Support cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and better oral health – one scientifically proven ingredient at a time.

Dental disease affects up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by the age of three. It’s one of the most common, yet most preventable, health issues for pets. And while daily brushing isn’t always realistic, oral health actives offer a clinically supported solution that actually works.

At Bell & Bone, we formulate our dental products with science-backed ingredients like sodium tripolyphosphate, zinc sulphate, green tea extract, and seaweed – all proven to support your pet’s dental hygiene from the first bite or spray.

Here’s why these ingredients matter.

1. They Break Down Plaque and Prevent Tartar Buildup

Plaque can start forming just hours after eating, and without intervention, it hardens into tartar – leading to bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and painful infections.

Ingredients like:

• Sodium Tripolyphosphate (for dogs)

• Zinc Gluconate

• Seaweed Extract (Ascophyllum nodosum)

...work to:

• Prevent calcium from binding to teeth

• Reduce tartar by up to 45.8% in dogs and cats

• Disrupt biofilm and inhibit mineralisation (the process that forms hardened plaque)

A key study by Hennet et al. (2006), evaluated oral hygiene chews finding that daily chews reduced dental calculus by 45.8%—a significant decrease in tartar buildup.

Zinc, in particular, is a hero ingredient found in our Dental Toppers , Dog Dental Sticks and Cat Dental Bites, helps keep your pet’s teeth visibly cleaner between vet check-ups and supports a healthier mouth over time.

2. They Naturally Freshen Breath

Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant – it’s one of the first signs of underlying dental disease.

Green Tea Extract, a powerful antioxidant-rich ingredient, targets the oral bacteria that cause odour.  Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties, EGCG, the superstar in green tea extract, reduced plaque by 37% in just two weeks in dogs and cats. It’s a natural powerhouse.

Paired with zinc, which neutralises volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth, this duo is a proven and gentle way to maintain fresher breath without synthetic flavours or alcohol-based rinses like other brands.

Find both powerful active ingredients in our dog and cat Dental Toppers.

3. They Protect Gums and Reduce Inflammation

Gum inflammation (gingivitis) is a red flag for advancing dental disease. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and chronic pain in dogs and cats.

Our formulas include vitamin C, zinc sulphate, combined with tribiotics to support gum health by:

• Reducing redness and swelling

• Strengthening connective tissues

• Boosting the immune response within the gums

In a well-regarded veterinary study, researchers evaluated the efficacy of a daily chew containing sodium tripolyphosphate. The study showed a significant:

• 45.7% reduction in gingivitis,

• 28% reduction in calculus,

• and 18.5% reduction in plaque

4. They’re Backed by Clinical Evidence

When it comes to your pet’s health, the research matters. Every oral active we use in our dental sticks, bites, and toppers has been studied for safety and efficacy in pets.

What the science shows:

• Sodium Tripolyphosphate: reduces plaque by 17.3% and tartar by 45.8% in dogs with daily use

• Seaweed Extract (Ascophyllum nodosum): helps reduce plaque by ~35% in both dogs and cats

• Zinc: antimicrobial protection against oral bacteria and odour

• Green Tea Extract (EGCG): reduces plaque formation and bacterial growth

These aren’t just functional fillers. They’re active ingredients doing real work behind the scenes.

The Bottom Line

Oral health actives aren’t just a nice-to-have – they’re essential. Whether you’re trying to manage mild tartar or stay ahead of dental disease, science-backed ingredients like zinc, tripolyphosphate, and green tea extract can make a noticeable difference.

Bell & Bone’s vet-approved Dental Toppers and Dental Treats for dogs and cats are thoughtfully formulated with these actives – not as an afterthought, but as a foundational part of your pet’s health routine.