Equally important to annual dental exams is home dental care, including brushing your pet's teeth at least three times per week. Both dogs and cats, young and old, should have their teeth brushed if their temperaments allow it. We recommend starting brushing your pet's teeth at a young age to accustom them to the teeth-brushing process for years to come.
- To introduce your pet to brushing, wrap a gauze or washcloth around your finger and use it like a toothbrush on the pet's teeth. Wipe the outside of the teeth, with strokes from the gumline to the tip of the tooth. Do this for one to two weeks until your pet is familiar with having its gums and teeth rubbed. The entire teeth-brushing process should be quick, especially in the beginning.
- Gradually progress to a soft toothbrush and plain water. After a week of using a soft toothbrush, add a small amount of special dog or cat toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste as it may irritate the pet's stomach.
- Begin by brushing the front teeth and then the upper and lower teeth in the back. The bristles should be held at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface and be moved in an oval motion. Scrub in the crevice where the gums meet the teeth, as this is where odor and infection begin.
Remember you do not need to brush as thoroughly as you do your own teeth. The less stressful it is on both you and your pet, the more likely you will be able to continue your home dental care routine and potentially prevent the need for a professional cleaning. Our technicians would be happy to demonstrate proper tooth-brushing technique at your pet's next visit- feel free to ask!