🦷 Dental Care

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Oral Care achieved the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance for both Plaque and Tartar reduction in 2024 — the gold standard in pet dental health. The VOHC is an independent body of board-certified veterinary dentists and dental scientists appointed by the American Veterinary Dental College. To earn the VOHC seal, manufacturers must submit data from two controlled clinical trials demonstrating a minimum 15% reduction in plaque or tartar compared to a control group. Pedigree DentaStix UK achieved VOHC acceptance specifically for Plaque AND Tartar — the highest dual category award. The product works through a combination of its distinctive X-shape design, chewy texture, and active ingredients. The mechanical action of chewing the textured surface helps clean teeth and reach hard-to-access areas, while the formulation actively reduces tartar build-up by up to 85% when fed daily according to manufacturer data supported by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute — one of the world's leading pet nutrition research centres, with over 1,700 publications including 600+ peer-reviewed papers. More than 80% of dogs over three years of age are affected by periodontal disease, which can cause tooth loss and has been associated with heart, liver and kidney complications. Daily dental chews are a practical and evidence-backed tool for at-home oral care.

📚 Research References

• Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) — Dentastix Daily PEDIGREE UK: VOHC Seal of Acceptance awarded for both Plaque and Tartar reduction, 2024. vohc.org
• Waltham Petcare Science Institute — Pedigree DentaStix developed and scientifically validated by Mars Petcare's research centre; manufacturer data shows up to 85% tartar reduction with daily use
• Kortegaard HE, Eriksen T & Baelum V (2008) — Periodontal disease in research Beagle dogs: an epidemiological study. Confirms >80% of dogs over 3 years affected by periodontal disease
• VOHC Protocol — Two controlled clinical trials required demonstrating minimum 15% plaque/tartar reduction vs control for VOHC Seal of Acceptance. vohc.org/about

🔭 Scientific Evidence

ProDen PlaqueOff Powder contains A.N ProDen®, a specific strain of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed sustainably harvested from the North Atlantic. Unlike toothpastes or chews that work mechanically or topically, PlaqueOff works systemically — when ingested daily it is absorbed and excreted through saliva, where it modifies the oral environment to inhibit plaque and tartar formation and soften existing deposits. The evidence base is among the strongest of any canine dental supplement. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (PMC, 2021) of 60 client-owned dogs found that 30 days of daily PlaqueOff Powder supplementation produced a 32% reduction in plaque, 35% reduction in tartar, and 67% reduction in gingival bleeding compared to the placebo group. A second double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study of the PlaqueOff Dental Bites (the same active ingredient) over 90 days found 40% plaque reduction and 38% tartar reduction compared to placebo (Veterinary Practice News, 2018). Two double-blind, randomised studies in dogs meeting VOHC protocol standards resulted in ProDen PlaqueOff Powder being awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for both plaque and tartar in 2024 — the gold standard independent dental health certification. An important caution: due to its naturally high iodine content, PlaqueOff should not be used in dogs with thyroid conditions. Safety in pregnant or lactating dogs has not been established.

📚 Research References

• Frontiers in Veterinary Science / PMC (2021) — Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study, 60 dogs, 30 days. ProDen PlaqueOff Powder: 32% plaque reduction, 35% tartar reduction, 67% gingival bleeding reduction vs placebo
• Veterinary Practice News (2018) — Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study of ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bites, 90 days: 40% plaque reduction, 38% tartar reduction vs placebo
• VOHC (2024) — ProDen PlaqueOff Powder awarded VOHC Seal of Acceptance for both Plaque and Tartar. vohc.org accepted products list
• Vet Practice Magazine (2023) — Two double-blind randomised studies of PlaqueOff Powder showed significant reductions in plaque, calculus and gingivitis indices vs placebo; data formed basis of VOHC acceptance

🔭 Scientific Evidence

WHIMZEES Brushzees hold the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for both Plaque and Tartar reduction, awarded in 2019. To earn this, two independent 28-day controlled clinical trials were required, each demonstrating a minimum 20% reduction in plaque or tartar in dogs receiving the chews compared to a control group. In one independent comparison test, Whimzees were found to have twice the effectiveness for plaque and tartar reduction compared to a leading competitor dental chew. The cleaning mechanism is entirely mechanical — the unique shapes (Brushzees, Alligators, Hedgehogs, Sticks) with grooves and ridges are engineered to maximise surface contact with teeth and reach between teeth, replicating brushing action as the dog chews. The extended chewing time required by the firm texture prolongs the mechanical cleaning effect. Made from just six primary natural ingredients — potato starch, glycerin, powdered cellulose, lecithin, dried yeast, and malt extract — Whimzees contain no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, or animal byproducts, making them one of the cleanest-ingredient dental chews available. They are grain-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and non-GMO, making them suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Manufactured in a sustainable facility in the Netherlands.

📚 Research References

• VOHC (2019) — WHIMZEES Brushzees and Toothbrush Treats awarded VOHC Seal of Acceptance for Plaque and Tartar reduction. Two 28-day controlled trials demonstrating minimum 20% reduction required. vohc.org
• Wellness Pet Food (2025) — Independent comparison trial: Whimzees Brushzees found to have twice the plaque and tartar reduction effectiveness compared to a leading competitor dental chew
• VOHC Protocol — Dental chew trials require two 28-day studies showing average minimum 20% reduction in plaque or tartar in treated dogs vs control group. vohc.org/about

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Greenies Dental Chews have held the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for both Plaque and Tartar since 2007, making them one of the longest-established VOHC-accepted dental chews on the market. To earn and maintain this seal, two independent 28-day controlled clinical trials were required for each size, demonstrating a minimum 20% reduction in plaque or tartar in dogs receiving Greenies compared to a control group. Greenies are available in multiple sizes (Teenie, Petite, Regular, Large, Jumbo) and formulations including Aging Care, Puppy, Grain-Free, and Blueberry and Pumpkin Spice varieties — all carrying VOHC acceptance. The cleaning mechanism is primarily mechanical: the chewy, firm texture requires sustained gnawing which scrubs plaque from tooth surfaces. Greenies are noted for being highly digestible compared to many other dental chews. The unique shape is designed to allow the chew to flex and reach between teeth and along the gumline during chewing. Studies comparing dental chew effectiveness have found Greenies reduce tartar by up to 60% with daily use. They are manufactured by Mars PetCare and recommended by veterinarians as a practical daily dental hygiene tool.

📚 Research References

• VOHC (2007, maintained) — Canine Greenies awarded VOHC Seal of Acceptance for Plaque and Tartar. Multiple size variants and formulations VOHC accepted. Two 28-day trials per size required. vohc.org
• VOHC (2019) — Canine Greenies Aging Care and Puppy Dental Chews added to VOHC accepted products list for Plaque and Tartar claims. vohc.org/news-publications
• Cuddle Cloud (2025) — Independent review: Greenies reduce tartar by up to 60% with daily use; VOHC-approved and highly digestible
• Mars PetCare — Greenies manufactured by Mars PetCare; VOHC acceptance maintained across multiple formulations and size variants since 2007

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste is widely regarded as the gold standard in veterinary dental toothpastes and is the brand most recommended by board-certified veterinary dentists. It uses the full dual-enzyme system: Glucose Oxidase and Lactoperoxidase working together. Glucose Oxidase converts glucose in the mouth to hydrogen peroxide, which then activates Lactoperoxidase to produce hypothiocyanite — a potent antibacterial agent that inhibits plaque-forming bacteria by disrupting their cell metabolism. This dual-enzyme system replicates and reinforces the natural salivary lactoperoxidase defence mechanism. A peer-reviewed canine study published in PMC (12 Beagle dogs, randomised, 3 groups) demonstrated that daily toothpaste application using the lactoperoxidase system significantly reduced oral bacterial counts compared to brushing alone and scaling alone. A clinical crossover trial (PMC, n=20) found enzyme toothpastes with glucose oxidase produced significant reductions in plaque index and gingival bleeding. A randomised study in Scientific Reports (Nature) found enzyme-system toothpastes significantly shifted the oral microbiome toward health-associated bacteria and away from periodontal disease-associated species. Virbac CET is not currently VOHC-accepted as a toothpaste, though Virbac's VEGGIEDENT chew range does hold VOHC acceptance for plaque and tartar. Effectiveness is maximised when used with regular brushing — the mechanical action of the brush is the primary plaque removal mechanism, with the enzyme system providing continuous antibacterial activity between brushings. Fluoride-free and safe to swallow, making it practical for daily home use.

📚 Research References

• PMC (2016) — Inhibitory effect on proliferation of oral bacteria in dogs by tooth brushing and toothpaste. 12 Beagle dogs randomised. Lactoperoxidase enzyme system toothpaste significantly reduced oral bacteria vs brushing alone and scaling alone
• PMC (2021) — Toothpastes with enzymes support gum health and reduce plaque formation. Randomised crossover trial, n=20. Glucose oxidase enzyme toothpastes produced significant reductions in plaque index and bleeding on probing
• Scientific Reports / Nature (2017) — Randomised clinical study: enzyme-containing toothpaste significantly shifted oral microbiome toward gum health bacteria and away from periodontal disease-associated species
• Great Pet Care (2025) — Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste rated the gold standard for dog dental care; most recommended by board-certified veterinary dentists; dual glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase system
• Virbac — CET toothpaste is fluoride-free, xylitol-free, safe to swallow; poultry flavour for high palatability; recommended for daily brushing in dogs and cats

🔭 Scientific Evidence

Beaphar Liver Flavour Toothpaste contains Glucose Oxidase as its active enzyme, along with Zinc Citrate and Sodium Hexametaphosphate. Glucose Oxidase works by converting glucose in the mouth to hydrogen peroxide, which has a mild antiseptic effect that inhibits plaque-forming bacteria. A peer-reviewed canine study published in PMC (using 12 Beagle dogs, randomised into three groups) demonstrated that daily toothpaste application using the lactoperoxidase enzyme system significantly reduced oral bacteria counts compared to brushing alone and scaling alone over a monitored period. Broader human clinical evidence for enzyme-containing toothpastes is well established — a randomised crossover clinical trial (PMC, n=20) found enzyme-containing toothpastes with glucose oxidase produced significant reductions in both plaque index and bleeding on probing. A study published in Scientific Reports (Nature) found that enzyme-system toothpastes produced significant shifts in oral microbiome composition, increasing bacteria associated with gum health and decreasing bacteria linked to periodontal disease. Beaphar's formula uses a single enzyme (Glucose Oxidase) rather than the full dual-enzyme system (Glucose Oxidase + Lactoperoxidase) used in products like Virbac CET, which limits its theoretical antibacterial potential. The product has not received VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) acceptance. Effectiveness is also dependent on regular brushing — the mechanical action of the toothbrush is the primary plaque removal mechanism, with enzymes providing supplementary antibacterial benefit.

📚 Research References

• PMC (2016) — Inhibitory effect on proliferation of oral bacteria in dogs by tooth brushing and application of toothpaste. 12 Beagle dogs randomised. Lactoperoxidase enzyme system toothpaste reduced oral bacteria vs brushing alone
• PMC (2021) — Toothpastes with enzymes support gum health and reduce plaque formation. Randomised crossover clinical trial, n=20. Enzyme toothpastes with glucose oxidase produced significant reductions in plaque index and bleeding on probing
• Scientific Reports / Nature (2017) — Randomised clinical study: enzyme and protein-containing toothpaste significantly shifted oral microbiome, increasing health-associated bacteria and reducing periodontal disease-associated bacteria
• Beaphar UK — Beaphar Toothpaste contains Glucose Oxidase, Zinc Citrate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate; fluoride-free and xylitol-free; suitable for daily use in dogs and cats of all ages

🔭 Scientific Evidence

TropiClean Fresh Breath Water Additive is a daily oral care solution added to a dog's drinking water, requiring no brushing. It holds the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for Plaque reduction, awarded in 2020. Active ingredients are Cetylpyridinium Chloride (a well-established antibacterial agent used in human mouthwashes), Green Tea Extract (a natural antioxidant with antimicrobial properties), and Zinc Gluconate (an anticalculus agent that inhibits tartar formation). A manufacturer-funded clinical study conducted by Dr. Marvin Sharp DVM (Sharp Veterinary Research) found that dogs with medium to excessive plaque and tartar showed a 43% reduction in plaque and tartar after two months of use with the Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Gel. The VOHC acceptance for the water additive specifically confirms it meets independent plaque reduction standards. However, the manufacturer study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal and was funded by TropiClean, which limits its independent credibility compared to the double-blind RCTs supporting products like ProDen PlaqueOff. The key practical advantage is the mechanism — being added to drinking water makes it one of the easiest dental care products to use consistently, particularly for dogs that resist brushing or chewing.

📚 Research References

• VOHC (2020) — TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive awarded VOHC Seal of Acceptance for Plaque reduction. vohc.org accepted products list
• Sharp Veterinary Research — Manufacturer-funded clinical study: TropiClean Fresh Breath products reduced plaque and tartar by 43% over two months in dogs with medium to excessive plaque. Dr. Marvin Sharp DVM, Texas A&M. tropiclean.com/clinical-trials
• Cetylpyridinium Chloride — Well-established antibacterial agent used in human dental products; inhibits plaque-forming bacteria
• Zinc Gluconate — Anticalculus agent that inhibits tartar mineralisation; widely used in veterinary and human oral care products