How to Clean Animal Teeth
As with humans, unhealthy plaque buildup on your pet's teeth can lead to an excess of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can result in heart problems later in life. Therefore, it is important to begin taking care of your pet's teeth early on, as it will help prevent gum disease and decrease the amount of bad bacteria in his body. Though your pet may not be receptive to the idea to begin with, it is important to persist with the treatment, to keep him healthy between visits to the vet.
Things You'll Need
- Cup
- Chicken or beef bouillon
- Gauze
- Pet toothbrush
- Pet toothpaste
- Hard biscuits
- Towel
Instructions
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1
Gently hold your pet by the muzzle and press your thumb and forefinger against his jawline by his back teeth. This will encourage his lips to open, making it easier for you to clean his teeth.
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2
Dip the tip of your finger into a cup of lukewarm beef or chicken bouillon and run it along your pet's top and bottom gum line. Begin at the front of the mouth and work your way to the sides. The gum area is the most problematic for pet teeth, as plaque can build up and weaken the tooth roots. It also harbours bacteria and odour.
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3
Wrap your finger with a bit of gauze after your pet has gotten used to your finger being in his mouth. It may take a week or two for him to grow into this stage. However, when your pet is ready, you may begin rubbing the gauze on his gum line in a circular motion.
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4
Replace the gauze with a pet toothbrush, which is V-shaped. This enables brushing of the insides and outsides of your pet's teeth at the same time. Use a pet-safe toothpaste, as human toothpaste will give your pet an upset stomach. The entire brushing process should take around a minute or two.
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5
Reward him with a treat after brushing. For best results, feed him hard treats, as these produce an abrasion on pets' teeth that helps banish plaque.
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6
Wrap your pet in a towel if he continues to struggle while you brush his teeth. Hold him gently and speak soothingly to keep him at ease throughout the brushing process.
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Tips & Warnings
To keep the strength and integrity of your pet's teeth intact, feed him hard food, as soft or wet food can stick to the teeth and increase the amount of plaque buildup.
Regularly examine your pet's teeth for signs of periodontal disease, which include red, bleeding gums, brownish teeth, broken teeth, growths in the mouth and a reluctance to eat. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
