The present invention provides a method for removing plaque from the exterior surfaces of an animal's teeth. An edible animal chew is supplied of unitary construction. The chew may comprise a molded body having a cylinder portion and a length on a common axial centerline, the cylinder portion comprising a curved surface and a planar surface and carrying a plurality of projections extending from the curved surface. The plurality of projections may extend radially from the curved surface and substantially perpendicular to the common axial centerline. Upon chewing by the animal on the cylinder portion of the animal chew containing the projections on the curved surface, the chew provides therapeutic action regardless of the radial direction in which the cylinder portion may be configured.