Tartar in dogs is far more than just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to painful inflammation, bad breath, and even serious complications. Many dog owners are unaware that diet has a significant impact on oral health, even if it is by no means the sole determining factor. Sugary snacks or unsuitable treats encourage the formation of bacterial plaque, while a balanced diet can support your four-legged friend's mouth. But even the best diet is no substitute for consistent care.
The key lies in the combination: the right food selection, complemented by a loving daily routine. This is precisely where gentle cleaning with our emmi-pet ultrasonic toothbrush comes in, helping to specifically reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and thus significantly lower the risk of tartar. For holistic care, you can also rely on supporting products such as emmi-pet Dental Sticks or Happy DENT Spray . Our little helpers that round out daily dental care.
Because we know: A healthy mouth isn't a coincidence, but the result of knowledge, routine, and attention. In this article, you'll learn how tartar develops, the fundamental role food plays in it, and how you can support your dog's long-term oral health.
Tartar in dogs - What's really behind it
Tartar in dogs doesn't develop overnight, but is the result of a long process in the mouth. It all begins with soft plaque . This inconspicuous layer is composed of saliva, food residue, and, above all, harmful bacteria. If it isn't professionally removed regularly, minerals from the saliva build up in it, and the initially soft layer turns into a hard, rough crust: tartar, which you can often see with the naked eye on your dog's teeth.
The danger lies in what happens hidden beneath the surface. Millions of germs accumulate beneath this solid layer, multiplying unhindered. The consequences can be painful gum inflammation, bad breath, and, in the worst cases, even strain on the heart, liver, or kidneys. The bacteria enter the bloodstream through the smallest injuries in the gums, where they can cause serious damage.
You should be especially alert if you suddenly notice your dog's bad breath . However, other signs are also typical:
- discolored teeth,
- especially in the area of the molars,
- reddened or swollen gums,
- a change in eating behavior – such as slower chewing or avoiding hard pieces of food –
- as well as increased salivation or frequent rubbing with the snout.
All of these symptoms are warning signs that you should take seriously.
Very important: Only a veterinarian can remove hardened tartar during a professional dental cleaning. That's why it's so important to prevent it from getting to this point. With consistent preventative care, you can save your dog a lot of trouble. Our emmi-pet ultrasonic toothbrush helps you prevent it and clean your dog's mouth, reducing harmful bacteria on a daily basis. Supplements like the emmi-pet Dental Sticks or Happy DENT Spray provide fresh breath and additional care.
This way, you can ensure that your dog's oral health is protected not just in the short term, but also in the long term. In this article, we'll explain step by step how to prevent tartar and the role that food, grooming, and routine play in this process.
Is food a contributing factor to tartar, but also an ally?
Of course, food plays an important role in your dog's dental health. The question we probably get asked most often is, "What should I feed my dog to prevent tartar buildup?" There's no simple answer, but there are clear trends you should be aware of.
Sugary snacks and starchy foods , in particular, promote plaque formation. The bacteria in your dog's mouth thrive on these nutrients. The more sugar and starch they find, the faster they can multiply. This applies not only to sweet treats, but also to certain types of wet food or dry food that contains a lot of grains or potatoes. Many dog owners are also surprised to learn that dry food doesn't automatically clean teeth . Most kibble disintegrates so quickly that it has barely any noticeable mechanical effect on the tooth surface. The much-cited cleaning effect is therefore often overestimated.
On the other hand , a high-quality, balanced diet can certainly be a valuable ally. It supports healthy oral flora, and if your dog chews regularly, for example, on our emmi-pet Dental Sticks or suitable chew sticks, saliva production is stimulated . Saliva acts as a natural protective mechanism in the mouth, as it flushes away food residue and has an antibacterial effect.
Nutrition is therefore an important component in preventing tartar. However, it can never replace daily care. Only the combination of a well-considered food selection, natural chewing aids, and consistent dental care, such as with our emmi-pet ultrasonic toothbrush, creates the foundation for permanently healthy teeth.
Dental care is a must, even with “healthy” food
Even if you feed your dog the best and healthiest food , a natural biofilm in the mouth cannot be avoided. This thin coating forms with every bite and contains millions of bacteria. These bacteria are precisely the key to the subsequent formation of tartar. They use sugar and starch from the food as an energy source and excrete metabolic products such as acids. These can irritate sensitive gums and, over time, cause soft plaque to harden and turn into tartar.
To prevent this from happening, it's crucial to regularly reduce bacterial load before it causes damage. This is precisely where our emmi-pet ultrasonic toothbrush comes in. It works without mechanical brushing, vibration, or friction. Instead, ultrasound creates millions of tiny microbubbles that can penetrate deep into the interdental spaces and the smallest cavities. There, they help gently loosen and reduce the bacterial biofilm. All of this happens without pressure or stress for your dog .
Four-legged friends who reject traditional toothbrushes or are sensitive to them particularly benefit from this particularly gentle method. Combined with natural aids like our Dental Sticks or Happy DENT Spray, this creates a practical, everyday grooming routine that remains hassle-free for both you and your dog.
It's important to note that our emmi-pet ultrasonic toothbrush is not a substitute for professional veterinary dental cleaning. Hardened tartar must always be professionally removed. Its great strength lies in daily use , which prevents new tartar from forming in the first place and supports long-term oral health.
Dental care products that really support
You can also supplement your daily care routine with cleverly selected products. Tooth-friendly chew sticks or supplemental dental care gels are particularly popular and useful. These products help stimulate saliva production or have an antibacterial effect—ideal as daily support.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the following:
- no artificial flavors or sugar are included
- the products are suitable for the dog in size and consistency
- They are intended as a supplement to the toothbrush, not as a replacement
Our tip:
Complement the use of our emmi-pet ultrasonic toothbrush with a well-tolerated dental cream and a suitable dental stick. This trio gently supports the reduction of harmful bacteria in the mouth, thus contributing to healthier teeth.
How to care for your teeth in everyday life
Dental care for your dog doesn't have to be a challenge. What's important is that you start early and make it a regular part of your daily routine—like walking or brushing.
Especially at the beginning, it's worth practicing grooming slowly. Get your dog used to the feeling in his mouth, using praise and breaks. The more relaxed your dog is, the more sustainable the routine will be.
Our recommendation:
- Brush 3–5 times a week with our emmi-pet
- offer a supportive chew snack daily
- carry out weekly mouth check
- Schedule a veterinary dental check-up 1-2 times a year
With a little patience, this tedious chore will become a shared ritual, and you will make a real contribution to your four-legged friend's long-term health.
Healthy dog teeth need care, not just food
Tartar builds up gradually. And once it's there, only a veterinarian can help. But with the right diet and a consistent grooming routine, you can do a lot to prevent it from getting that far.
Our emmi-pet ultrasonic toothbrush supports you in a particularly gentle and effective way. Combined with high-quality snacks and healthy food, it's the ideal companion for your beloved four-legged friend's daily oral care.
