Friday, October 2, 2026
(BPT) - Your dog's breath may not always smell fresh, but persistent bad breath can be a sign that their oral health could use some extra attention. Just like the gut, the mouth has its own microbiome, a complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live together.
Understanding your dog's oral microbiome can help pet parents better understand the importance of daily dental care and keeping plaque and tartar under control.
What is the canine oral microbiome?
Not all bacteria are harmful. Your dog's mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species and other microorganisms that form a living ecosystem, known as the oral microbiome.
"A healthy oral microbiome is about balance. When that balance is maintained, different microorganisms can coexist in the oral environment. When that balance changes, certain bacteria can become more prevalent and may contribute to oral health problems," says Sara Ahlström, Global Marketing Manager at Swedencare.
This balance is one reason why the oral microbiome and dental health are closely connected.
How are plaque and tartar connected to the microbiome?
Plaque isn't random or unavoidable. This thin biofilm that sticks to your dog's teeth and gums is actually a microbial community that builds up every day.
Without regular oral care, plaque can eventually harden into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot simply be brushed away and may require professional veterinary scaling to remove. Controlling plaque before it builds up and mineralizes is an important part of maintaining good dental health.
What happens when plaque and tartar take over?
Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath, gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Advanced periodontal disease has also been associated with health effects beyond the mouth. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, for example, found an association between advanced periodontal disease and heart disease in dogs.
This is why dental care is about more than keeping your dog's breath fresh. Oral health is an important part of your dog's overall health, which is why preventing and controlling plaque and tartar matters.
How can I safely prevent and control plaque?
Regular veterinary dental checkups and a consistent home dental care routine are important for keeping plaque under control. Depending on your dog, this can include brushing their teeth with a soft toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste, providing appropriate dental chews or toys, and using dental supplements as part of their daily routine.
Next, make sure to build a home dental care routine for your dog and stick with it.
The key is consistency. Plaque starts to build up again after it is removed, so regular oral care is important for maintaining your dog's dental health.
What kind of dental supplements should I give my dog?
With so many dental supplements available, it can be difficult to know which option is right for your dog. Look for products that are backed by research and clinical studies, with clearly defined benefits for your dog's dental health.
"Pet parents have many options when it comes to supporting their dog's dental health, so it's important to choose a product and format that fits easily into their daily routine and has evidence to support its specific benefits," says Sara Ahlström, Global Marketing Manager at Swedencare.
A great choice that is convenient for pet parents and delicious for their pups is the ProDen PlaqueOff® line of dental products. Each product is formulated with A.N. ProDen®, a 100% natural kelp ingredient that has been clinically studied. Studies have demonstrated significant reductions in plaque and tartar, as well as improvements in bad breath.
Try giving your furry friend a daily treat of ProDen PlaqueOff® Crunchy Dental Bites for Dogs, a convenient dental supplement that they'll love to take every day. If your pup loves to chew, lean into their natural inclination and offer them a ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Care Bone. This dental treat pulls double duty by mechanically reducing plaque while keeping them deliciously engaged.
If you have an older canine who has trouble chewing, don't worry. You can still care for their dental hygiene by giving them a tasty treat with ProDen PlaqueOff® Soft Chews or by mixing an oral health Powder for Dogs. These oral supplements offer convenient options for supporting your dog's daily dental care routine and helping to control plaque and tartar.
Taking care of your dog's dental health, preventing plaque and tartar, and maintaining a healthy oral environment doesn't have to be difficult. To learn more about how you can take care of your dog's dental and overall health, visit Swedencare.com/en.
