If there’s one thing I cannot stand, it’s when people confidently spout dog food “facts” that have been busted harder than a cheap tennis ball and worse, with no source to back it up.
And one of the biggest myths still kicking around?
That dry food and crunchy treats “clean” your dog’s teeth.
Spoiler alert: They don’t. Not really. And definitely not the way you’ve been led to believe.
Let’s chew on the real story (pun very much intended).
Where This Myth Even Came From
Once upon a time (okay, the early days of commercial dog food), kibble companies needed a selling point beyond “convenient.”
So someone had the bright idea:
“Hey, it’s crunchy… let’s say it cleans teeth!”
And because it sounds plausible — crunch = scrape, right? — the idea stuck around like gum under a diner booth.
Problem is, science doesn’t exactly back it up.
According to studies published in veterinary dental journals, most kibble is too brittle and shatters easily when bitten.
It doesn’t create enough friction or “scraping” against the tooth surface to remove plaque.
It’s like saying eating a cracker is the same thing as brushing your own teeth. Cute idea. Totally wrong. So basically, the myth originated from marketing, not science.
Here’s the Real Deal About Dog Teeth
Plaque (the soft, sticky stuff) starts building up within hours after eating.
If it’s not manually removed — with brushing, chewing, or abrasion — it hardens into tartar.
And once tartar is there?
Forget crunching through it. That stuff clings to teeth like superglue.
Most kibble crumbles under pressure, instead of scraping.
By the time your dog chomps it, there’s no real mechanical cleaning happening.
(And P.S., some kibble is so carb-heavy it may actually feed mouth bacteria — making dental issues worse over time.)
What About Dental Chews and Crunchy Treats?
Good question.
Not all chews are created equal.
Some dental chews that have earned a VOHC Seal of Acceptance do have evidence showing they help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
However — and this is key —
VOHC approval doesn’t mean the product is healthy overall.
It just means it meets basic standards for mechanical plaque reduction.
Many popular dental chews are packed with fillers, artificial colors, preservatives, and low-quality ingredients.
Not exactly what we call “optimal health” here at BorkBites.
If you’re serious about better dental care and better nutrition, look for options like:
- Raw meaty bones (for dogs who can safely handle them — supervised and size-appropriate)
- Dehydrated or freeze-dried chews (like fish skins, tendons, or other single-ingredient options)
- Minimal-ingredient natural dental sticks (read your labels—simple is best)
Mini Callout:
At BorkBites, we believe dental health shouldn’t come at the cost of total body health. Clean teeth, clean ingredients — that’s the goal.
Always, always check those ingredients:
If it reads like a vending machine snack or a chemistry project, your dog deserves better.
Bonus Myth: Wet Food Is Worse for Teeth
You might’ve also heard:
“Wet food causes more dental problems!”
Not true across the board.
Feeding texture isn’t the only factor — oral hygiene habits matter more.
A dog eating wet food but getting regular tooth brushing will have better dental health than a kibble-only dog with zero brushing.
(Source: WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines, 2020)
Consistency is the real MVP here — not the crunch factor.
What Actually Helps Your Dog’s Teeth
If you really want your pup flashing those pearly whites, here’s what actually works:
- Daily (or several times weekly) tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste (AVDC recommends this)
- Professional cleanings under anesthesia as needed
- Appropriate chews (natural options or carefully selected dental chews — just remember: read those labels!)
- Raw bones for suitable dogs (proper sizing, supervision, and veterinary approval recommended)
- Dental toys designed for abrasion (but don’t rely on toys alone)
Consistency beats perfection.
Even brushing a few times a week makes a big difference long-term.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been relying on kibble and crunchy treats to magically clean your dog’s teeth —
no shame.
It’s what a lot of pet parents were taught. (Honestly, it’s what a lot of people are still being told. No lie, I literally hear this daily.)
But now you know:
Good dental health takes a little more intentional effort.
And honestly?
It’s 100% worth it.
Fewer vet bills, fewer extractions, better breath… and most importantly, a happier, healthier pup.
So grab that doggy toothbrush, find a toothpaste flavor your dog actually likes (peanut butter, anyone?), and start slow.
One swipe today is better than none at all.
Your dog’s future senior self will absolutely high-five you for it.
Quick Reference
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| Crunchy kibble cleans teeth | Not effectively; kibble shatters too easily |
| Crunchy treats = dental care | Only specially designed chews help, and ingredients still matter |
| Wet food causes dental disease | Not if you maintain regular oral hygiene |
Sources:
- American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) – avdc.org
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Dental Guidelines, 2020 – wsava.org
- https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/pet-dental-health-fact-or-fiction
- https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/kick-kibble-to-the-curb-revisited-dental-myths
- https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/dry-dog-food-cleaner-teeth/
- https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/dog-service-announcement-no-kibble-isnt-good-for-cleaning-your-dogs-teeth/
- https://www.drharveys.com/blog/post/229-chewing-on-the-truth-is-kibble-really-essential-for-dental-health
While I have your attention…
Sign up for my newsletter, The Bork Report, here! No spam, just dog food talk, nerdy deep dives into all things dog and some fun freebies I’m working on for you all. Think cheat sheets, ebooks and decoders.
BorkBites 
Leave a comment