When it comes to your dog’s oral health, chewing isn’t just entertainment — it can be a powerful tool. Many pet owners wonder whether chews, including those labeled as dental chews, really help. According to veterinarians and multiple studies, the right types of chews can absolutely support your dog’s dental routine — whether they’re long-lasting natural chews like bully sticks, tendon chews, or specially formulated dental chews.
Below, we look at what the research says, what vets recommend, and how to use chews safely and effectively.
The Dental Benefits of Chews
1. Mechanical Cleaning Action
One of the biggest dental benefits of chewing is the natural scraping action against the teeth. This friction helps remove plaque before it becomes hardened tartar.
This benefit isn’t limited to products marketed as “dental chews.” Natural chews — including bully sticks, tendons, and certain vegetable-based chews — often encourage longer, more intensive chewing sessions, which can help reduce plaque buildup. Veterinarians frequently point out that any safe, long-lasting chew that promotes steady gnawing can contribute to better oral health.
Research mirrors this: several studies show dogs given daily chews, even non-specialized ones, develop less plaque, calculus, and gingivitis than dogs who don’t chew regularly.
2. Supporting a Healthier Oral Microbiome
Some chews not only reduce plaque on the surface but also influence the oral microbiome. Studies have shown that long-lasting chews — both natural and formulated — can shift bacteria in the mouth toward healthier, more balanced populations.
This is a subtle but meaningful benefit: periodontal disease is heavily influenced by bacterial imbalance.
3. Reducing Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath often comes from plaque buildup and an overgrowth of odor-producing bacteria. Chewing increases saliva flow and removes buildup on tooth surfaces, both of which help limit the compounds responsible for bad breath.
Clinical trials have shown that daily chew use — whether natural or designed for dental purposes — can noticeably reduce the volatile sulfur compounds that produce canine halitosis.
4. Long-Term Oral Health Support
Long-term studies show that dogs who chew daily maintain lower levels of plaque, tartar, and gum inflammation. Natural chews such as bully sticks and tendons encourage extended chew time and can be particularly effective when rotated alongside dental-specific chews.
The takeaway: chewing of almost any appropriate type provides ongoing oral benefits, not just the products marketed as dental aids.
What Veterinarians Say About Chews
Vets generally agree that chewing should be part of a dog’s dental routine, but they emphasize a few key points:
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The act of chewing itself is beneficial — not just chews marketed for dental health.
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Dental chews that carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal have been tested and proven to reduce plaque and tartar.
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Natural chews like bully sticks, tendons, and scapula chews can also support dental health through mechanical cleaning.
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Chews should complement, not replace, daily brushing. Research consistently shows brushing is still the most effective method for plaque control.
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Fit matters: the chew should be appropriately sized and matched to your dog’s age, dental health and chewing and eating habits.
Vets often recommend using a mix of chews — natural and dental-labeled — as long as they’re safe and suited to the dog.
Limitations and Risks
Even with clear benefits, there are important limitations:
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Not all chews clean effectively. Some are too soft to provide abrasion.
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Hard chews can break teeth. Bones, antlers, and extremely hard nylon chews can be risky for aggressive chewers.
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Choking and blockages can occur. Dogs should always be supervised while chewing any chew and small end pieces should be removed.
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Calories add up. Bully sticks and some dental chews can be calorie-dense.
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Chews don’t replace professional cleanings. They can’t remove subgingival (under the gumline) plaque the way a vet can.
How to Use Chews Wisely in a Dental Routine
- Offer a variety of chews, including natural options like bully sticks or tendons and, when desired, VOHC-approved dental chews.
- Match the chew to your dog’s size and chewing strength to avoid dental fractures or choking.
- Supervise chewing and remove small pieces before they can be swallowed.
- Combine with daily brushing, which remains the gold standard for dental hygiene.
- Schedule regular veterinary dental exams, even if your dog chews daily.
- Rotate chew types to keep your dog mentally stimulated while supporting oral health.
Bottom Line
Chews can absolutely be part of a dog’s dental health routine — and not just those marketed as dental chews. Natural options like bully sticks, tendon chews, and scapula chews provide meaningful mechanical cleaning and enrichment. Dental-specific chews add another layer of targeted support, especially when VOHC-approved.
Chews are not a substitute for effective dental care to include daily brushing and regular veterinary cleanings. When used together, these approaches help keep your dog’s mouth healthier, fresher, and more comfortable for life.
Support your dog’s dental health naturally—browse our selection of tendons, bully sticks, and other long-lasting chews today at https://www.greatdogco.com/collections.
