BRUSHING YOUR PET'S TEETH


Step 1: Desensitizing to your Finger

Train your pet to accept your fingers in its mouth by gently rubbing its gums.  Place dentifrice (i.e. toothpaste) on your finger and rub along the gum-line.  You only need to do the lip-side of the teeth.  Dogs and cats do not develop tartar as easily on the tongue-side of the teeth.  Thus, this process can be done with the mouth closed (i.e. teeth interlocked).  Do this daily and continue this until your pet accepts this treatment without a fuss.  Talk gently and be patient.  Make this fun.  Offer a treat or play after this procedure.

Step 2: Desensitizing to the Toothbrush

Once your pet has accepted your fingers, now is the time to start the introduction of a toothbrush.  You should use a commercially produced brush made for dogs and cats, which has extremely soft bristles, or a human pediatric toothbrush.  Start by introducing the brush only in the mouth.  Be aware that your pet may be frightened at first.  Be patient and talk softly.  Start by placing the brush on one or two teeth along the gum-line and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth and gum.  Gradually work around the mouth.  This too may take a few weeks for your pet to accept.  You can reach the back upper teeth easily by placing the brush under the upper lip while holding the muzzle shut with your other hand.  If your pet refuses to accept this then return to using your finger for a period of time before reintroduction of the brush.

Step 3: Brushing with Dentifrice

Use a dog/cat dentifrice only.  Human toothpaste is not recommended.  Human toothpaste tends to froth and cause stomach upset.  Force the toothpaste DOWN INSIDE THE BRISTLES.  If you place the paste on the top of the brush your pet will just lick it off.  Daily brushing is best because plaque mineralizes into tartar in 24-48 hours.  Once plaque becomes tartar it cannot be brushed off, only scaled off professionally.  Many studies have documented the need for daily brushing as the most effective way to control plaque.  After a few weeks you should be able to brush almost all of the teeth without your pet resisting or struggling.  Some owners can brush the tongue side of the teeth also.  By using patience and gentle manipulation most pets will accept this procedure.

Step 4: Beyond Brushing

Tooth brushing is still the "gold-standard" of disease prevention in the mouth.  However, we realize that there are certain obstacles to tooth brushing that are not always easy to overcome.  Fortunately, there are now effective alternatives to brushing (see Innovations in Preventative Dental Care).  Or use one or more of these products in addition to brushing for even better results.

Step 5: Dental Prophylaxis and Treatment

As with humans, annual dental cleaning and treatment is often necessary even if you are brushing your pets' teeth daily.  We will help you decide when this is appropriate.