Brushing Dog Teeth

"Brushing dog teeth is just as important as brushing human teeth. Use this guide to learn how help your dog get comfortable with making brushing teeth a part of his or her daily routine."

When you take your dog to the vet for his annual check-up, your vet will check your dog’s teeth. If there is significant plaque build-up, he may need a professional cleaning, which is usually done under anesthesia. Regular brushing can prevent the build-up of plaque.

Follow these steps to brushing dog teeth:

1. Have your dog get used to you putting things in his mouth by starting slowly. Dig your finger in something tasty, like beef bullion. Put your finger in your dog’s mouth and move it in a circular motion over his teeth and gums. Focus on the gum line (the crevice where the gums meet the teeth), where bacteria and food mix to form plaque. Start at the front of the mouth, then move to the back upper and lower teeth and gum areas. Do this several times a week, and after a few sessions your dog will be comfortable with having your finger in his mouth.

2. Now place a gauze pad around your finger and repeat the procedure. You can dip the pad in the beef bullion so your dog enjoys the taste. After a few sessions, your dog will be comfortable with this procedure.

3. Next, let your dog get used to the toothbrush you are going to use. Finger toothbrushes are the easiest to use. Finger toothbrushes do not have a handle but fit over your finger (they look sort of like a thimble) such as the Four Paws Petdental Finger Toothbrush and Toothpaste (0.3 oz). Let your dog lick something tasty off the brush so he gets used to it. you can also try a ultra soft toothbrush made for humans, although one designed for dogs is preferred.

Picture of How to Brush Dog Teeth

5. Now that your dog is used to having your fingers in his mouth and is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste, you are ready to begin brushing his teeth. The bristles should be held at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface and be moved in an oval motion. Scrub in the gum line, as this is where odor and infection begin. Start with just a few teeth at a time. The upper canines (the large ones at the front of the mouth) are good ones to start with. Over time you can begin brushing more and more teeth until you can brush them all. Give your dog lots of praise. You can also give him a treat after brushing his teeth to reward him.

Brushing your dog's teeth should only take 1 to 2 minutes. If you dog doesn't cooperate try gently wrapping him in a large bath towel with his head sticking out. Always be gentle and praise your dog.

To keep your dog's teeth healthy you can also feed a dental-formulated diet consisting of dry dog foot, and give your dog dental chews to prevent plaque from building above the gum line. You can can also apply OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel ™ to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line. This product is becoming the standard to help dog's with plaque problems.

Many owners like to add a natural supplements to their dog's diet such as Pet Alive Gums-n-Teeth. It is formulated to help prevent dog gingivitis and promote the overall health of canine teeth and gums.

Sources for Brushing Dog Teeth

www.dentalvet.com

www.healthypet.com

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