The best way to clean your pet’s teeth is with a pet-friendly toothbrush and pet specific enzymatic toothpaste. NEVER use a toothpaste meant for people as the fluoride and other ingredients can be toxic.
Start by ensuring your pet likes the toothpaste – we want them to think of this as a treat and come away with a positive experience. Allow them to lick the toothpaste off of the brush or your finger. Next, get your pet used to having their gums and teeth rubbed. You can start with your finger, working up to a piece of gauze around your finger, then a finger brush or toothbrush. Once they are used to having their mouth and gums rubbed and like the toothpaste, you can start gently brushing their teeth, focusing on the outside surfaces of the teeth. Tooth brushing needs to be done at least 3 times weekly to be effective. We understand not every pet will tolerate this routine right away so be patient and go slow if needed.
Toothbrushing is a great way to prevent dental disease in your pet but, just like in people, it does not fully replace having their teeth professionally scaled and
polished. Professional dental cleanings are typically needed starting between 1-3 years of age and recommended annually thereafter.
If your pet already has a large amount of tartar built up or moderate to severe gingivitis (redness at the gum line), brushing their teeth could be painful or uncomfortable for them. In these cases, it is recommended to have a professional dental cleaning done first to give your pet a clean slate, then work on tooth brushing at home.
If your pet will not tolerate toothbrushing, the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has a list of approved products that also work well to prevent plaque and tartar build up including special dental diets, dental chews, food and water additives.
