How to Brush a Pet's Teeth

Cleaning and checking your pet's teeth regularly is an important part of a great grooming routine. Feel for and note any swellings, redness or abscesses, unusually different and bad odors, and loose or broken teeth before they become serious medical conditions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Specially-formulated pet toothpaste
• Gauze
• Tooth brush
• Patience!

1. Get the appropriate toothpaste for your pet. Cats prefer tuna flavor, while dogs usually prefer beef or chicken flavor. These specially-formulated toothpastes make it easier to get your pet to open his mouth for the toothbrush! Plus, human toothpaste will irritate delicate digestive linings and your pet doesn't know not to swallow it.
   
   
2. Place your hand gently over your pet's muzzle from the top. Then, slide your finger in between his lips on one side between his back teeth, and tilt his head back gently to get his mouth to open. Repeat on the other side. Once he tastes the beef or tuna toothpaste, this shouldn't be too difficult.
3. Acclimate your pet to tooth brushing by using your finger first. Dip your finger in the paste and gently rub your finger along your pet's teeth and gums. Focus on the gum line, beginning at the front of the mouth and working your way to the back teeth and gums.
4. Cover your finger with gauze for a more abrasive treatment after your pet tolerates the finger treatment easily. Dip your gauze-covered finger in the paste and follow the same technique, starting at the front and working your way backward while focusing on the gum line. Rub with a circular motion to clean out debris.
5. Introduce your pet to the toothbrush using the pet toothpaste (beef or tuna flavored of course!) You can use a human toothbrush if it's ultra-soft for sensitive teeth. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and move it in a circular motion to sweep along the gum line.
6. Talk reassuringly as you brush your pet's teeth. Praise and reward your pet for good behavior with lots of treats, play and love when you're done with every tooth-brushing session. Repeat tooth brushing as often as possible during the week with your pet.

Tips & Warnings

• The fingertip method of brushing is a great way to alert yourself to any medical conditions stemming from your pet's mouth.
• It's a good idea to smell your pet's breath before you start brushing to familiarize yourself with what his normal smell is. When you smell something out of the ordinary, you'll know to investigate further looking for bumps, lumps, cuts or swellings, and loose or broken teeth.
• Always use an ultra-soft toothbrush, as mouth linings can be delicate. Be sure it is labeled for use for your size and type of pet.
• Use a lighter rather than a heavier touch when brushing teeth to avoid abrading your pet's gums and making him dislike the entire experience.
• Don't use baking soda as a toothpaste substitute as it may irritate your pet's stomach linings.