Dr James' 4 Step Guide To Perfect Nashers

Dental health is a really important part of your dog’s overall wellbeing, but it’s also an area many owners tell me they find challenging. Research conducted by Forthglade found that around 30% of dog owners have never brushed their dog’s teeth, and clinically we know that at least 80% of dogs over the age of three will develop some level of gum disease without proper dental care. This is why I recommend taking a preventative, daily approach to dental care, following my 4 Step Dental Routine.

Dogs need daily dental care to stay happy and healthy. Which is why I’ve created my 4 Step Dental Routine, so you can make part of everyday life.

Step 1: Good Diet

A good-quality, natural diet plays an important role in supporting your dog’s dental health. From a veterinary perspective, diets made with wholesome, minimally processed ingredients can help reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar that contribute to dental disease. Properly balanced natural meals, support overall oral health by promoting healthy gums and reducing inflammation, while also avoiding unnecessary sugars and fillers that can worsen dental issues. Combined with regular dental checks and appropriate chewing habits, a nutritious natural diet helps maintain cleaner teeth and a healthier mouth for your dog.

Step 2: Dental Powder

Forthglade’s Seaweed and Parsley Dental Powder is an effective, easy-to-use addition to your dog’s daily routine to support long-term dental health. With consistent daily use, simply sprinkling one level scoop onto your dog’s regular food, this natural blend works gradually over weeks to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up, support healthier gums and improve bad breath — even reaching areas a toothbrush can’t. The science behind the formula lies in a unique mix of green, red and brown seaweed, which work together to disrupt the biofilm that allows plaque-causing bacteria to stick to teeth. Parsley helps naturally neutralise odours and provides vitamins, while vitamin E supports gum health and vitamin C aids collagen formation and immune support.

Step 3: Daily Tooth Brushing

As a vet, I can’t stress enough that daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for maintaining your dog’s dental health. Despite this, studies show that fewer than 10% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth regularly, which helps explain why around 87% of dogs over the age of three are affected by some form of gum disease. Brushing physically removes plaque before it hardens into tartar. Using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, even short daily brushing sessions can significantly reduce bacteria, protect the gums and prevent painful dental issues later in life. When combined with supportive products like dental powders and chews, daily brushing is one of the most effective ways to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy for the long term.

Step 4: Daily Dental Support

Finishing your dog’s dental routine with a daily Forthglade Dental Stick is a simple yet highly effective way to support ongoing oral health. Chewing helps mechanically clean the teeth, reducing plaque and tartar build-up while strengthening teeth and gums. Used daily alongside brushing and dental powder, dental sticks provide an enjoyable and practical final step in a complete dental care routine.