Home Dental Care: How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

Pets need dental care just like people do - we recommend annual dentistry for your pet: The Crucial Role of Routine Dental Care in Preventing Periodontal Disease in Pets Additionally, we recommend brushing your pet’s teeth daily to prevent dental

disease. For both animals and humans, tooth brushing is the most successful method for

removing plaque from teeth. Getting your dog or cat on board with daily brushing may take a

bit of time and practice, but the health benefits will be worth the effort. With the help of rewards like food and toys, pets are more likely to adopt new routines and learn behaviors; over time, they may even come to enjoy getting their teeth brushed!

Recommended Dental Care Products

• Toothbrush: Use an adult- or child-sized soft-bristle toothbrush dedicated to one pet (don’t share a toothbrush with other pets). You can also try a silicone finger brush. The bristle action of the toothbrush is the most important component of the brushing process, because it mechanically disrupts the plaque layer.

• Toothpaste: Enzymatic pet toothpaste adds both a beneficial biological function and a rewarding

  flavor for your pet to enjoy.

• Dental chews: Using dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council every day or every other day are beneficial in addition to daily toothbrushing. Always be aware of the additional calories these may add to your pets diet. These are not always effective for the entire mouth based on your pet’s chewing style.

• Water additives: Additives mixed into your pets water can help slow down the buildup of plaque and bacteria.

• Dental wipes: Much like brushing, dental wipes physically remove

  buildup, bacteria and food particles. These may also contain an antimicrobial agent, such as chlorhexidine, to minimize plaque buildup.

Is it ok to use human toothpaste? No. Human toothpastes contain ingredients that should not be swallowed. If it is swallowed, it can cause an upset stomach or digestive disturbances. Some human toothpastes contain high levels of sodium which may even make your pet ill, while others may contain xylitol (artificial sweetener), which is toxic for dogs.

My friend recommended that I use baking soda. Is this okay?

No. Baking soda has a high alkaline content and if swallowed, it can upset the acid balance in the

stomach and digestive tract. Also, baking soda doesn't taste good, which may cause your pet to be

uncooperative when you try to brush their teeth.

Should all pets have their teeth brushed?

While this would be ideal, not all pets will tolerate it for various reasons (e.g. unfamiliarity, current dental disease/inflammation/pain, aggressive defense of their mouth, etc). Only pets who are compliant for teeth brushing should have their teeth brushed. Starting early when they are puppies and kittens can help get your pet socialized to the concept of teeth brushing and help prevent dental disease that leads to pain (which can prevent you from brushing their teeth later in life).

Step-By-Step Guide to Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

1. Give treats and introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste.

2. Gently hold the lips up so you can see the teeth and where the toothbrush needs to go.

3. Gently brush the teeth back and forth with the bristles pointing at a 45-degree angle toward the gums. Use only light pressure; the bristles should not flare out or flatten against the teeth. Too much pressure will be uncomfortable for your pet and more irritating to the gums. - Take short breaks as needed to give treats or rewards until all teeth are brushed. - Give treats and introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste. - Gently hold the lips up so you can see the teeth and where the toothbrush needs to go.

4. Gently brush the teeth back and forth with the bristles pointing at a 45- degree angle toward the gums.

"If your pet has pre-existing inflammation and oral discomfort, this can manifest as drooling, pawing at the face, taking longer to chew, decreased appetite or dropped kibble. Attempting to brush the teeth of these patients will likely add to their discomfort, making future brushing efforts unsuccessful." - Jason Regalado, DVM and owner of RegalVet Animal Hospital in Garner, NC

Select a Location

Pick a tooth-brushing place (like the bathroom) and start by making that room a place where fun things happen. As many times a day as you can, take your pet into the bathroom, armed with their favorite toys and treats. If they’re particularly food-driven, you can even start feeding them meals in the bathroom. By doing this for 10–15 minutes multiple times a day, you should see them relaxing and even enjoying the time in the bathroom with you.

Getting your pet used to the toothbrush

The next step is to desensitize your pet to the toothbrush with the toothpaste on it. Instead of keeping it in a cabinet, start moving it around the house. You can put it on the kitchen counter, on the floor next to their toys, even near their food bowl (with supervision). Eventually the smell and sight of the toothbrush and paste will become commonplace to them, alleviating their stress.

Touching the Teeth

• Next, let’s work on your pet being OK with having their mouth handled. Note: If your pet has shown aggression when you’ve tried to handle their mouth, or is extremely fearful, seek the advice of a vet or behaviorist.

• For this, sit on the floor with your pet. Make sure they are hungry, and have a stash of their favorite treats. Start by petting them and slowly migrate the petting to under their chin. Feed them the treat, and repeat two or three more times. If your pet is relaxed and still interested, repeat, but after you’ve petted them under their chin, run your hand up and over the top of their muzzle and feed. Repeat two or three times and end the session. Once your pet is calm and happy with you opening their mouth, the final step is pairing the toothbrush and the handling. Go slowly; don’t be afraid to go back a step if your pet looks concerned or frightened.

• There’s so much more to the process than “open mouth, brush teeth.” With patience and great treats, you’ll eventually have your pet happily open wide—the saying “ahhh” part may take a little more time.

Setting the Habit

• Pick a time of day that will be habit forming for you.

• Involve the whole family. Kids can have a lot of fun taking care of their pet!

• Start by introducing a toothbrush and toothpaste in a positive way.

• Gradually increase use of a toothbrush in the mouth over a 1-2 week period, with the goal of

  brushing the outside surfaces of all teeth each time.

• Gently brush each tooth or section of teeth with three back-and-forth strokes, keeping the bristles at a 45-degree angle pointing toward the gums.

Feeling Stuck?

If these tips aren't working out for you to brush your pet's teeth, let us know! Your pet may have non-behavioral reasons such as oral pain or inflammation - a visit with your veterinarian can allow for an oral examination to be performed and for preventative dentistry under general anesthesia to be scheduled.