Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions comprising ascorbyl esters for the treatment or reduction of dental conditions in an animal. A pet food composition of the disclosure can be a dry food composition comprising (i) a matrix of ingredients nutritionally or organoleptically adapted for the animal and (ii) an outer coating layer, wherein the outer coating layer is applied to the matrix as a solution comprising an effective amount of an ascorbic acid fatty acid ester dissolved in a plant oil. One disclosed method of treatment or reduction involves feeding an animal in need of such treatment a dry pet food composition of the disclosure. A second disclosed method comprises applying to one or more surfaces of one or more teeth of an animal in need of such treatment, an effective amount of a solution comprising an ascorbic acid fatty acid ester dissolved in a plant oil.