Anyone had any success with dental powders / water additives?

[GreenTuftyFlowers]

I keep seeing ads for these which claim wonderful results, but the ones I've tried over the years don't seem to make any difference. Both DDogs have bad teeth and one especially won't let anyone near her mouth for brushing.

You need to look for products that say they are VOHC (Veterinary or health council) approved as these will have good quality evidence supporting their use. No product will remove established tartar this needs a GA and proper cleaning. The products then will prevent further plaque forming ( which then leads to tartar).

Nah. I am convinced they don't make much of a difference and that good teeth is about 75% genetics and 25% brushing regime.

I asked the vet about these and she said they are mainly preventative. They won't touch tartare. Someone should really report those before/after pictures to advertising standards. You need to brush your dogs teeth. If your dog is young and fit enough teeth cleaning can be done under anaesthetic by the vet.

Coincidentally, just this morning my vet recommended these for my cats.
'Try it before they need a general anaesthetic to clean their teeth', he said. ProDen PlaqueOff - they do doggy ones too, including various chews - so may be worth a try?

Personally, I can't see how they could work, but if they do, I am so getting some for myself 😁

My elderly dog (RIP) had no dental issues ever because she ate raw chicken wings daily, so I guess the bones kept her teeth clean.

Tartar needs cleaning off as it would on humans but there are lots of good natural treats that will help keep teeth clean. Fish skin, tracheas, ears etc. things that crunch. Also dry food helps a lot.

I started giving my dog Plaque-off about 4-6 weeks ago. She’s about 2 years old, so doesn’t have much tartar yet, but she was just starting to get doggy breath. I can’t say I’ve noticed much difference in the incipient tartar yet, but her breath doesn’t smell at all any more, and presumably it will help prevent further build-up. Dentastix gets a bad rap on here, but the new version, called “advanced” is VOHC approved, so I’ve ordered some of them too. Having just spent a year (she’s a rescue) getting her to accept having her nails cut and her coat brushed (thank heavens for licky mats), I find I’m reluctant to spend perhaps another year getting her to accept having her teeth brushed, especially as I wouldn’t be able to distract her with food, so Plaque-off and chews it is.

I tried Plaque Off years ago in the hope that it would save me a job. I was prepared to use it forever despite the cost (it wasn't cheap back then). Didn't do anything noticeable. So regular brushing has remained the only option. It doesn't matter so much what dog toothpaste you use, the mechanical action is what makes a difference.
If possible, I would suggest taking the dog to a dog groomer to get used to teeth brushing. If it works, consider investing in a sonic dog toothbrush and find a good enzyme toothpaste. That would be the best option.

Failing that, if possible, get the vet to clean the teeth although bear in mind anaesthetic will be required. Then give the dog hard things to chew on a regular basis (week old rock solid french baguette for example or other things as suggested on this thread). Avoid super hard things like deer antlers, which in my opinion shouldn't be available for sale as they are harder than dogs' teeth and can cause big problems.
Dry food is also better than wet food so, if possible, try and incorporate this as well.

Thanks for all the replies :)

Yes makes sense that they don't actually remove tartar- would be hard to see how that was possible without physically scraping it off. I did try Plaque Off years ago but that was prob the old version.

I've got loads of the dental chew sticks from Pooch and Mutt, unfortunately even small bits make one of the dogs vomit.

Haven't tried the fish skin version but will prob have to keep the dogs apart as I can see anything that isn't immediately eaten being a bone (haha) of contention.

I've also tried the yaks milk sticks on one of the dogs, she loves them but they don't seem to make a noticeable difference. Apparently you can microwave them and they puff up?

Watching with interest ... thanks for starting OP

Our pup is now 15 weeks and we're trying to > emphasis on trying < to establish brushing too.

We've tried several brands/types of hard, puppy chews but they either give him a dicky tum, make him drink several gallons of water after or seem to trigger aggressive zoomies (patience isn't our little man's strong point).

So if there is an easier way which avoids ££ vet appointments I'm in!

We've never seen much difference with the powders or water additives. Our current dog is OK about having her teeth brushed (I use a microfibre finger brush). Our old boy was a different matter, and our vet said that even just smearing enzymatic toothpaste on his teeth and gums was better than nothing.

I give mine canident, which is made of seaweed. I think it has made a difference and my vet thought his teeth looked good (he’s 11-dog not vet 😂). It’s just sprinkled on top of his food and he eats it happily.

I would say plaque-off has helped my dog. He still has some tartar but I don’t brush his teeth and I think it would be worse without it. The vet is always happy with his teeth. He also loves ostrich bones which do seem to help.

When I took my recently rescued dog for an initial check up, the vet said she had a lot of plaque and some rotten teeth which would have to removed. She's 8yrs. My previous dog didn't have any problems.

I asked the vet why her teeth were so bad, he said just the luck of the draw - some dogs just have bad teeth.

Do not under any circumstances give dogs old bread. Or any grain products that could have mould. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-39007061.amp

@slippersandfleece why would anyone give their dogs mouldy food on purpose?
A week old completely dry rock solid french baguette is absolutely fine as a hard chew. Obviously not a mouldy one.

My dog was very anti brushing, until I found flavoured toothpaste. Virbac poultry flavoured on a finger brush. Started with just having her lick a bit off a finger brush (rubber, no bristles as such). It’s a challenge to get round the teeth as she’s so focused on eating the paste, but I squidge a bit on opposite side of mouth and brush the other sides teeth while she’s busy.

I didn’t think this would work. She used to hide under the bed for hours after an attempt. It’s been a game changer

I do brush (Emmi toothbrush) but I have also used the seaweed for years (that's all Plaque-off is - there are cheaper brands). It's also great for their health gnerally. But never give it to a dog with kidney problems. My dogs have sparkly teeth into old age.

The seaweed powder stuff sorted my old dogs’ teeth amazingly well.

Only thing that worked on my dogs was good old fashioned bones .

My lurcher is 14 this year and had a dental two years ago, no teeth removed, just a good clean. She really could do with another but I have decided not to put her through it as she has dementia and feel it would be too distressing. Fortunately vet agrees. I think you need to start young with preventative measures, although a good diet helps.