Dry pet food does NOT clean the teeth or improve dental health!
This is a common misbelief, as veterinarians were incorrectly taught this for many years. It was logically thought that dry foods would help crack the tartar off the teeth and keep them cleaner. These days however, we know much more about dentistry than we used to! In fact, most studies have shown that pets eating dry kibble diets compared to pets eating canned food diets have NO better health status of their gingiva (gums).
Gingivitis is a much more accurate indicator of dental health than is the amount of tartar build-up on the teeth.
Tartar (calcified plaque), in and of itself, is a cosmetic problem only. Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque, which actually does not become a health problem until it gets below the gumline and initiates gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis (loss of tooth attachment), which may eventually result in tooth root abscesses, tooth loss, and systemic diseases affecting the kidneys, liver and heart.
It is important to know that dry kibble foods do nothing to help plaque/ tartar at or below the gumline, where it really matters!
To address the dental health of your pets, see your veterinarian for regular professional dental care and employ home care methods. Effective options for dental home care include tooth brushing, oral gels & rinses, the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the diet AND the regular use of 1-TDC to support gum and periodontal health.