📅 Last updated:
Do dental sticks actually remove tartar on dogs? No. A dental stick or chew can scrape soft plaque and slow new tartar, but once tartar has hardened onto the tooth only a veterinary dental cleaning removes it. The most reliable label to look for is the seal of the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which means the maker submitted trial data meeting a set standard: at least a 15% reduction in plaque or tartar in each of two trials and an average of at least 20%. Updated October 2026. General information, not veterinary advice.
📋 Table of Contents
- Do Dental Sticks Work on Existing Tartar?
- Dental Stick vs Dental Chew: What Is the Difference?
- What the VOHC Seal Means
- Examples of Dog Chews on the VOHC List
- Do Tartar Gels, Pens and Toothpastes Work?
- Risks of Dental Chews
- Dental Chews for Senior Dogs and Sensitive Stomachs
- Dental Chews and Special Diets (Kidney Disease, Urinary Stones)
- Dental Chews vs Water Additives vs Brushing
- Signs Your Dog Needs More Than Dental Chews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Dog Dental Guides
- Sources We Checked
Do Dental Sticks Work on Existing Tartar?
Tartar (dental calculus) is plaque that has mineralized into a hard deposit. Dental chews are prevention tools. They work mechanically as the dog chews, scraping soft plaque before it hardens, and some carry added ingredients meant to slow plaque. The American Animal Hospital Association’s 2019 dental guidelines note that brushing removes plaque but not calculus, and the same logic applies to chews: nothing you give at home removes calculus already stuck to the teeth.
That means a dog with visible brown or yellow crust along the gumline needs a veterinary exam first. Stage 1 gum disease (gingivitis) is treated, according to AAHA, with dental scaling, polishing and home care. After a professional cleaning, a VOHC-accepted chew plus brushing helps keep teeth cleaner for longer. Our hub guide to how to pick dental chews that actually work explains the buying side in more depth.
Dental Stick vs Dental Chew: What Is the Difference?
See also: 7 Best Refillable Frozen Dog Treat Toys for Long-Lasting Licks • Best Dog Door Mat for Muddy Paws: Sizing, Materials and Picks by Entryway
Mostly shape and marketing. “Dental stick” usually means a stick-shaped treat; “dental chew” covers any chew with a plaque or tartar claim. What matters is the right size for your dog, a texture that encourages real chewing, and a VOHC claim for the exact product. A stick with no VOHC claim is a treat, not a proven tartar control tool.
What the VOHC Seal Means
The VOHC does not test products itself. It reviews trial data that manufacturers submit, run under VOHC protocols, and awards a seal for a plaque claim, a tartar claim or both. Its accepted-products list includes edible chews, a rawhide chew, dental diets, water additives, gels, sprays and toothpastes. Two cautions from reading the list:
- The seal belongs to a specific product, not a brand. Some varieties of a brand are listed and others are not.
- A plaque claim and a tartar claim are different. Check which one the product has.
Always confirm on vohc.org before buying, because the list is updated as products are added.
Examples of Dog Chews on the VOHC List
These products appear on the VOHC accepted-products list as reviewed in October 2026. The claim column shows what VOHC accepted. We compare against the list and manufacturer labels; we do not test products.
| Product | VOHC claim | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canine Greenies (original) | Plaque and tartar | All-round daily chew, sized by weight | Dogs that gulp chews or have had an obstruction |
| Greenies Aging Care | Plaque and tartar | Older dogs, with your vet’s approval | Same size and gulping cautions |
| C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH | Plaque and tartar | Plant-based texture; sizes by weight | Count the calories; ask your vet about special diets |
| Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care (North American) | Tartar | Daily tartar-claim chew | Tartar claim only, not plaque |
| OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews | Tartar | Vet-clinic style chew | Tartar claim only; the OraVet gel is a different product |
| Whimzees Brushzees | Plaque and tartar | Dogs that like a firmer, toothbrush-shaped chew | Only the Brushzees and Toothbrush shapes are listed, not other Whimzees |
| Pedigree Dentastix (Advanced; Original Large) | Advanced: plaque and tartar; Original Large: tartar | Widely available sticks | Confirm the exact variety on the package |
| Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews | Tartar | Rawhide-style option | Supervise any rawhide; ask your vet if your dog swallows chunks |
Canine Greenies Dental Treats – VOHC: plaque and tartar – Best all-round daily chew
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats, Original Chicken Flavor, 36 Count | Veterinarian-recommended, supports oral health & freshens breath, clean to gumline, for dogs 25-50 lbs, chicken flavor
Included for 'Do Dental Sticks Remove Tartar on Dogs? What VOHC Chews Do' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonPick the size by your dog’s weight on the package. Skip it if: your dog swallows chews whole or has had a blockage.
C.E.T. VeggieDent FR3SH – VOHC: plaque and tartar – Best plant-based option
C.E.T. Veggiedent Fr3sh Plaque and Tartar Control Chews for Dogs, Large | Vet recommended dental chews, plant-based formula, supports canine digestive health, VOHC approved for plaque & tartar
Included for 'Do Dental Sticks Remove Tartar on Dogs? What VOHC Chews Do' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonSold in sizes by weight; check the size chart. Skip it if: your vet has limited treats for kidney or weight reasons.
Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care – VOHC: tartar – Best for a daily tartar-claim chew
Dentalife Daily Oral Care Dog Treats for Small to Medium Dogs, 40 ct. | Chicken flavored dental chews, help clean teeth and freshen breath, unique design that help clean down to gumline
Included for 'Do Dental Sticks Remove Tartar on Dogs? What VOHC Chews Do' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonChoose the North American Daily Oral Care product in the right size. Skip it if: you need a plaque claim as well.
OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews – VOHC: tartar – Best vet-channel style chew
ORAVET Dental Chews for Dogs, Oral Care and Hygiene Chews (Small Dogs, 10-24 lbs.) Blue Pouch, 30 Count
Included for 'Do Dental Sticks Remove Tartar on Dogs? What VOHC Chews Do' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonThis listing is the small-dog size. Skip it if: your dog is outside the weight range printed on the package.
Whimzees Brushzees – VOHC: plaque and tartar – Best firmer toothbrush-shaped chew
Whimzees Wellness Brushzees Natural Dog Dental Treat, VOHC Accepted Chews, Freshens Breath, Medium Size, 12.7 oz Bag, 12 Count
Included for 'Do Dental Sticks Remove Tartar on Dogs? What VOHC Chews Do' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on AmazonThe medium size suits dogs in the weight band on the label. Skip it if: your dog is a power chewer who splinters firm chews.
Do Tartar Gels, Pens and Toothpastes Work?
Be skeptical of any product that says it dissolves or removes existing tartar. VOHC lists a small number of gels, toothpastes and sprays, mostly with plaque claims, plus a few with tartar claims. Those claims are about reducing build-up, not dissolving hardened calculus. Applied to a clean mouth, a VOHC-listed gel or toothpaste can help keep plaque down, especially for dogs that tolerate a finger brush. See our guide to how to brush a dog’s teeth for a step-by-step start.
Does Lactoferrin Work on Dog Tartar?
Lactoferrin and similar ingredients are marketing claims unless the exact product has a VOHC result. Look for the seal on the specific product rather than relying on an ingredient name.
Risks of Dental Chews
- Choking and blockage: match the size to your dog’s weight, supervise every chew and take away small remnants. Dogs that gulp chews are at higher risk.
- Tooth fracture from hard items: the AAHA dental guidelines say there is not a strong rationale for offering hard treats such as antlers or natural or synthetic bones, which can damage teeth.
- Calories: chews are treats. Count them in your dog’s daily food, especially for small or overweight dogs.
- Allergies and sensitive stomachs: introduce a new chew slowly and stop it if your dog has vomiting or diarrhea.
Dental Chews for Senior Dogs and Sensitive Stomachs
Ask your vet before choosing, because older dogs often have gum disease, loose teeth or other conditions that change what is safe. If your vet agrees, pick a VOHC-listed chew in the right size, introduce it gradually and offer fewer at first. Our Greenies vs C.E.T. comparison looks at two widely used options side by side.
Dental Chews and Special Diets (Kidney Disease, Urinary Stones)
If your dog eats a prescription kidney or urinary diet, ask your vet before adding any dental chew. Treats add calories, protein and minerals, and some therapeutic diets restrict them. Do not assume that a dental stick helps prevent stones or fits a renal plan.
Dental Chews vs Water Additives vs Brushing
The AVDC calls daily brushing the gold standard to prevent plaque and calculus, and says there are diets, treats, chews and water additives with the VOHC seal of acceptance. In practice the best routine is the one you will keep up: brush daily if your dog allows it, add a VOHC-accepted chew, and keep up veterinary checks. See our dog dental water additive review and dog breath spray guide for the other options.
Signs Your Dog Needs More Than Dental Chews
See your vet if you notice persistent bad breath, yellow-brown crust along the gumline, red or bleeding gums, drooling, pawing at the mouth, dropping food or avoiding hard food. At that stage a dental exam under anesthesia is the right step. AAHA’s guidelines describe so-called anesthesia-free dental cleaning as not shown to be comparable to a cleaning under anesthesia, and the AVDC says it provides no benefit to oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you slowly fix tartar buildup on dogs with dental sticks?
No. Dental sticks slow new buildup; a vet scaling under anesthesia removes existing tartar. Used daily after a cleaning, they can help the teeth stay cleaner for longer.
Do dental chews work on existing tartar?
They do not remove hardened tartar. Some VOHC-accepted chews have shown they reduce tartar accumulation in trials, which is a different claim.
What are the best dental sticks for a senior dog with a sensitive stomach?
Ask your vet first. If approved, look for a VOHC-listed chew sized to your dog’s weight and introduce it slowly with a small portion.
Is a dental stick enough without brushing?
No. The AVDC calls daily brushing the gold standard. Chews are a helpful add-on, not a replacement.
Are dental chews safe?
Mostly, with supervision. Choking, blockage and tooth fracture from very hard items are real risks, so match size to weight and avoid antlers and bones.
How long do dental chews take to work?
You may notice fresher breath within days, but visible tartar will not disappear. VOHC trials measure reduction in buildup over weeks of daily use.
More Dog Dental Guides
- Dog dental chew sticks for tartar: VOHC-listed picks
- Best dog chews for dental health
- Best dog dental chews for small dogs
- Dog dental treats for clean teeth
- Best dog treats for dogs with dental disease
- How to brush a dog’s teeth
Sources We Checked
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC): accepted products list, trial protocol requirements, and brushing page (checked October 2026).
- American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC): pet oral health statements on daily brushing, VOHC-accepted products, and anesthesia-free cleaning.
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA): 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, on brushing, hard treats, staging and anesthesia.
How we write this guide: we compare products against the VOHC list and manufacturer labels. We do not test products. We are not veterinarians; talk to your vet about your own dog.
