone.

The three main lines of defense

1. Daily plaque control at home  

   • Brushing is still the gold standard.

   • Chews and dental diets can help when brushing isn’t perfect (and it rarely is).

     
     

2. Professional care  

   • Regular oral exams

   • Dental cleanings under anesthesia when needed, including scaling under the gumline, where disease really lives.

     
     

3. Supportive nutrition  

   • Diets with beneficial texture and, when appropriate, dental formulations.

   • A nutritionally complete base diet that supports gum and bone health.

   • Thoughtful use of evidence-based chews and products (VOHC seal where possible).

     
     

The research is clear on one point: diet alone will not prevent periodontal disease in most dogs. [6][7][8] But it can meaningfully slow the process, reduce the amount of tartar that forms, and make professional cleanings less frequent or less severe.

Why this feels so emotionally loaded for many owners

Dental care, and especially nutrition around it, tends to stir up a mix of emotions:

• Guilt – “If 80% of dogs have periodontal disease, did I fail mine?”

• Anxiety – about anesthesia, about seeing blood when brushing, about making the “wrong” feeding choice.

• Overwhelm – so many products, so many opinions, especially around raw feeding.

• Hope for easy fixes – the dream that a particular chew, bone, or food will let you skip the daily wrestling match with the toothbrush.

The research on owner perspectives shows:

• Many owners underestimate their dog’s dental problems but are willing to engage when they understand the stakes. [2]

• Brushing is often perceived as stressful – for the dog, for the relationship, for the owner’s sense of competence. [3]

• Raw diets and “natural” chews often appeal because they promise a simpler, more intuitive solution, even when the science is uncertain. [3][5]

If you recognize yourself in any of this, you’re not doing it “wrong”; you’re just living in the same imperfect world as every other caring dog guardian.

Talking with your vet about nutrition and your dog’s mouth

Because the evidence is nuanced, the most useful thing you can bring to your vet is not a specific product request, but good questions.

Here are some to consider:

1. “Based on what you see in my dog’s mouth today, how big a role should diet play?”  

   • Mild tartar and gingivitis vs. advanced periodontal disease call for different levels of intervention.

     
     

2. “Would my dog benefit from a dental-specific diet or just dental chews added to their current food?”  

   • Some dogs do well with their regular complete diet plus a VOHC-approved chew.

   • Others, especially high-risk small breeds, may benefit from a full dental diet.

     
     

3. “Which products do you recommend that have the VOHC seal, and why?”  

   • This helps you focus on options with actual evidence behind them.

     
     

4. “If I’m considering raw bones or a raw diet for dental reasons, can we talk through the risks and the current research?”  

   • A good vet will not dismiss your interest but will walk you through safety and evidence.

     
     

5. “My dog hates toothbrushing. If we combine a dental diet, chews, and the occasional wipe, how far does that realistically get us?”  

   • This helps set realistic expectations rather than magical thinking or hopelessness.

     
     

Managing expectations: what nutrition can and cannot do

It may help to think in terms of probabilities and timelines, not miracles.

Nutrition can:

• Reduce the rate at which plaque becomes tartar

• Support healthier gum tissue that’s more resilient to inflammation

• Improve breath odor, which is often the first thing owners notice

• Potentially reduce how often intensive dental work is needed

Nutrition cannot:

• Remove existing tartar (that’s a job for scaling under anesthesia)

• Reverse established bone loss

• Guarantee that a dog will “never need a dental”

• Fully compensate for a total lack of home care, especially in high-risk breeds

If your dog is a small breed or already has dental disease, your goal isn’t perfection; it’s slowing a very common, very normal process to a gentler pace.

Practical ways to use food to help your dog’s teeth

Without prescribing or replacing veterinary advice, here’s how the research translates into everyday choices:

1. If your dog is currently on all-wet food and has no medical reason to avoid kibble  

   • Ask your vet whether adding or transitioning to a dry component (ideally a dental-specific kibble) would be appropriate. [1][7]

     
     

2. Look for the VOHC seal  

   • On dental diets, chews, and some water additives.

   • This doesn’t mean they’re perfect, but it does mean they’ve cleared a meaningful evidence bar. [7]

     
     

3. Be realistic about “regular” kibble  

   • It may help more than pure wet food, but it’s not a full dental plan. [3][9]

     
     

4. Use chewing time strategically  

   • If your dog loves to chew, channel that into tested dental chews rather than random hard objects (antlers, stones, very hard bones), which can fracture teeth.

     
     

5. If you’re drawn to raw diets for dental reasons  

   • Treat this as a complex medical and ethical decision, not a quick fix.

   • Discuss safety, your household situation (children, immunocompromised people), and your dog’s specific risks with your vet. [5]

     
     

6. Keep the big picture in mind  

   • Diet is a supporting actor, not the lead. Pair nutritional strategies with whatever level of brushing and professional care is realistically sustainable for you.

     
     

If you’re feeling behind: you’re right on time

The data tell us that most dogs already have some degree of periodontal disease by age three. That means:

• If your vet is only now bringing it up, they’re not late – they’re likely catching it at the most common time.

• If you’re only now learning about the role of diet, you’re in very crowded company.

• If you can’t suddenly start daily brushing plus a dental diet plus chews plus twice-yearly cleanings, you’re not failing; you’re just human.

Start where you are:

• Maybe that’s switching from all-wet to a mixed or dental kibble.

• Maybe it’s choosing one VOHC-approved chew your dog loves.

• Maybe it’s finally booking the dental your vet has been gently suggesting, so that all your nutritional efforts are working on a clean slate.

Teeth and gums don’t need perfection; they need incremental, consistent kindness – in the form of food, care, and attention – over years. Nutrition is one of the quietest ways to offer that, every single day your dog shares your kitchen.

References

1. Belstrøm D, et al. Oral microbiota populations of adult dogs consuming wet or dry foods. PLoS One. 2022. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9387596/  

2. Lundgren T, et al. Dog Owners' Perspectives on Canine Dental Health. Animals (Basel). 2020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7297050/  

3. Lundgren T, et al. Dog Owners' Ideas and Strategies Regarding Dental Health. Front Vet Sci. 2022. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.878162/full  

4. DVM360. State by state dental health. https://www.dvm360.com/view/state-by-state-dental-health  

5. Perry R, Tutt C. Does Feeding Raw Dietary Treats Reduce/Prevent Periodontal Disease? Veterinary Evidence. 2015. https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/article/view/153  

6. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Canine Dental Health Care. https://www.akcchf.org/disease-history/dental-health-for-dogs/  

7. VCA Animal Hospitals. Dogs, Nutrition, and Periodontal Disease. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dogs-nutrition-and-periodontal-disease  

8. Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Pet Dental Health: Fact or Fiction? https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/pet-dental-health-fact-or-fiction  

9. Covetrus. What role does diet play in canine dental and oral health? https://northamerica.covetrus.com/resource-center/blogs/dentistry/dentistry/2019/02/07/what-role-does-diet-play-in-canine-dental-and-oral-health  

10. Pet Sitters International. Top Dog Dental Problems and Treatments. https://petsitters.org/page/TopDogDentalProblemsandTreatments  

11. Allan FJ. How Nutrition Affects Dental Health in Dogs. In: CABI Digital Library. 2015. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20153170761  

12. Banfield Pet Hospital. State of Pet Dental Health 2024. https://www.banfield.com/about-banfield/newsroom/press-releases/2024/state-of-pet-dental-health