Common Myths: Dry Biscuit Cleans a Dog’s Teeth

The myth

The myth that dry dog biscuit cleans a dog’s teeth probably comes from the fact that chewing something firm can create a small amount of mechanical abrasion. When a dog bites into a crunchy food, parts of the food may rub against the surface of the teeth. This can potentially remove a little loose material. However, this effect is not the same as properly brushing the teeth, and it does not reliably remove the plaque that builds up along the gum line. In point of fact, it actually makes it worse!

Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that forms continuously on a dog’s teeth. If it is not removed, it can harden into tartar, also known as calculus. Once tartar has formed, simply eating a dry biscuit is highly unlikely to remove it. Tartar can contribute to gum inflammation and periodontal disease, which is one of the most common dental problems seen in adult dogs and one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits.

Another problem with the biscuit theory is that many dogs do not actually chew their food for very long. Some dogs crunch a biscuit once or twice before swallowing it, while others may break it into pieces without creating much contact with the tooth surfaces. Even when a biscuit is genuinely crunchy, there is no guarantee that it will reach the areas where plaque causes the most trouble, particularly around and just below the gum line.

It is also important to distinguish ordinary dry biscuits from specially formulated dental diets and dental chews. Some veterinary dental products are designed with a particular texture, shape or formulation intended to increase contact with the teeth during chewing. Certain products have been tested for their ability to reduce plaque or tartar when used as part of a broader dental-care routine. However, this does not mean that every crunchy treat has the same effect.

So, can dry biscuits have any place in a dog’s diet? Certainly. Depending on the dog’s nutritional needs, a suitable biscuit can be an occasional treat. The mistake is assuming that its crunchiness provides adequate dental cleaning. Feeding a dog dry food does not automatically mean that its teeth are being kept clean. It actually means the opposite. It almost certainly guarantees that, sooner or later, the dog is going to hit dental problems!