Plaque, bacteria, and much more than bad breath—here’s why brushing matters.

Let’s be honest: brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t always easy. Whether they wiggle away, chew the toothbrush, or give you that “Why are you doing this to me?” look, it’s tempting to skip it altogether. But here's the thing—your dog’s mouth tells a bigger health story than you might think.

At Barkus, we’re here to support you with the right tools and knowledge—not guilt. So let’s break it down.

What is really going on inside your dog’s mouth?

Plaque doesn’t just sit on teeth—it evolves. It starts as a biofilm, a sticky mix of bacteria that adheres to the tooth surface. Over time, this layer hardens into tartar and triggers the body’s immune system. What follows is a chain reaction: inflammation, gum damage (gingivitis), bone loss (periodontitis), and eventually tooth loss.

More than 80% of dogs over the age of 3 show signs of periodontal disease (PD), one of the most common inflammatory diseases in dogs. And yes—small breeds are at even higher risk (looking at you, Poodles and Yorkies).

Why it’s not just about teeth

The effects of periodontal disease don’t stop at the mouth.

As bacteria and inflammatory compounds from plaque enter the bloodstream, they can travel to vital organs. Research has linked advanced dental disease in dogs to serious complications like:

• Kidney and liver inflammation
• Heart disease (endocarditis)
• Weakened immune response

In short, skipping brushing doesn’t just risk bad breath—it could impact your dog’s long-term health.

Brushing is the gold standard—here’s why

According to a 6-month study comparing brushing, dental chews, and dental diets, daily brushing was three times more effective in controlling plaque than either chews or food alone. It remains the most reliable, vet-recommended way to keep periodontal disease in check.

No shame, just support

If brushing feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing. The key is starting small, making it positive, and using products that actually work for your lifestyle and your dog’s personality. The Barkus 360° Soft Bristle Toothbrush was designed to make brushing safer, gentler, and easier to introduce (even with wigglers and skeptics).

Think of brushing not as a chore, but as one of the most loving things you can do for your pup’s overall health. Their tail wags and fresh breath will thank you.

Sources:
 Adapted from: Moreira et al., Veterinary Sciences, 2022 – PMC9774197